VEHICLES IN POLAND

When it comes to buying cars in Poland, there are no restrictions for foreigners. You can either buy one from a dealership or resale centers, or from an individual seller, likely through the Internet. If you choose to buy one through an individual seller, make sure you thoroughly check the overall condition of the vehicle, oil, tires, and engine before you agree to purchase it.

Once you’ve decided to buy the car, the seller should present you with the following documents:

  • Vehicle history card
  • Registration document
  • Insurance policy (if still valid)
  • Car keys (usually two sets)

After that, you will legally have 30 days to register the car in your name.

Who can register the vehicle

  • The main vehicle owner, and if there are any co-owners they will have to also be present during the registration.
  • A representative of the company, if it is a company-owned car.
  • An attorney, given that the proper form of authorization is completed.

Registering your vehicle

You can register your vehicle either at the district authority or the town council where you reside.

To register your vehicle, you have to first ensure you have all the required documents and that all fees are paid. You can then submit the documents either in person at the office, by mail, or electronically if the office has a way to receive it.

The process for registering your car differs depending on whether the vehicle is new or used. Please ensure that all the necessary documents are original copies and are in Polish. If the original only exists in another language, then please make sure to bring an officially translated copy.

For new vehicles, you must submit the following documents:

  • Proof of ownership of the vehicle, or a document confirming the vehicle’s transfer
  • EC certificate of conformity included with a statement that provides the data and information on the vehicle necessary to register it, or a document that recognizes the vehicle approval, or an EC individual approval certificate if necessary
  • If the document is classified as “other,” such as a quad bike, a document certifying that payment of the excise duty in Poland was completed, or a document stating that the pay excise duty in Poland is not required, or an excise duty exemption certificate.
  • Proof of the customs clearance, if the vehicle had to be imported from a country outside of the European Union

For used vehicles you must submit the following documents:

  • Proof of ownership of the vehicle, or a document confirming the vehicle’s transfer
  • Proof of registration if the vehicle has been registered with the last owner
  • A certificate proving that the vehicle passed a roadworthiness test, or proof of registration, or other document confirming that a roadworthiness test has been performed in another EU country and the time period of its validity.
  • If the document is classified as “other,” such as a quad bike, a document certifying that payment of the excise duty in Poland was completed, or a document stating that the pay excise duty in Poland is not required, or an excise duty exemption certificate.
  • Proof of the customs clearance, if the vehicle had to be imported from a country outside of the European Union
  • Proof of payment for the recycling fee. This is only for passenger cars that can carry up to 8 passengers plus the driver, heavy goods vehicles that can carry up to 3.5 tonnes, and three-wheel mopeds in category L2e). Note that this fee only applies to vehicles that entered Poland before 1 January 2016.

Costs

If you purchase new license plates, the entire cost of registration should not be more than PLN 180.

Still, there could be some cases where the cost of registering a car might be more.  After you have paid for the registration, the office will send you a temporary registration. Then after about a month, they will send you the official document.

Roadworthiness tests

All cars must complete a roadworthiness test. If your car is brand new to Poland, then you must complete a roadworthiness test before you register it for the first time.

The following vehicles do not require a roadworthiness test:

  • Brand new vehicles as long as one of the following documents has been issued: An EC certificate of conformity, a certificate of conformity, individual vehicle approval, a decision recognizing individual vehicle approval, or EC individual approval certificate
  • Any registered vehicles with registration certificates, or other documents confirming that a roadworthiness test has been performed in another EU country and the time period of its validity.
  • Any registered vehicles with an EC vehicle type-approval certificate that covers the time between the first registration of the vehicle abroad and the time of the periodic roadworthiness test.

A roadworthiness is required no later than 3 years from when it was initially registered, and then again within the next 2 years, and then once a year after that.

The cost of the roadworthiness test of a passenger car is PLN 98.

The roadworthiness test includes:

  • the technical condition of the tires
  • the correct operation and adjustment of the external lights
  • the technical condition and performance of the breaks
  • the technical condition of the suspension
  • the technical condition of the bodywork, chassis, and accessories
  • the technical condition of the exhaust system
  • emissions of gaseous pollutants and smoke opacity.

You can get a roadworthiness test at any authorized vehicle inspection center. If you have any questions or concerns surrounding the roadworthiness test, then you should call the district authority of the town council in your city.

How to obtain a driving license in Poland

If you have lived in Poland for at least 185 days, then you are eligible to apply for a Polish driving license, given that you are the appropriate age. The application for a new driver’s license can be picked up in person or sent by mail.

If you are getting driving license is issued for the first time

Getting a driving license for the first time costs about 2500 PLN. This is because there are a lot of upstart costs, including driving lessons, a medical check-up, and examinations.

The basic procedure is as follows:

  1. Get a medical assessment and certificate confirming that you are fit enough to drive a vehicle. This is easiest to do with the doctor who regularly comes to the driving school. If the doctor determines that you need a vision correction, you will get a certificate that says “driving in glasses.” The cost of a medical examination is around 200 PLN.
  2. Take your medical certificate, passport, and residency permit, and submit them along with an application for a license to the appropriate office.
  3. Get a PKK number, which is a personalized number for every potential driver trying to get a license. This number allows the driving school and traffic center to find you in their system.
  4. Choose a driving school and take the mandated driving course. This theory course costs between 1000 to 1500 PLN. You have two options: You can either attend 30 hours of training for a month and a half, which equals 5 lessons per week, or you can take express courses and complete the course in three days, but you will have to study on your time in preparation for the theoretical exam.
  5. Take the theoretical exam. This exam is usually quite strict because they do not want to let anyone who is unprepared to drive pass the exam. You must score at least 68 points out of 74 in order to pass. If you fail, you are allowed to take it again as many times as you need until you pass, but you will have to pay each time. The results are valid for 6 months, during which you must take the practical examination, or else you will have to repeat and pass the theoretical exam again.
  6. Take the practical examination. During this exam, the practitioner will take you through a training ground to test things like starting and breaking. Then they will take you out into the city to test things like U-turns and parking. In addition to testing your driving skills, they will also check your car’s preparedness for driving, such as your fluid levels, mirrors, and seat positioning. if you pass this exam, you are now qualified to drive.
  7. Pay the 100 PLN fee for your driving license either at the cash dash in the office or email the office verification that you transferred the money.
  8. Collect your driving license within a couple of days.

*According to records, only 11% of applicants for a driver’s license are able to pass the practical driving exam on their first time.

Check our COMPANIES  section in order to find the best English Speaking driving schools.

If you already have a driver’s license

If you already have a driver’s license from another country, Polish law requires that you replace it with a Polish license if you plan to stay in the country for more than 6 months, or 185 days. The cost of replacing a driver’s license is 100.5 PLN.

In order to change your driver’s, you need to complete and turn in the following package of documents:

  • The application for a driver’s license replacement
  • Photos measuring 35х45 mm
  • Foreign passport, residence permit, and photocopies of each
  • Confirmation of your official address in Poland
  • A photocopy and original of your last driver’s license
  • A translation of these rights into Polish, notarized
  • Confirmation of payment

After you submit the initial request for a new license, the office will send a request to the last place you were issued a license in order to verify its authenticity. Once they receive confirmation, they will issue you a new license within 90 days. Then when you come to pick up the new license, your old license will be seized.

International Driving License

If you plan to drive in countries that are outside of the European Union, then it might be a good idea to get an international driving license. Anyone who has a valid Polish driving license can get one. All you need to do is turn in an application to your district governor either in person or by mail

You will submit your application to any district governor in person or by post.

Please find the form below (only Polish version) https://obywatel.gov.pl/documents/10181/0/Wniosek+o+wydanie+prawa+jazdy2018_c_2.pdf/420d0e5f-5aea-4b38-a4e2-0878d1d4434d

Vehicle Insurance and Compensation

Obtaining compensation in the case of motor insurance claims

If you own a vehicle, you have to be registered with motor liability insurance. If the driver of the vehicle causes damage to someone else’s property, injures someone, or kills someone, in the act of driving his car, then the insurance company will cover the cost of damages or necessary medical bills.

If you are the one seeking damages from another driver related to property damage or physical injury, then you will have to justify the reason for your claim by providing proof. If the insurer of the other party rejects your claim, you can choose to take the matter to court.

If you cannot locate the person responsible for causing the damage, you can refer the claim to any insurance company, who will then transfer the case to the Insurance Guarantee Fund, which will then be responsible for paying compensation if you have proved that you are not at fault.

Obtaining compensation in the event of damages related to the working environment

Employers are responsible for paying social insurance institution (ZUS) contributions. This is so that if one of his employees is injured with on duty, the cost of damages will be covered. Once you are injured at work you should immediately report it to your employer who will be responsible for filling out all the appropriate paperwork. He will then request coverage for your medical bills from the ZUS. If the ZUS payment does not cover the entire cost of damages, then the employee can claim the remaining coverage from his or her employer.

At the same time, your employer is requesting coverage from the ZUS, you can also claim compensation from your employer per the Civil Code. You will have to provide evidence that your employer is at fault. In many cases, it would be best to hire a lawyer to properly assist you in your claim.

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