Attention Ukrainians: offenders are severely punished in Poland, deportation is possible

Poland became a second home for many Ukrainians who were forced to leave their country because of the war. However, even in a hospitable neighboring country, there are strict rules that must be followed to avoid trouble. Ignorance of local laws does not exempt from responsibility, and some Ukrainians have already faced unpleasant consequences.

Penalties for traffic violations

One of the most common violations among Ukrainians in Poland is violation of traffic rules. They often commit violations such as illegal overtaking, running a red light, or parking in places designated for people with disabilities. These habits may have remained with them from Ukraine, but in Poland significant fines are provided for such violations. Driving while intoxicated is especially severely punished — it can even lead to imprisonment.

The maximum fine for one violation of traffic rules in Poland is PLN 500, except in certain cases. If the violations are of a combined nature, the amount of the fine can reach PLN 1,000. If the alcohol content in the driver’s blood does not exceed 0.19 ppm, the penalty is not applied. However, if the alcohol content is from 0.2 to 0.5 ppm, it is already considered an offense for which:

• fine from PLN 50 to PLN 5,000 or arrest for up to 30 days;
• ban on driving vehicles for a period of 6 months to 3 years;
• 10 penalty points.

Driving while intoxicated with an alcohol level of more than 0.5 ppm is classified as a crime and is subject to criminal liability. Such a violation is punishable by:

• a fine of at least PLN 5,000 and up to PLN 60,000;
• imprisonment for up to 2 years;
• a ban on driving any categories of vehicles for a period of 3 to 15 years.

If the driver is arrested again for driving while intoxicated, the punishment becomes even more severe. In the case of the third such violation, the driver receives a lifetime ban on driving vehicles. This means that the court has no right to reduce the sentence, since the criminal code does not provide for any relaxation in this matter.

It is also worth remembering that the laws of Poland severely punish fleeing from the scene of an accident while intoxicated. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident while intoxicated, hoping the police won’t find him until he sobers up, that’s tantamount to drunk driving. Such an offense involves the same sanctions, including recourse claims from insurance companies, as directly for driving under the influence of alcohol or for causing an accident while intoxicated.

In addition, Polish legislation severely punishes violations related to the rights of people with disabilities. For example, if someone uses a parking card for people with disabilities without having the right to do so, or parks in places designated for such people, he can be fined from PLN 300 to PLN 800. This is the most expensive single offence, for which you can receive up to 5 penalty points. Such behavior is considered a gross violation, which additionally complicates the life of people with disabilities, who already face numerous difficulties.

It is also important to pay attention to situations where drivers do not stop in front of pedestrian crossings if another car has already stopped in front of them. This can be very dangerous, and if such an offense is caught by a police officer, it is punishable by a fine of PLN 500 and 10 penalty points. Such situations are considered among the most dangerous on the roads, and there are no concessions here.

As for speeding, speeding by 51 km/h or more will cost the driver a fine of 400 to 500 zlotys and 10 penalty points. If such an offense occurs in a residential area, the driver’s license will be suspended for 3 months. There have been proposals to revoke a driver’s license for any speeding over 50 km/h, regardless of where it happened, but there are no such rules yet. However, a driver’s license can still be suspended for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h in the city.

Punishment for other offenses

No less strict laws in Poland also apply to everyday violations. For example, pet owners should be very careful. Walking a dog without a leash or muzzle can result in a large fine, and if you don’t pick up after your four-legged friend, you’ll have to pay even more.

In Poland, special attention is paid to keeping quiet at night. You can’t make noise from 11 pm to 7 am, as it threatens with a fine of 53,000 hryvnias or even arrest. An exception is made only for New Year’s Eve.

In Poland, it is also forbidden to light charcoal grills on balconies due to the risk of fire. For this violation, a fine of 5,300 hryvnias can be received, and if the fire spreads to other floors, the culprit can receive up to 12 years in prison.

Fines, although unpleasant, are not the only punishment that Ukrainians face in Poland. If the violation is serious, deportation from the country is also possible. This applies to those who overstay, work unofficially, or evade taxes. It is important to know that Ukrainians have the right to appeal the decision on deportation, but this requires the help of a lawyer and serious grounds.