Overtaking on the Right Permitted on Polish Motorways, but Discouraged
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Overtaking on the right is permitted on Polish expressways and motorways according to regulations.
- While legal, overtaking on the right is generally not recommended due to safety concerns.
- Drivers should adhere to traffic laws and prioritize safe driving practices.
Drivers in Poland are permitted to overtake on the right on both expressways and motorways, provided they adhere to traffic regulations. This clarification addresses a common point of confusion regarding road rules in the country.
While the law allows for overtaking on the right, road safety experts and authorities strongly advise against the practice. The primary reason cited is the increased risk of accidents. Drivers may not anticipate a vehicle overtaking from the right, leading to potential collisions, especially during lane changes or when a vehicle in the right lane suddenly accelerates.
Authorities emphasize that while legal, the safest approach is to use the left lane for overtaking and return to the right lane once the maneuver is complete. This practice aligns with standard international driving conventions and minimizes the risk of unexpected interactions between vehicles. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety over expediency when navigating Poland's high-speed roads.
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.