Destinations / Poland
Driving in Poland as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Poland drives on the right with year-round daytime headlights; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP alongside their licence.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Poland expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 140 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in PLN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on day and night, all year. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.02% alcohol limit. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
| Tolls | Electronic tolls (e-TOLL) on expressways. |
On the road in Poland
At the pump
Petrol (Pb95/Pb98), diesel (ON) and LPG are widely sold; most stations are self-service with full card acceptance. Prices are among the lower in the EU.
After a crash
Call 112 (single emergency number; 997 police direct). For injuries you must call police; for minor damage drivers may settle amicably with a signed European accident statement and exchange of insurance details.
Sources: tollguru.com · winiety24.eu · visitpolska.info · kaizenrent.pl
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Poland?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Poland drives on the right with year-round daytime headlights; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP alongside their licence.
Which translation format is used for Poland?
Poland uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Poland ask for a translation?
Warsaw and Kraków desks request an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Poland?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.