According to the regulation dated 31.07.2007 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) over 12 tonnes (excluding buses). There is no general year-round night, weekend, or Sunday driving ban in Poland. 

The aim of the driving bans is to ease traffic on days with increased travel volume, to enhance road safety, and to manage traffic flows, especially on public holidays and during the summer holidays. 

On this page, you will find an overview of the truck driving ban in Poland in 2026 and information on when the driving ban for trucks in Poland comes into effect and which exceptions apply.

 

Is there a general truck driving ban in Poland?

No, there is no general or continuous driving ban at weekends (as in Germany) in Poland. The driving bans apply exclusively:

  • on public holidays,

  • on the eve of certain public holidays (additionally 6–10 pm, see public holiday overview) 

  • 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 lorries over 12 t GVW (buses excluded) from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

On the eve of most public holidays listed, there is an additional driving 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 Lorry Driving Ban

 

MonthDatePublic holiday
January01.01.2026 (Thursday)New Year
April

05.04.2026 (Sunday)

 

06.04.2026 (Monday)

Easter Sunday

 

Easter Monday

May

01.05.2026 (Friday)

 

03.05.2026 (Sunday)

 

24.05.2026 (Sunday)

Labour Day

 

Constitution Day

 

Whit Sunday

June04.06.2026 (Thursday)Corpus Christi
August15.08.2026 (Saturday)Assumption of Mary
November

01/11/2026 (Sunday)

 

11.11.2026 (Wednesday)

All Saints' Day

 

Independence Day

December

25.12.2026 (Friday)

 

26.12.2026 (Saturday)

1. Christmas Day

 

Boxing Day

 

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, lorries 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 mentioned in the overview falls within this period, the public holiday driving ban applies on that day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (e.g. 15/08/2026). 

 

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

Yes, in addition to holiday and school holiday driving bans, there are also regional restrictions in Poland, especially in cities. These generally apply only to specific routes, where they are signposted, and often take the form of weight 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. Signage and the indicated diversions are decisive. 

 

Are there exceptions to the truck driving ban in Poland? 

Yes, vehicles that transport certain goods or carry out special journeys are exempt from the driving ban. This includes transports of perishable goods, refrigerated goods, live animal transports, and combined transport operations. Exemptions also apply to vehicles used in the construction or maintenance of roads and bridges, as well as agricultural machinery and tractors. The complete list of exemptions is regulated in § 3 of the Regulation. 

 

What happens if you drive despite a lorry driving ban?

In case of violations, the driver faces a fine of 200–500 PLN. Additionally, the carrier may be fined 2000 PLN and the person responsible for the transport within the company 1000 PLN.

 

Efficient on the road despite lorry driving ban 

Careful planning is essential to avoid fines and optimise route planning. Use digital planning tools with an integrated driving ban calendar to always keep an eye on current national and regional regulations. Check early for exceptions and alternatives. Get your overview for Europe. 

Although TIMOCOM has taken the necessary care in preparing this information, we accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors it might contain. In particular, we accept no liability for damages of any kind that are the direct or indirect consequence of actions and/or decisions based on the information provided here.

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