Poland prepares new rules for vehicles with foreign number plates: registration and technical inspection

New requirements for vehicles with non-EU number plates

Polish authorities are preparing changes to the rules for operating vehicles registered in states that are not members of the European Union. These innovations could significantly affect Ukrainians who travel around the country in their own vehicles. According to the plans, they will have to complete the registration procedure, obtain an insurance policy, and undergo a mandatory technical inspection.

Infrastructure minister's initiative

Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak announced the planned reforms. According to him, the government committee is to consider the relevant bill on 29 October, which will update the current regulatory framework. At this point, the proposed changes have not yet entered into force.

When the obligation to register arises

According to the text of the bill, a foreign vehicle is subject to registration in Poland if its stay in the country exceeds one year. An additional ground for carrying out this procedure will be the owner obtaining permanent residence in Poland. In such a case, 30 days will be allowed for the re-registration of the vehicle.

Insurance and frequency of inspections

After completing the registration, owners are obliged to conclude an insurance contract and undergo a technical inspection. Thereafter, the vehicle's technical condition will be checked with the same frequency as for vehicles with Polish registration plates.

Current situation and international norms

Currently, vehicles registered in Ukraine are allowed to drive on Polish roads without a mandatory periodic technical inspection. Ukrainian legislation does not impose such requirements for most passenger cars with a mass of up to 3.5 tonnes. This practice complies with the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, although it also gives countries the right to establish their own requirements for vehicles that have been on their territory for a long time.

Liability and enforcement challenges

Violations of the new rules enshrined in the bill are subject to the towing of the vehicle and the confiscation of the foreign vehicle registration certificate.

At the same time, monitoring compliance with the requirements may be complicated. Since vehicles with foreign number plates are not entered into the Polish register, it will be difficult for the police to determine the exact duration of a specific car's stay in the country.

Justification for the changes

Dariusz Klimczak explained the need for such changes by the necessity to eliminate gaps in the current legislation. He also emphasised that the initiative will allow Polish technical inspection stations to generate additional revenue from inspecting such vehicles.