Poland to Fine Rental Firms Up to $7,500 for Renting Cars to Drivers with Bans

Poland is set to impose significant penalties on car rental companies that fail to verify if a customer has a driving ban. Under proposed changes to the penal code, businesses could face fines of up to 30,000 Polish zloty (approximately $7,500 USD) for renting a vehicle to someone without checking their driving status.

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Simply showing a driver's license will not be enough. The amount of the fine is a secondary issue. What is more important is the provision that it is not enough to simply present a driver's license, which a person may physically possess in some cases, even if they have lost their privileges.

The Ministry of Justice aims to clarify that simply presenting a driver's license will no longer suffice. Individuals may possess a physical license even after losing their driving privileges. Rental companies will be obligated to actively confirm that a renter does not have an active driving ban.

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Entrepreneurs will have to make sure that the renter does not have an active driving ban, which will not be difficult.

Verifying a driver's status can be done in real-time through the government's "Check Driver's Status" service on moj.gov.pl, which requires the renter's name, surname, and driver's license details. Alternatively, renters can show their status via the mObywatel app, or provide a printout from the Central Register of Vehicles and Drivers. The Ministry emphasizes that this verification process is in the rental companies' own interest, as it can shield them from civil liability if a rented vehicle is involved in an accident.

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The renter, who does not know if a ban has been imposed on the tenant, should, if only to protect their property interests, verify the matter. (...) This action will protect the renter from potential civil liability if the rented vehicle is involved in an accident or collision, the insurer will pay compensation to the injured party under OC, and then seek recourse from the tenant and the renter.