Fines and Administrative Penalties 2026 in Road Transport

What is the fine schedule?

The fine schedule is an official document specifying the amount of fines, penalty fees, and the number of penalty points for traffic violations. It is a systematic list of rates for each penalty – from speeding fines, overtaking bans, to serious violations such as illegal racing or drifting penalties. Thanks to it, traffic control authorities act uniformly without discretion in imposing sanctions.

Legal basis of the fine schedule

The current schedule of penalty points and driver records results from regulations governing liability for traffic offenses. These legal acts specify the amount of fines and penalty points for particular violations, e.g., entry bans, obstruction of traffic, or endangering pedestrians.

In practice, the document serves as an instruction for authorities, specifying rates for every traffic violation – both in built-up areas and traffic zones.

Changes in fine amounts over the years

The 2026 fine schedule, like previous amendments, reflects economic realities and the growing scale of road hazards. Tougher sanctions aim to reduce risky behaviors among road users.

Before 2022, the maximum fine was 500 PLN. Currently, for serious traffic offenses – especially repeat offenses – the penalty can reach 5,000 PLN, and in case of multiple offenses even 6,000 PLN. Courts may impose fines up to 30,000 PLN. The number of penalty points per offense has also increased (up to 15), although the limit triggering license suspension remains unchanged. This is a clear message: paying the fine alone is not enough – consequences are long-term.

Scope of the fine schedule

The fine schedule applies to all road users – drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Sanctions are provided for failure to yield to pedestrians, speeding, violation of bans, and offenses affecting safety and traffic flow.

Each violation has a clearly defined fine amount and assigned penalty points, increasing system transparency. The current penalty points schedule is published on official institution websites, allowing drivers to verify fines for specific offenses.

What changes does the new 2026 fine schedule introduce?

The new 2026 fine schedule expands the catalog of traffic offenses and toughens sanctions for the most serious violations. Both fines and penalty points increase, and some borderline offenses will result in license suspension. This sends a clear signal to all road users that simply "paying the fine" is insufficient – consequences will be long-lasting.

License suspension for speeding outside built-up areas

From March 3, 2026, exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h results in license suspension for 3 months also outside built-up areas. The regulation applies to single-carriageway two-way roads with a speed limit of 90 km/h.

This does not apply to highways or dual carriageways but significantly affects drivers on national and provincial roads. It responds to accident statistics and real road hazards.

Tougher penalties for illegal racing

The amendment introduces severe penalties for illegal racing. Organizing, participating in, or directing such events is a crime punishable by 3 months to 5 years imprisonment. Preparations for racing may lead to up to 3 years in prison.

Motor meetings with more than 10 vehicles require notification. Lack of permission results in a fine starting at 2,000 PLN. This clearly distinguishes legal events from serious safety violations.

Introduction of drifting offense

The new penalty points schedule introduces a separate offense – drifting. Drifting, i.e., deliberate loss of traction, results in a fine starting at 1,500 PLN and 10 penalty points.

If drifting causes danger in traffic zones or public roads, the fine rises to at least 2,500 PLN and 12 penalty points. From March 30, 2026, administrative license suspension for 3 months is also introduced, regardless of the fine amount.

No reduction of points for the most serious offenses

From June 2026, the point reduction course will not cover 66 of the most serious violations – including failure to yield to pedestrians, gross speeding, or other serious bans.

In practice, points will remain on the driver’s record for 12 months from the moment the fine is paid. This restriction particularly affects repeat offenders, where both fines and administrative sanctions are significantly higher.

How much are fines for the most common violations?

Regulations clearly define the amount of fines and penalty points for each traffic violation. The current 2026 fine schedule specifies rates for the most frequent offenses, eliminating discretion in imposing sanctions.

Fines and penalty points for speeding in 2026

The fine depends on the degree of violation and possible repeat offenses. Up to 10 km/h over the limit, the fine is 50 PLN and 1 penalty point. Exceeding by 11–15 km/h results in 100 PLN and 2 points; 16–20 km/h – 200 PLN and 3 points.

Higher thresholds carry significantly greater financial responsibility. For 21–25 km/h, the fine is 300 PLN and 5 points. Exceeding by 31–40 km/h results in 800 PLN (1,600 PLN for repeat offenses). For 51–60 km/h, the fine is 1,500 PLN or 3,000 PLN in repeat cases. The highest penalty for over 70 km/h is 2,500 PLN, and for repeat offenses even 5,000 PLN – showing how strict the current penalty points schedule has become.

Penalties for violations of driving and rest times (road transport)

Both transport companies and drivers must observe driving and rest time regulations. Violations entail penalties as follows:

Penalties for exceeding driver working time

In the TSL industry, not only driving time but also working time is regulated daily, weekly, and biweekly.

Fines related to the SENT system

In transport, violations related to SENT registry handling are significant. Formal errors or failure to report may result not only in fines but also heavy administrative penalties for the entrepreneur.

SENT sanctions operate independently of the classic fine schedule and can significantly increase transport business costs.

Fines for pedestrian-related offenses

Violations concerning pedestrian safety are among the most severely punished. Failure to yield to a pedestrian on or entering a crossing results in a 1,500 PLN fine and 15 penalty points. For repeat offenses, the fine rises to 3,000 PLN. Similarly, overtaking a vehicle at or near a pedestrian crossing costs 1,500 PLN and 15 points.

Fines for other selected traffic violations

Administrative penalties and fines in road transport – documents, tachograph, records

From the transport entrepreneur’s perspective, the following sanctions are mainly administrative and may be imposed independently of the classic traffic fine schedule. This means a real risk of penalty accumulation – for drivers, companies, and transport managers.

How do penalty points work in the 2026 fine schedule?

The penalty points system is a key element of the 2026 fine schedule. For every driver, it means a real risk of losing driving privileges – regardless of the fine amount for a given traffic violation.

Limits and consequences

The limit is 24 points for drivers with a license longer than one year, and 20 points for new drivers (up to 12 months after obtaining the license). Exceeding the limit results in automatic license suspension – regardless of whether it was a single speeding fine or a series of minor violations.

Types of penalty points

The current schedule distinguishes between active and temporary points. Active points are assigned after the driver decides to pay the fine. Temporary points appear when the driver refuses the fine and the case goes to court.

Both active and temporary points count toward the limit. If their sum exceeds the threshold, previous points are not erased – even if their expiration date has passed.

When are points removed?

Points are removed 12 months after paying the fine (when it becomes state revenue) or after the court verdict becomes final (if the driver refused the fine).

Points are also removed if the license is revoked by the district authority or after passing a control qualification exam. This means the moment of paying the fine directly affects the points removal deadline.

Point reduction course

Drivers with at least one year of experience can take a re-education course at the Regional Road Traffic Center (WORD) once every 6 months, which allows reducing up to 6 penalty points. The condition is not exceeding the 24-point limit.

However, for the most serious violations – such as gross speeding or failure to yield to pedestrians – the possibility of reduction may be limited by regulations.

Consequences of exceeding the points limit

After exceeding 24 points (or 20 for new drivers), the district authority sends the driver for a control exam and psychological tests. Failure results in license revocation.

For new drivers, license revocation is automatic after exceeding 20 points. The penalty points system remains one of the most effective mechanisms enforcing traffic law compliance and significantly impacts road safety.

Penalties and fines in the road transport industry – Summary

In 2026, the maximum fine is 5,000 PLN (6,000 PLN for multiple offenses), and courts may impose up to 30,000 PLN. The limit is 24 penalty points (20 for new drivers). Administrative penalties for tachograph, SENT, and working time violations may reach tens of thousands of PLN.

If you run a transport company and need support with driver working time settlements or accounting, Evotax specialists are ready to help! Contact us, indicate your challenges, and our team will take care of the rest!