Truck driving ban Poland: the regulations explained.

According to the Regulation of 31 July 2007 on time restrictions and driving bans for certain types of vehicles, driving bans apply in Poland on the public holidays specified in the regulation for vehicles with a permissible total weight (PTW) of over 12 tonnes (excluding buses). There is no general year-round night, weekend or Sunday driving ban in Poland.

The purpose of the driving bans is to ease congestion on days with increased traffic, improve road safety, and manage traffic flows, particularly on public holidays and during the summer holiday period.

On this page, you will find an overview of the truck driving ban in Poland in 2026, including when the restrictions apply and which exemptions may apply.

Is there a general truck driving ban in Poland?

No. Unlike Germany, Poland does not impose a general or continuous weekend (or Sunday) driving ban. Restrictions apply only:

• On public holidays
• On the eve of certain public holidays (additional ban from 6 pm to 10 pm – see the overview below)
• During the summer holiday period (seasonal driving ban) 

Will there be a truck driving ban on public holidays in Poland in 2026? 

Yes. On the public holidays specified in the regulation, there is a driving ban for trucks over 12 tonnes GVW (excluding buses) from 8 am to 10 pm.

On the eve of most listed public holidays, there is an additional ban from 6 pm to 10 pm – except on New Year’s Eve and the days before Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Overview: public holidays with truck driving ban (2026)

Is there a holiday or summer driving ban in Poland in 2026? 

Yes. The summer driving ban applies from Friday 26 June to Sunday 30 August 2026. During this period, trucks are not allowed to drive on Fridays from 6–10 pm, Saturdays from 8 am–2 pm, and Sundays from 8 am–10 pm.

Note: if a public holiday listed above falls within this period, the public holiday ban applies on that day from 8 am to 10 pm (e.g. 15 August 2026). 

Are there regional driving bans or special regulations (e.g. cities, environmental zones)? 

Yes. In addition to holiday and summer restrictions, regional restrictions apply in Poland, particularly in cities. These typically apply only to specific routes (signposted on site) and often take the form of weight limits or transit restrictions.

In Warsaw, special rules apply for vehicles over 16 t GVW: from 7–10 am and 4–8 pm, passage through the city is restricted (destination traffic only with identifier C-16). Transit journeys through Warsaw are prohibited all day for >16 t. Local signage and official diversions are decisive. 

Are there exemptions to the truck driving ban in Poland? 

Yes. Vehicles transporting certain goods or carrying out specific journeys may be exempt, including transport of perishable goods, refrigerated goods, live animals, and combined transport operations. Exemptions may also apply to vehicles used for road and bridge construction/maintenance, as well as agricultural machinery and tractors. The full list of exemptions is set out in § 3 of the Regulation. 

What happens if you drive during a truck driving ban?

In the event of a violation, the driver may be fined 200–500 PLN. In addition, the carrier may be fined 2,000 PLN and the person responsible for transport within the company 1,000 PLN.

Stay efficient despite truck driving bans

Careful planning is essential to avoid fines and optimise route scheduling. Use digital planning tools with an integrated driving-ban calendar to stay on top of national and regional restrictions. Check exemptions and alternatives early, and plan routes accordingly.

Download overview for free