Speed camera photographs could cost owners up to 7,500 zł

14 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

New rules tie vehicle owners to automatic penalties. Learn how speed camera fines Poland may mean big bills unless you respond.

Speed camera fines Poland may soon reach new heights. Consequently, owners could face administrative fees up to 7,500 zł if they ignore notices.

Table of Contents

What the proposed change does

The Infrastructure Ministry proposes a major change to automatic traffic enforcement. Moreover, the draft targets cases when authorities cannot quickly identify the driver. In addition, the plan makes owners or registered users the primary contact for notices from CANARD and CEPiK. Therefore, the system aims to close a common enforcement gap.

How the new fees would work

Under the draft, the state would send the notice to the vehicle owner or to the recorded user. For leased cars, companies would provide user details to the central register. Consequently, long-term renters and leasing firms must keep accurate records. The owner would no longer have to name the driver automatically. However, the owner can still submit proof to avoid liability. For example, they could show a sale document or a police report about theft. In addition, the law would accept force majeure or necessity as defenses.

Speed camera fines Poland: rates and differences

The scale of administrative fees depends on the offense. For speeding, the fees would start at 1,500 zł for up to 30 km/h over the limit. Moreover, they rise in steps to 7,500 zł for more than 71 km/h above the limit. For running a red light, the fee would be 3,000 zł. For ignoring signals at a railway crossing, the draft sets 6,000 zł. Therefore, the state will make financial compliance more compelling than the current fine system. However, paying an administrative fee would not add penalty points. Thus, drivers avoid points but pay a higher price.

Why the government wants this

The government wants better enforcement of automated detections. Moreover, cameras and average-speed sections register plates, not people. Consequently, complex ownership patterns hinder accountability. For instance, a company car may have many drivers. Therefore, authorities seek a faster route to secure compliance. The draft aims to discourage ignoring correspondence from CANARD. In addition, it introduces a 20% reduction if the owner pays within 30 days.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live here as an expat, respond to any CANARD or CEPiK letter. Moreover, keep documents proving vehicle sale or theft. In addition, companies must record users of leased cars. Remember that Polish official IDs like PESEL differ from documents like ZUS (social security) and NFZ (health fund). Therefore, treat traffic notices like urgent administrative mail.

At present the rules are a draft. Moreover, the ministry proposes to start the system on 1 January 2028. However, the bill must pass full legislative scrutiny first. Consequently, details may change during the process. Therefore, owners should monitor progress and update records with leasing firms and authorities.

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