Polish police launch nationwide road checks targeting seven safety risks

Polish police are sending extra officers onto roads around Warsaw for a speed-control operation that will examine much more than speedometers. The “Safe Speed 2026” campaign will target routes entering and leaving the capital and locations where dangerous behavior frequently occurs.

Officers will check drivers’ sobriety and psychophysical condition, the technical state of vehicles and their required equipment. They will also examine how passengers and children are transported, whether occupants use seat belts, and whether drivers engage in other conduct that could threaten road safety.

The operation comes as traffic increases with holiday returns and the end of the summer break. The Warsaw traffic department says the campaign aims to reduce road incidents and improve safety for everyone using the roads.

Poland’s rules also allow drivers to lose their licenses for three months after exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h on two-way single-carriageway roads outside built-up areas, as well as in built-up areas. The offense carries a minimum fine of 1,500 zlotys and 13 penalty points. Repeat offenders face a 3,000-zloty fine.

For speeding more than 70 km/h above the limit, the maximum penalty is 2,500 zlotys and 15 points, rising to 5,000 zlotys for repeat offenses. Police said more than 4,600 people had lost their licenses for speeding since the rules took effect in March. A further 13,800 licenses were confiscated in built-up areas from the beginning of the year. Forecasts suggest more than 32,900 drivers could lose their licenses for serious speeding during 2026.