Fines for Taxi Drivers and Couriers in Poland: What You Can Be Fined For

Working in the commercial transportation and delivery sector in Poland is subject to increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities. The fast pace of shifts, constant rush, and frequent stops mean that taxi drivers and couriers regularly receive fines and penalty points. Today, we’ll explain the most common fines for taxi drivers and how to avoid them.

What Fines Do Taxi Drivers and Couriers Receive in Poland?

All penalties for commercial transportation participants can be divided into two categories:

• General traffic violations. These include standard traffic regulations such as speeding, running a red light, using a phone while driving, illegal parking, and vehicle roadworthiness. They are enforced by the police and the Municipal Guard (Straż Miejska);
• Industry-specific violations. These are related to the nature of commercial transportation. They include taxi inspections in Poland, taxi license requirements, license extracts (wypis), mandatory vehicle markings, and the proper registration of couriers and drivers. These inspections are carried out by the Road Transport Inspection (ITD/GITD) together with the Border Guard and the police.

Fines for Speeding and Traffic Sign Violations

According to the current taryfikator mandatów (fine schedule), penalties for traffic violations are extremely strict:

• Speeding fines in Poland. They range from 50 PLN (up to 10 km/h over the limit) to 2,500 PLN (more than 71 km/h over the limit). If the same violation is repeated within 2 years, the fine is doubled. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h in a built-up area also results in a 3-month driving license suspension;
• Running a red light fine in Poland. A fixed fine of 500 PLN and 15 penalty points. If recorded by a speed camera, the notice is sent to the vehicle owner;
• Traffic sign and right-of-way violations. Driving against traffic, ignoring a “No Entry” sign, or failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk results in fines ranging from 350 to 1,500 PLN.

Fine for Using a Phone While Driving for Uber, Bolt, or Delivery Work

Holding a mobile device in your hand while driving is strictly prohibited. The fine for using a phone while driving in Poland is 500 PLN and 12 penalty points.

The following situations are especially risky for taxi drivers and couriers:

• Accepting a new order by touching the screen while driving;
• Manually entering an address into the navigation system while driving;
• Reading messages in the support chat or texting with a customer.

Fines for Illegal Parking and Stopping During an Order

Trying to stop as close to the customer as possible is a common mistake. A fine for illegal parking in Poland can be issued by both the police and the Municipal Guard (Straż Miejska).

Stopping is prohibited in the following locations:

1. On the sidewalk. Stopping is permitted only if the vehicle weighs no more than 2.5 tons and at least 1.5 meters of sidewalk remains available for pedestrians;
2. At a pedestrian crossing. Stopping within 10 meters before a crosswalk is prohibited;
3. At a bus stop/bus lane. Without the appropriate authorization, the fine is 100 PLN;
4. Parking spaces for people with disabilities. Parking without a valid permit results in an 800 PLN fine, 6 penalty points, and vehicle towing at the driver’s expense.

Fines for Dropping Off a Passenger or Delivering an Order in a Prohibited Area

A passenger’s request to “stop right here” or a customer’s demand to hand over an order at the gate does not exempt the driver from liability. If a stopping prohibition sign (B-36) is in place, full responsibility lies with the road user (driver or courier). Always drop off passengers in designated pull-off areas or parking spaces, explaining the legal requirements to the customer.

Taxi Driver Fines for Documents and Licensing in Poland

ITD and police inspections strictly monitor the legality of passenger transportation:

• Missing taxi license or license extract (wypis). Operating without a valid license extract issued for the specific vehicle may result in a fine of up to 12,000 PLN for the partner company and 2,000 PLN for the driver;
• Data mismatch. If the driver’s profile in the app does not match the person behind the wheel, or if the vehicle is not registered with the partner, the vehicle may be impounded and the account suspended;
• Fine for missing taxi documents. Drivers must carry a physical driving license, a vehicle registration certificate with the taxi designation, OC insurance, and a wypis z licencji. Missing any of these documents may result in suspension from work until the violation is corrected.

Fines for Incorrect Taxi Equipment and Vehicle Markings

Each municipality in Poland has its own requirements for commercial vehicle markings and equipment. The most common reasons for fines include:

• Missing TAXI roof sign or non-functioning roof light;
• Each gmina sets its own requirements for municipal emblems, identification numbers, and fare markings (for example, the yellow and red stripes in Warsaw);
• Missing the “taxi” designation in the vehicle registration certificate after passing the required specialized technical inspection.

Fines for Bicycle and E-Bike Couriers

Fines for bicycle couriers are regulated by the general traffic rules:

1. Riding on the sidewalk. Fines for cyclists in Poland range from 50 to 100 PLN. Riding on the sidewalk is only permitted if it is at least 2 meters wide, the speed limit on the adjacent road exceeds 50 km/h, and there is no bicycle lane, or in adverse weather conditions;
2. Crossing a pedestrian crossing while riding. Riding a bicycle across a pedestrian crossing is prohibited (fine of 50–100 PLN). Cyclists must dismount unless there is a designated bicycle crossing;
3. Holding a phone while cycling. Using a phone while riding results in a 500 PLN fine;
4. Lack of lights. At dusk and at night, bicycles must have a white front light and a red rear light (fine of 100–200 PLN).

Fines for Couriers Using an E-Scooter, Scooter, or Moped

The rules depend on the vehicle category:

• Electric scooter. The speed limit is 20 km/h. Riding is permitted on bicycle paths. Sidewalk use is only allowed at pedestrian speed if there is no bicycle path and the road speed limit exceeds 30 km/h. Fines for e-scooter couriers are generally the same as those for cyclists;
• Scooter and moped. Require an AM or B category driving license, a mandatory helmet, and travel on the roadway only (using bicycle paths or sidewalks is strictly prohibited).

Fines for Technical Inspection, Insurance, and Vehicle Defects

The technical condition of the vehicle is a top safety priority:

• Fine for missing a technical inspection in Poland. Ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 PLN. The police or ITD may electronically invalidate the vehicle registration certificate;
• Fine for missing OC insurance. If the policy has expired for more than 14 days, the penalty exceeds 8,000 PLN;
• Vehicle defects. Worn tires (tread depth below 1.6 mm), faulty brakes, or damaged lighting may result in a driving ban and a fine of up to 3,000 PLN.

How to Check Fines and Penalty Points in Poland

Official information about your traffic offenses and penalty points can be accessed through the government portal gov.pl or the mObywatel mobile application.

You can also check unpaid fines through the CEPIK system and on the CANARD inspection website (for speed camera fines). Never follow SMS links from unknown numbers claiming to be for “parking fine payment”—this is a common scam.

What to Do If a Driver Disagrees with a Fine

If you are convinced that you are not at fault, you have the right to refuse to accept the citation. In this case, the matter is referred to the district court. However, once a cash or credit mandat has been accepted and signed, it becomes legally binding, and challenging it later is virtually impossible.

Conclusion

The main reasons why taxi drivers and couriers receive fines are rushing, using a phone while driving, chaotic parking, and expired documents. Following the basic rules will help protect your income from unexpected expenses.

FAQs

Who Pays the Fine If the Taxi Vehicle Is Rented?

The driver is always responsible for traffic violations (speeding, phone use, parking). Issues related to the vehicle itself are the responsibility of the fleet owner according to the rental agreement.

What Should I Do If a Fine Arrives from a Speed Camera or by Mail?

You must complete the required forms by identifying yourself (if you were driving) or providing the details of the person who was driving the vehicle, then send them back. Make payments only using the official bank details and beware of fake SMS messages.

Do Foreign Drivers Receive Penalty Points in Poland?

Yes. Even if you hold a foreign driving license, the police register your violations in the CEPIK database using your PESEL number. Exceeding the limit (24 penalty points) results in a driving ban in Poland.

Do Bicycle Couriers Receive Penalty Points?

No. Violations committed while riding a bicycle or an e-scooter result only in monetary fines. Penalty points apply only to drivers of motor vehicles.

Who Is Responsible If an Order Requires Stopping in a Prohibited Area?

Only the driver or courier is responsible. Instructions from Uber Eats, Glovo, Wolt, or verbal requests from customers do not justify violating traffic regulations.

Can a Fine Lead to the Suspension of an Uber, Bolt, Glovo, or Wolt Account?

There is no automatic account suspension for a standard traffic fine. However, losing your driving license or not having a valid license extract (wypis) will result in disconnection from the platform.

What Should I Do If a Required Document Is Missing from a Rented Vehicle?

Do not start working. Contact your partner and obtain the original documents or duplicates (OC insurance policy, license extract) before beginning your shift.