Poland fines Ukrainian coach after 77 e-TOLL breaches

26 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Customs fined a Ukrainian carrier after 77 e-TOLL violations. Read how the system works and what expats must know.

Polish customs officers fined a Ukrainian coach operator after they found 77 e-TOLL violations during a border check. The e-TOLL violations prompted officials to take a 115,500 zł deposit from the carrier.

Table of Contents

What happened at the Dołhobyczów border

Officers from the Customs and Tax Service conducted checks at the Dołhobyczów crossing. They inspected a scheduled coach coming from Ukraine. Consequently, they discovered multiple failures in the electronic toll declarations. The check came from the Third Enforcement Unit in Hrubieszów. Moreover, officers counted 77 separate breaches of the toll rules. Therefore, they required a security payment of 115,500 zł while the case proceeds.

How the e-TOLL system works

Poland runs the e-TOLL system under the National Revenue Administration. It uses satellite positioning to collect tolls on selected highways and national roads. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and buses must use it. In addition, operators must register each trip and pay charges on time. Operators can pay via an app, a dedicated on-board unit, or a telematics integration. However, entering wrong vehicle category or failing to register trips also carries sanctions.

Why the fine matters for foreign carriers

This incident shows the financial risk for cross-border carriers. A single coach can face six-figure deposits. Therefore, companies must ensure proper registration and reporting. Moreover, enforcement protects funding for road maintenance. Consequently, Poland keeps infrastructure costs fair for all users. Operators who ignore rules risk fines and delays at the border.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you drive a bus or heavy vehicle in Poland, register for e-TOLL in advance. You can use the mobile app or install an on-board device. Also, confirm vehicle weight and category before travel. In Poland, official numbers and services often use terms like PESEL (national ID), ZUS (social insurance agency) and NFZ (national health fund). Therefore, foreign drivers should carry company papers, ID and proof of e-TOLL registration. Finally, contact your carrier’s dispatch and consider an OBU or telematics provider if you run regular routes.

Next steps and legal context

Authorities may expand checks at border crossings. In addition, they will review the carrier’s records and payments. The firm could face further fines if inspectors confirm deliberate breaches. However, carriers can contest decisions through administrative appeals. Therefore, hire local legal or transport advice if you face penalties.

For expat drivers and small carriers, simple steps reduce risk. First, verify vehicle category and tare. Second, register routes in the e-TOLL portal. Third, keep receipts and logs for each journey. Moreover, coordinate with fleet managers and your national consulate when issues arise. Lastly, treat toll compliance like tax compliance and ZUS or VAT obligations, because authorities enforce it strictly.

Source: Read original article

📚 Looking for more help settling in Poland? Browse our complete Expat Guides.