International Road Transport Operations in Poland
Operational Activities
Cabotage
UK operators may carry loads to, from or through the country. Loads carried between third countries can only do so under a bi-lateral
agreement and/or Individual Authorisations. Cabotage is permitted.
Dangerous Goods
Poland is party to ADR. It is essential that fully completed ADR documentation is prepared for the movement of dangerous goods.
Abnormal Loads
Vehicles exceeding the weights and dimensions below must apply for a special authorisation which is available by contacting the
Generala Dyrekcja Drog Krajowych i Autostrad
Vehicles exceeding 3.5 metres in width must have an escort; Vehicles exceeding 4.5 metres in height must have a Police escort.
Taxation
Fuel in the 'running tank(s)' can be imported duty free.
Customs
TIR Carnets are accepted for vehicles crossing Poland. ATA Carnets are accepted for certain temporary imports. CMR notes are required.
Movement Restrictions
There are driving restrictions throughout the National Road network for goods vehicles with a Maximum Permissable Weight over 12 tonnes
during Public Holidays.
- from 18:00 to 22:00 on the eve of public holidays
- from 18:00 to 22:00 on all public holidays
- Weekend restrictions during the school summer holidays (June to August)
There are also Local Restrictions for goods vehicles with a Maximum Permissable Weight over 16 tonnes within the area of Warsaw. The
prohibition is daily from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00.
The Transit of the city of Warsaw by goods vehicles over 16 tonnes (with the exception of traffic serving communities surrounding Warsaw)
is forbidden. Transit traffic should divert via roads No. 50, 62 and 60. Vehicles travelling with a C16 identity card on board are exempt
from this restriction. This card is delivered to carriers by the consignor. Restrictions are signposted.
There are also restrictions on HGV movements during periods of high temperatures. Restrictions are notified by the Directorate of National Roads.
| Public Holidays | |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 2012 |
|
|
Exceptions
The following vehicle types and operations are exempt from the movement restrictions noted above.
- vehicles used for humanitarian aid;
- vehicles carrying livestock;
- vehicles used for the collection of fresh milk, corn or livestock;
- vehicles transporting liquid fuel, oil products, lubricants, spare parts or fresh water for ships;
- transport of transmission equipment for radio or TV stations;
- transport of equipment intended for mass events;
- vehicles transporting newspapers which constitute a considerable volume of the total cargo or of the available loading space;
- vehicles used for the carriage of drugs or medicines;
- vehicles used for the carriage of mail which constitutes a considerable volume of the total cargo or of the available loading space;
- vehicles whose operation is strictly connected with the necessary maintenance of the production cycle or with providing services to a company working around the clock;
- vehicles transporting dangerous goods, as covered by separate regulations, in quantities for which the orange plate is required;
- vehicles carrying perishable goods or foodstuffs* which constitute a considerable volume of the total cargo or of the available loading space;
- vehicles used for the transport of loads unloaded from railway wagons up to a distance of 50km from the Railhead.
- vehicles used in combined transport;
- vehicles returning from abroad to complete a road transport operation or travelling to the consignee who has his registered office in Poland, provided that the driver has a valid annual or monthly toll card for driving on domestic roads;
- vehicles which entered Poland before the date or time of the restriction and which may travel up to 50 km from the border crossing, and vehicles in the border zone waiting to exit Poland.
NB: The exceptions mentioned under points 2 to 14 apply also to empty vehicles travelling to load cargo or on their return journey after
unloading on Polish territory.
* List of perishable foodstuffs (point 12 above) include: meat and edible offal; fish, shellfish, molluscs and other
aquatic invertebrates; dairy products, in particular yoghurts, kefir, sour cream, milk, cheese, butter and ice cream; eggs and egg pastes;
cut flowers and house plants; fresh and frozen vegetables, fruit and mushrooms; cereals and agricultural produce for the production of
food, fodder and vegetable fats; ground cereals, in particular flour, oats, semolina and corn granules; fat and oil of animal or vegetable
origin; food preserves, in particular of meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruit; sweets and confectionery; preserves of cereals, flour,
starch, milk powder and bakery products; soft drinks; remains and waste from the food industry, ready-made animal feedstuff; sugar beet;
potatoes; fresh yeast; cultivation medium for mushrooms.
Road Tolls
In Poland, the use of main roads by vehicles with an admissible total weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes depend on:
- road class
- maximum permissible weight of a vehicle
- EURO emission class
There are 2 levy types;
- 3.5 tonnes to 12 tonnes
- 12 tonnes and over
Bridge and Tunnel Tolls
We are unaware of any Bridge or Tunnel tolls not included within the existing toll system, therefore we recommend contacting the online
service provider by clicking the image link (above right) and visiting their website, which will also give you information on rates per
Euro emissions class and vehicle weights.
Vehicle Requirements
Documentation
Green Card required, plus original vehicle registration docs. A GB plate must be fitted to rear of vehicle/trailer. Community Authorisation
should also be carried.
| Maximum Weights & Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 metres |
| Width | 2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres) |
| Length |
Artic 16.5 metres
Road Train 18.75 metres |
| Weight |
Artic 40 tonnes (40 foot ISO containers - 44 tonnes)
Road Train 40 tonnes There are also various maximum permitted weights on vehicles, trailers and road trains which are applicable according to the number of axles. NB: There are restrictions on certain roads where single drive axle weights are concerned, it is therefore essential to check before using them. |
Safety Equipment
It is compulsory to carry the following items of equipment and/or observe specific rules:-
- First Aid Kit (Advisable)
- Warning Triangle (Required)
- Spare Bulbs (Advisable)
- Dipped Headlights are compulsory at all times from 1 October to 1 March
- Seat Belts must be worn (Required)
Snow chains should be carried and used where indicated by the relevant road signs.
Driver Requirements
Legal Documents
Full passport required but no visa required for UK Nationals. International driving licence in addition to normal UK Licence.
Letter from employer giving driver permission to drive vehicle - Attestation letter and form. AETR Hours rules apply.
Speed Limits
| Vehicles Concerned | Residential Areas (Kms) | Built-Up Areas (kms) | All Purpose Roads (kms) | Expressways / Dual Carraigeways (kms) | Motorways (Kms) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigid Trucks under 3.5 tonnes | 20 | 50 | 90 | 100 | 130 |
| Rigids, Artics & Road Trains over 3.5 tonnes | 20 | 50 | 70 | 80 | 80 |
| Lower and/or higher speed limits will be indicated by local road signs (where applicable). NB: Between 23:00 and 05:00, the maximum authorised speed limit is 60 km/h. | |||||
Country Contact Info
British Embassy
ul. Kawalerii 12, 00-468 Warsaw. Tel: +48 (22) 311 00 00 Website: www.ukinpoland.fco.gov.uk
Transport Organisation
Polish Hauliers Association (ZMPD), John Paul II 78, 00-175 Warsaw. Tel: +48 (22) 5361090 Website:
www.zmpd.pl
