A requirement for all individuals under the age of 16 to wear helmets when using bicycles, electric scooters and personal transport devices, as well as the possibility for 17-year-olds to obtain a category B driving licence, are among the most significant changes introduced in the amendment to the Road Traffic Act signed by the President. The law also provides for licence revocation for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h outside built-up areas and introduces a two-year probationary period for new drivers.
Prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure, the amendment introduces a package of regulations that—according to the ministry—aim to improve road safety and increase the mobility of young people. The changes are also intended to reduce transport exclusion and reflect demands from driving instructors, examiners and representatives of the transport industry.
Mandatory helmets for those under 16
One of the central elements of the new legislation is the obligation for individuals under 16 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, motor-assisted bicycle, electric scooter or personal transport device. The requirement will also apply to children under 7 who are being transported on such vehicles. The only exception will be children travelling in seats or trailers equipped with safety belts.
The ministry notes that this change follows recommendations from the National Road Safety Council. Accidents involving electric scooters often result in head injuries, and studies confirm a clear link between not wearing a helmet and the risk of traumatic brain injury.
Category B driving licence available from age 17
The amendment allows individuals who have turned 17 to obtain a category B driving licence. Until they reach adulthood, however, young drivers will be allowed to operate a vehicle only in the presence of a supervisor—a driver with at least five years of driving experience. Licences issued to 17-year-olds will be valid only in Poland.
The change is modelled on solutions already functioning in several EU countries, including Austria, Denmark and Germany. According to the ministry, it is intended to support young people’s independence and improve their access to education and work.
Licence revocation for speeding also outside built-up areas
The new rules extend the possibility of having a driving licence revoked for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h to include two-way, single-carriageway roads outside built-up areas. According to the ministry, these are the types of roads where excessive speed causes the most fatal accidents.
Two-year probationary period for new drivers
The amendment introduces a two-year probationary period for individuals obtaining a category B licence for the first time. During this period, a strict 0.0‰ blood-alcohol limit will apply, and drivers who commit offences will face additional restrictions. Committing two offences during the probation period will result in the period being extended by another two years.
Other changes introduced in the act
The legislation also includes:
- raising the minimum age for electric scooter users from 10 to 13 years,
- tougher penalties for driving despite a suspended licence—the offence will now result in the licence being revoked,
- limiting the possibility of reducing penalty points for the most serious offences,
- increasing the maximum speed of agricultural tractors from 30 to 40 km/h,
- lowering the minimum age for drivers carrying passengers on routes up to 50 km,
- extending the possibility for electric and hydrogen vehicles to use bus lanes until 2027,
- allowing driving tests for categories C, C+E and T to be carried out outside city limits.
The amendment will take effect upon publication in the Journal of Laws. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, it represents another step toward strengthening road safety and adapting legislation to modern forms of mobility.
Source: ceo.com.pl
