Updated travel guide 2026
Practical information for motorhomes and caravans in Poland
An easy-to-read guide for travellers: road tolls, e‑TOLL, driving rules, parking, clean transport zones, documents, insurance and emergency numbers.
Before you go – quick checklist
1. Check the weight
Find out the maximum permitted weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination. Over 3.5 tonnes, e‑TOLL may be required.
2. Plan toll roads
Check the e‑TOLL network and the concession motorway sections A1, A2 and A4 before departure.
3. Carry the right equipment
A fire extinguisher and warning triangle are required. A reflective vest, first-aid kit and spare bulbs are strongly recommended.
4. Drive with lights on
Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be used during the day. Seat belts are required for all passengers.
5. Avoid alcohol
Poland has a very low blood alcohol limit: 0.2‰. The safest choice is not to drink at all before driving.
6. Allow extra time
Sunday trading restrictions, non-EU border checks and local parking rules may affect your route.
Road tolls, e‑TOLL and motorways
In Poland, many roads are free of charge for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, but there are important exceptions. For heavier motorhomes and vehicle combinations, e‑TOLL is the most important rule.
| Situation | What travellers need to know |
|---|---|
| Vehicle or combination over 3.5 tonnes | Electronic payment via e‑TOLL is required on state toll roads. From 1 February 2026, the network was expanded and toll rates changed. |
| Vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes | Usually no e‑TOLL on state roads, but tolls may apply on privately operated or concession motorway sections. |
| Main toll sections | Check A1 Gdańsk–Toruń, A2 Świecko–Konin and A4 Katowice–Kraków separately, because they are operated by different companies. |
| Payment | For e‑TOLL, use the app, OBU or ZSL/external localisation system. Concession roads may use card payment, app payment or videotolling. |
Need help with registration?
Use our easy step-by-step guide to register your vehicle in the e‑TOLL payment system before your trip.
Driving rules and safety
Speed limits – simple rule of thumb
Always follow posted speed limits. Vehicles under 3.5 tonnes often follow passenger-car rules, while vehicles or combinations over 3.5 tonnes usually have lower limits.
- Built-up areas: usually 50 km/h.
- Motorways for passenger cars/vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes: up to 140 km/h where signs allow it.
- Motorways/expressways for many vehicles over 3.5 tonnes: usually up to 80 km/h.
Key rules
- Drive on the right-hand side.
- Lights must be on during the day.
- Seat belts are required in front and rear seats.
- Holding a mobile phone while driving is forbidden; use hands-free.
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.2‰.
- Studded tyres are prohibited. Winter tyres are not generally mandatory, but are recommended in winter road conditions.
Documents and mandatory equipment
Documents to carry
- Passport or national ID card.
- Driving licence valid for the vehicle weight category.
- Original vehicle registration certificate, or documents required by the leasing company.
- Motor third-party liability insurance; a Green Card is recommended for some routes outside the EU.
- Authorisation if the vehicle is not yours, especially for leased or borrowed vehicles.
Equipment in the vehicle
- Mandatory: fire extinguisher and warning triangle.
- Strongly recommended: reflective vest for each passenger, first-aid kit, spare bulbs, flashlight and tow rope.
- Keep a roadside assistance number available offline.
Parking, camping and overnight stays
Explain this carefully to guests: there is a difference between parking, sleeping in the vehicle and camping with tables, chairs, an awning or a grill.
Safest option
Use campsites, camper parks or clearly marked motorhome areas. This is easiest for water, waste disposal, electricity and a safe overnight stay.
Private land
Parking and overnight stays on private land require the owner’s permission. This is often the best option in rural areas.
Public places
Always follow local signs. In cities, large motorhomes may be restricted by weight, length, parking zone or overnight-stay bans.
Clean transport zones and larger cities
Polish cities can introduce Clean Transport Zones. Warsaw introduced its zone on 1 July 2024, and the rules may affect older petrol and diesel vehicles. Always check the current zone map before entering larger cities.
More practical information to include
Fuel, LPG and AdBlue
Petrol, diesel and LPG are widely available. Larger vehicles should plan AdBlue stops and check height restrictions at fuel stations.
Sunday shopping
Many larger shops are closed on most Sundays. Petrol stations, restaurants and small shops may remain open.
Pets
For travel within the EU, pets normally need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport.
Water and waste
Motorhome travellers should plan grey-water disposal, toilet cassette emptying and fresh-water refills at campsites or approved service points.
Insurance and health
EHIC is not always enough
The European Health Insurance Card gives access to necessary public healthcare on the same terms as local residents, but it does not replace travel insurance and normally does not cover repatriation.
Recommended cover
- Travel insurance with medical care and repatriation.
- Liability insurance and vehicle motor insurance.
- Roadside assistance that covers motorhomes/caravans and trailers.
- Extra cover for activities such as skiing, water sports or longer hikes.
Fines and road checks
Polish fines can be high for speeding, mobile-phone use, illegal overtaking, drink-driving or incorrect parking. Foreign drivers may often be asked to pay fines on the spot. If the driver does not accept the fine, the case may go to court.
Emergency numbers and useful links
Last fact-checked: June 2026. Always check official sources before publication or departure.
