Night e-scooter ride ends in 2,800 zł cash fine

4 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Two young Ukrainians on one e-scooter were stopped in Lublin; the rider paid 2,800 zł cash after a drunk-driving fine.

Two young Ukrainians on one e-scooter were stopped by police in Lublin during the May long weekend. The night ride cost them 2,800 zł in cash after officers found the rider under the influence of alcohol.

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Two young Ukrainians on one e-scooter: what happened

Patrol officers noticed an electric scooter on Wyścigowa Street. Two young men rode it together, which is illegal and unsafe. Consequently, police signalled them to stop. The rider proved to be a 22-year-old Ukrainian. The passenger was a 21-year-old man from Ukraine. Moreover, officers issued an on-the-spot fine of 300 zł for carrying a passenger. However, during the check the officers smelled alcohol on the rider.

Alcohol, fines and cash payments

Police gave the rider a second penalty of 2,500 zł for riding under the influence. Therefore, his total bill reached 2,800 zł. Because he stayed in Poland temporarily and had no fixed address, the law required him to pay the fine in cash. In addition, the officers accepted payment. Afterwards, both men continued on foot. This outcome illustrates how quickly a minor traffic offence escalates into a large penalty.

Legal and local context for expats

Poland treats micromobility seriously. Municipal rules and national road laws restrict scooter use. For example, carrying passengers on an e-scooter creates a clear safety risk. Consequently, authorities can fine riders immediately. Moreover, riding under the influence carries higher penalties. The police also enforce practical rules for non-residents. For example, foreigners without a PESEL number (national ID number) or without a registered address often must pay fines in cash. In parentheses, note that PESEL is a national ID number. Also note ZUS is the social insurance institution and NFZ runs public health insurance. These institutions affect work permits and benefits, but they do not change police procedures in street checks.

For expats and visitors, the difference matters. Therefore, learn local traffic rules before you ride. In addition, carry identification and a way to pay fines that local police accept. However, do not assume that a borrowed scooter will come with full legal protection. Many shared-scooter operators have terms that do not cover two riders. Consequently, insurers might refuse claims after a crash. Moreover, if you are on a temporary stay, you may lack local ID (PESEL) and face immediate cash requests.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you ride an e-scooter in Poland, ride alone and sober. Keep an EU or national ID and a payment method ready. If you lack a PESEL (national ID number) and a fixed address, police may ask for cash to settle fines immediately. Remember that ZUS manages social insurance and NFZ is public health insurance, but they do not replace ID when officers stop you.

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