Fine of PLN 3,000 for forgetful persons. This obligation applies to all drivers

In Poland, traffic drives on the right. Drivers suddenly forget about it

Right-hand traffic is valid on all roads in Poland, but the rule of driving in the right lane is often violated. This behavior often makes it difficult for ambulances or firefighters to reach the place where their help is needed or blocks the passage of other drivers who want to overtake slower cars. This leads to nervous and dangerous situations that end in a serious collision.

– Violation of the obligation to drive in the right lane in accordance with article 16, paragraph 1 1 and 3 of the Road Traffic Law 6 penalty points – said Dziennik.pl, Superintendent. Robert Opas of the Road Traffic Department of the Police Headquarters. – In this case, the fine is applied under the Code of Minor Offences and can range from PLN 20 to PLN 3,000. The higher amount applies to situations where road safety is at risk. Before punishing an offence, police officers try to explain to everyone in which situations they can use the left lane, because: a large proportion of drivers apparently do not understand these regulations – explained the police officer.

A fine of PLN 3,000 and 6 penalty points is no joke. This is what drivers explain

During a roadside inspection for violation of the obligation to drive in the right lane driver translations are extreme. When they were 500 meters from the intersection, they say: I was driving in the left lane because I wanted to turn left. After the words: Everyone drives like this, so why should I pay?

– In Poland, traffic drives on the right. I would like to remind you that when using a dual carriageway, the driver is obliged to drive on the correct road. In the case of a dual carriageway with at least four lanes, the driver must occupy the right-hand lane of the road. – Opas explained.

The code also says that the driver is required to drive as close as possible to the right edge of the road. With few exceptions, it cannot occupy more than one lane.

What is the fine for blocking the left lane and driving too slow? Minimum speed on the highway? What do the regulations say?

– Regulations do not specify a minimum speed on a motorway or expressway, but if a driver drives too slowly – especially in the left lane – and blocks traffic, he or she may be PLN 500 fine for driving at a speed that obstructs other traffic. There are also 8 penalty points – warned a representative of the Police Station.

Can you overtake on the right?

– Unjustified driving in the left lane “encourages” overtaking this car on the right sidewhich is legally permitted on one-way roads. However, this is such an unusual situation that it can pose a threat. It most often occurs when a driver driving in the left lane, unaware that he is being overtaken on the right, decides to change lanes. – warned the police officer and also pointed out the other side of the coin, that is, drivers rushing others, for example, by honking, flashing lights or hitting the rear bumper (or all at once).

– When a cop reveals you’re riding in a bumper carusing road lights contrary to their intended purpose, etc. your reaction will most often result in the imposition of a fine – PAHO said. For using road lights in a manner incompatible with the regulations, for example, to “flash the high beams”, the tariff provides for a fine of PLN 200 and 4 penalty points.

Bumper-riding? PLN 1,500 fine and 12 penalty points

– Riding on the bumper of another vehicle can undoubtedly also pose a risk in road traffic, especially in so-called fast traffic. Depending on the situation, the officer may write a fine of PLN 1,500 and 12 points will be added to the driver’s account. In case of repeat offence, the fine is doubled and amounts to PLN 3,000 – the police officer explained. Furthermore, the violations can occur in various combinations – as single violations or in addition. A person who fails to maintain a safe distance can, in extreme cases, also be considered guilty of a collision.

Solution to the problem? If, for example, you are driving on cruise control and need to overtake a truck (the speed difference is small), and during the maneuver you notice a rapidly approaching vehicle in the rearview mirror, it is worth communicating with its driver and signaling your overtaking maneuver with a left turn signal. This can save us from the nerves and aggressive behavior of other drivers, and can reassure the driver behind us that the road will be clear soon.

5 rules for driving on the right. Do you know them?

The matter is clear as day. The left lane is for overtaking only and should not be used when the right lane is free. Therefore, every driver must remember that:

• In Poland, drivers drive on the right side of the road;
• The left lane is for overtaking and left turns only;
• When using a dual carriageway, the driver is obliged to drive on the right; such roads do not include those intended for access to properties located on the road;
• The driver of a vehicle using a two-way road with at least four lanes is required to occupy the lane located on the right half of the road;
• Drivers are required to drive as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible. If there are designated lanes on the road, the driver cannot occupy more than one of them.