Warsaw will check transport passengers for drugs: what Ukrainian refugees need to know
More than three years have passed since Poland became one of the main destinations for Ukrainians fleeing the war. During this time, hundreds of thousands of people settled here: they rented housing, sent their children to school, and found work. But with resettlement, not only the country changes, but also the rules by which you have to live. Certain things that seemed mundane or did not require attention at home may have different consequences in the new reality. In particular, we are talking about new regulatory measures that are being introduced at the local level in the field of using public transport. Starting in April 2025, a pilot initiative that can directly affect Ukrainian passengers is starting to operate in Warsaw – a program called “Czysty Przejazd”, which involves random testing of transport passengers for drugs.
What is “Czysty Przejazd” and why was it introduced?
There is a “Clean trip” program initiative of the Warsaw authorities, aimed at identifying persons in a state of drug intoxication while traveling in public transport. It was first announced in March as a pilot project that will cover individual city transport routes (trams, buses, metro). And although it is presented as a step towards safer travel, for many – especially people who have not yet had time to fully integrate into the Polish legal field – natural questions arise: how does it work, who has the right to check, and what to do if you are stopped?
According to a statement from the city’s transport operator, controllers during a standard ticket check have been given the authority to offer passengers a quick drug test. If the passenger refuses, the situation is handed over to the police, which conducts an additional check on the spot.
The official explanation of the city authorities is the increase in incidents related to the behavior of passengers who, according to the municipality, “may be under the influence of psychoactive substances.” The authorities assure that this is not a punitive practice, but a “preventive security action”.
To whom it concerns: important points for Ukrainians
There are no exceptions or relaxations to this program for Ukrainians who are in Poland under temporary protection status. If you use Warsaw’s public transport – regardless of whether you have a resident card, a migrant card or a temporary registration – you may be approached by controllers and you will be obliged to react in the same way as Polish citizens.
It is especially important to understand this for young people who study, work, or move around the city late at night. The issue is not only in the use of prohibited substances. It is worth remembering that even drugs legal in Ukraine – especially with opioid substances or tranquilizers – can cause a reaction on the test, if they are not declared by a doctor. This is especially true for people who are being treated after trauma, have anxiety or psychosomatic disorders.
Is it possible to refuse the test?
The test is not mandatory, but a refusal is automatically forwarded to the police. The law does not force a person to undergo an express analysis, but he should be aware that in this case the police patrol will already conduct the check, and with a full package of tools: breathalyzer, visual examination, possible medical examination at the hospital.
Prominent Polish human rights organizations (eg Helsińska Fundacja Praw Człowieka) have already expressed concern about the “Czysty Przejazd” program and are calling for a clear framework for inspections. They point out that the selectivity of such checks creates a risk of profiling – when controllers will be guided by external characteristics, ethnicity or language. For Ukrainians who do not yet speak Polish fluently, this is a real risk of false suspicion, especially in tense situations.
Is it possible to appeal the test or the actions of the police
Yes. If you are detained without reason or the test turns out to be false positive, you have the right to:
– request a re-analysis in the presence of a lawyer or a doctor;
– do not sign any documents without translation or without understanding the content;
– to challenge the actions of the controller or the police through a lawyer or through the voivodeship ombudsman;
– notify the consulate of Ukraine in case of violation of your rights.
What should Ukrainian refugees do now?
- Do not carry non-prescription drugs with you. If you are undergoing treatment and have legal medicines, carry a certificate or prescription with a translation.
- Do not argue with the controller. In the case of an offer to take the test – calmly clarify whether it is voluntary and what your rights are.
- Ask for an interpreter. If you are not sure about the language, you have the right to a translation.
- Avoid situations that can be interpreted as suspicious. For example, severe disorientation, aggressive behavior, or unsteady gait — all of this may be grounds for selective testing.
