Drivers in Poland should at all times keep necessary documents about their
person: these are a driving licence, registration documents and
comprehensive insurance.

Foreign drivers are also required to carry a green card, and foreign cars
should display the international symbol of their country of origin.

In Poland, driving licences for passenger cars can be obtained from the age
of 18.

Polish driving regulations are strict, but the roads are relatively safe.

All the major international car rental companies operate in Poland. It is
best to book a particular make of car before arrival. Key conditions are a
valid full driving licence and a minimum age of 21 or 25, depending on the
hire company. Before signing the rental documents, it is also advisable to
check the level of insurance cover provided.

Parking regulations vary from city to city. In central Warsaw there are
parking meters and many car parks where a fee is paid to an attendant,
although the car park is unguarded.

In the main streets of Gdańsk and Gdynia, coin-operated parking meters have
been installed.

Central Wrocław and Poznań have a system of parking cards, obtainable from
newsagents; the driver circles the date and time of parking and places the
card in the windscreen.

In Cracow, driving and parking in the Planty area is difficult for foreign
visitors. Without a special hotel permit, parking is in fact almost
impossible. Elsewhere in Cracow, a system of parking cards similar to that
in Wrocław applies.

Drivers must have their car headlights on at all times, day and night. The
national speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h (30 mph) between 5am and
11pm, and 60 km/h (35 mph) between 11pm and 5am; on roads it is 90 km/h (55
mph) and on motorways it is 110 km/h (68 mph). Radar speed controls quite
often operate. Foreign visitors should bear in mind that if they are caught
speeding they cannot count on any leniency just because they are not Polish
nationals: pleading ignorance is no defence. A fine will be charged, which
must be paid by postal order.

Poland has very strict drink-driving laws – tourists are best advised not to
drink anything at all if they are driving. Breathalyzer tests are a regular
part of roadside police checks; drivers can be stopped and tested by police
even if they have committed no infringement.

The use of mobile phones while driving is also banned unless the phone is a
hands-free model.

Children under the age of 12 must not be allowed to travel in the front seat,
and small children must be strapped into special child seats at all times.
All passengers sitting in the front seats – with the exception of heavily
pregnant women – are obliged to travel with their seatbelts fastened.

It is obligatory for motorcyclists and their passengers always to wear
helmets.

In big cities, as well as on Poland’s major roads, finding a 24-hour petrol
station does not present a problem. In addition to selling fuel and motor
accessories, petrol stations usually have shops. Those outside towns also
have bars where travellers can drink coffee or have a hot meal.

Drivers planning journeys to certain remote areas, however, should fill up in
advance, as most small petrol stations in the countryside are open only on
weekdays and close at 6pm.

Petrol in Poland is provided by multinational companies such as Shell, Esso,
Aral and Neste. It is also supplied by the national producers PKN Orlen and
Rafineria Gdańska.

All the towns and cities mentioned in this guide appear on the map inside the
back cover. Each chapter also features a more detailed regional map. Maps
showing the most interesting excursion routes appear in the appropriate
sections of the guide. For cycling or driving trips to other places, more
detailed maps can be bought at tourist information centres and large petrol
stations. There are now also Internet sites specializing in international
route maps, and it may be helpful to consult one before setting out.

Poland has few motorways. Some were built before World War II and their
condition is far from satisfactory. A modern motorway, for the use of which
a toll is payable, connects Cracow and Katowice. A new network of highways
is currently being planned. Other roads are usually reasonably good. The
arterial roads used by international traffic are often rutted by heavy
trucks. They are a particular hazard in rainy conditions.

Poland has an unenviable reputation for car theft. To avoid falling victim to
theft, always leave your car at a guarded car park, even when planning only
a short visit to a restaurant. For expensive vehicles, additional
precautions should be taken. One way of securing a car is to attach a wheel
clamp, which is a routine procedure for illegally parked cars. There are
also other sensible rules. Keys should never be left in the ignition, even
when the driver merely gets out to open the boot or check for a puncture.
Luggage should not be left on the seats. Beware of anyone pointing out
damage or some other problem with the car; this may be a ploy to tempt the
driver to get out of the car. If you have to stop and get out, it is unwise
to do so anywhere but in a well-lit public place.