Few things unite Poles like outrage over the increase in fines for traffic offenses. With the New Year, we can all become a national family again, even if only for a moment – the tariff system has undergone significant changes, and in some cases, fines have increased by an order of magnitude. This is primarily a fight against frequent speeding and dangerous overtaking maneuvers. This is good news for cyclists, as the prospect of four-digit fines will translate into increased safety. But don't think you can do anything – new fines for cyclists have also been introduced, and they're no longer as symbolic as many of the previous ones. What's going on?
Not just fines - New regulations for electric scooters from a cyclist's perspective
What new fines for cyclists have been introduced in 2022?
The biggest change is the radical increase in the fine for driving under the influence of alcohol. Previously, fines ranged from 300 to 500 PLN, which many considered "worth the risk." Currently, driving under the influence of alcohol (0.2 to 0.5 per mille) is a hefty 1,000 PLN, and for a more impressive result, i.e., "under the influence," a fine of 2,500 PLN applies. The same amount applies for causing a road hazard under the influence. It's worth noting that the maximum fine for multiple offenses has been increased to 6,000 PLN, so you can rack up a nice stack. Interestingly, there's a separate fine for transporting an intoxicated person on a bicycle – it's 500 PLN. So you know how to get out of trouble when someone calls at 3 a.m. asking for a ride on your handlebars.
Driving without a license
New fines for cyclists also await those riding without a license. PLN 1,500 is a considerable sum, but we assure you that after the age of 18, all that's needed is... an ID card. In practice, the fine only applies to children between 10 and 18 (earlier, you can ride under parental supervision). On the one hand, I agree – a bicycle license is a necessary requirement. On the other hand, PLN 1,500 as a fine intended for teenagers is perhaps a bit excessive. It's worth noting that a "transport education" subject, which includes a bicycle license exam, will soon be introduced in schools.
Fines for everyone also mean fines for cyclists
A completely unusual issue is railway crossings – passing or under lowering barriers carries a 2,000 PLN fine. The same applies to crossing the tracks while the warning signal is flashing. I suspect this will surprise many people. If they repeat the offense, the fine will be doubled.
Maybe it's worth getting insurance? Check it out - Cyclist's third party liability insurance - what is worth knowing?
It is also worth recalling here that since August last year, when new regulations were introduced due to the growing popularity of electric scooters , riding a bicycle on a sidewalk at a speed faster than pedestrians can result in a fine ranging from PLN 20 to PLN 500.
What to do about it? Ride sensibly and responsibly. I wouldn't call anything on the list above problematic or controversial. The new fines for cyclists won't affect most of us. If you have a different opinion, please join the discussion!
You will find a detailed tariff here - in the text of the regulation announced on December 30, 2022 .
Author of the main photo:
Geoffrey Franklin
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