New road regulations in 2026 in Poland: what has changed compared to 2025 and what to watch out for (parents, young drivers, scooters) | SpotMeUp
In 2026, significant changes in road traffic law entered into force in Poland - some of them apply to drivers (severe consequences for speed and recklessness), and some tochildren and young people (helmets, scooters, personal transport devices). These are not cosmetic improvements: "what is allowed" and "what is threatening" are changing in several areas - especially when safety is involved.
As at the end of February 2026 (the dates of entry into force in 2026 are spread over several dates). This is not legal advice - if in doubt, check the current wording of the regulations or consult a specialist.
What's coming in 2026 – the most important dates and changes
1) From January 29, 2026: a stronger attack on illegal races, "bravado" and dangerous spots
From January 29, 2026, changes came into force aimed at limiting phenomena such as illegal racing, intentional drifting, riding on one wheel or organizing large rallies/spots without the required formalities. There are also new solutions in criminal and offense law (including the definition of an illegal race and penalization of participation/organization). (Policja.pl)
What's new in practice? The regulations more clearly "name" and prosecute behavior that previously often functioned as a "gray zone of online displays" - now they have stronger reaction tools. (Policja.pl)
2) From March 30, 2026: suspension of driving license for drifting and riding on one wheel
Another "hard" change: in the case of intentional drifting or driving on one wheel, the driving license will be suspended for 3 months (entry: March 30, 2026). (Policja.pl)
3) From March 3, 2026: "50+" will also hurt outside built-up areas + driving license for 17 years
This is one of the most noticeable changes for drivers:
Driving license suspension for 3 months for exceeding the speedby more than 50 km/h is to apply not only in built-up areas, but alsooutside it - onsingle-lane, two-way roads. (Policja.pl)
It is possible to obtain a category B driving license from the age of 17, but with a mandatory guardian (an experienced driver) and additional conditions. (Gov.pl)
The permissible speed of agricultural tractors has been increased from 30 to 40 km/h. (Gov.pl)
The changes also include elements of road inspection procedures and responsibilities related to the guardian of a 17-year-old. (prawo.gazetaprawna.pl)
4) From June 3, 2026: mandatory helmets for children up to 16 years old + higher age for scooters
From 03.06.2026:
children and adolescents up to 16 years of age are obliged to wear a protective helmet when riding a bicycle, electric scooter or personal transport device. (Policja.pl)
the minimum age for an electric scooter/UTO user has been increasedfrom 10 to 13years. (Policja.pl)
5) From September 3, 2026: modified trial period for new drivers
Changes regarding the trial period for people who obtain a category B driving license for the first time are also scheduled to come into force, along with additional training requirements. (Gov.pl)
Comparison 2026 vs 2025: what is really "different"?
Below, in simple terms: what was standard in 2025 and what is already changing in 2026.
| Area | How it was in 2025 | What changes 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding "50+" | The loss of driving license concerned mainly built-up areas | From March 3, 2026 - also outside built-up areas on single-lane, two-way roads |
| Category B driving license | Basically for 18 years | From March 3, 2026 - possible from 17 years of age, but with a guardian and conditions |
| Helmets for children and teenagers | There is no such general obligation for bicycles/scooters on a statutory scale as in 2026 | From June 3, 2026 - mandatory helmets up to 16 years of age for bicycles, scooters and UTOs |
| Electric scooters and UTOs (age) | Minimum age lower | From June 3, 2026 - the minimum age increased from 10 to 13 years |
| Drift/"wheelie" | There was no indicated mechanism for stopping PJ in this form as in 2026 | From March 30, 2026 – driving license suspension for 3 months |
| Illegal races/spots | Less tight-knit regulations in terms of definition and prosecution | From January 29, 2026 - new penal/offense regulations and clarifications |
Sources for the above differences: Police and GOV (entry dates, scope of changes) and the media describing "what it was like so far" with 50+ and the detention of PJ. (Policja.pl)
What does this mean for families and young people? (practically, without scaring)
If you have a child aged 10-16: bike, scooter, UTO = new responsibilities
From June 2026, a helmet for people up to 16 years of age ceases to be a "recommendation" and becomes a legal obligation. (Gov.pl)
This is a good time for family rules:
helmet always (not only "to school", but also "in the housing estate")
checking whether the scooter is not used "at the age limit" (the minimum age increases to 13), (Gov.pl)
quick conversation about risk: speed, headphones, rides, phones in hand.
If you are a 16-18-year-old: earlier driving license, but greater responsibility
The possibility of obtaining a driving license for 17 years sounds attractive, but the point is in the conditions: the young driver drives under the supervision of a guardian and within the "regime" of regulations, and the system is intended to increase safety. (Gov.pl)
The parent-guardian should treat this as a real role, not a formality.
How not to get into trouble: checklist "for 2026"
For driver (everyone):
on single-lane, two-way roads outside the city, treat "+50" as a real limit for losing your driving license, not a "loose suggestion" (Rzeczpospolita)
do not "test" drift/"one wheel" - the consequences are directly included in the changes (Policja.pl)
For parents (children 10–16):
buy a helmet that your child will want to wear (fit = use),
set simple rules: where to ride a scooter, how to cross crossings, what to do with your phone,
if a child is 12 years old and rides a scooter - in 2026, this is a topic for quick verification, because the minimum age increases to 13. (Gov.pl)
