Driver Arrested After Offering Cash to Police

4 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A driver on S7 faces charges for bribery of a police officer after offering 200 zł to avoid a fine.

A 59-year-old driver on the S7 near Mława tried to avoid a traffic fine by offering cash. His attempt at bribery of a police officer resulted in criminal charges and immediate police custody.

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Bribery of a police officer: What happened on the S7

Police stopped the Volkswagen on September 1 at around 9 pm. Officers saw the car drive onto the hard shoulder. Then the driver reversed toward the exit for provincial road 544. Such behavior on an expressway creates real danger for other drivers. Consequently, officers pulled the car over and started a routine check. The driver, a 59-year-old resident of Wyszków county, admitted the traffic error. However, instead of accepting a fine, he took out a 200 zł banknote. He then handed the note toward an officer and asked them to drop the matter. The officer refused the money. In addition, police immediately arrested the man and secured the banknote as evidence.

Legal consequences and the local process

Polish police charged the man with giving a financial benefit to a public official. This charge aims to force the officer to breach the law. Therefore, prosecutors treat the act as a criminal offence. The statute carries a sentence ranging from one to ten years in prison. Moreover, the District Court in Mława added police supervision as a preventive measure. In addition, the driver will also face court for the original traffic violation. In Poland, a “mandat” means an on-the-spot fine for a minor offence. Consequently, what started as a petty fine now became a criminal case. The institution handling the arrest followed standard procedure. Officers placed the suspect in the police detention area. Evidence rules require careful handling of the banknote and statements. However, the case still goes through normal court steps, including the right to defense. Foreign residents should remember that Polish courts use written procedures and often require a Polish-language file.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: Never offer money to police. In Poland, an on-the-spot fine is a “mandat” for a minor traffic offence. Meanwhile, attempting to bribe an officer becomes a criminal case. If charged, you will face court and possible penalties. Keep identification like your passport or PESEL number ready. PESEL is the national ID number and helps police process you. In addition, medical or social systems like NFZ and ZUS are separate institutions and do not affect criminal proceedings. If you do not speak Polish, ask for an interpreter immediately. Finally, always document the stop and get the officer’s badge number when possible.

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