- A police officer may choose to issue a warning instead of a fine (Article 41 of the Misdemeanor Code). This is their decision, not a right of the driver – it cannot be "negotiated" or demanded.
- The guidelines from the Chief Commander of Police indicate that when choosing a warning, factors such as the behavior of the offender after the offense and their assurance that the act will not be repeated are considered. Calmness and honesty are therefore supported by regulations, but do not guarantee a result.
- A warning does not carry penalty points. Points are assigned only after a valid fine or court ruling.
- You have the right to refuse to accept a fine (Article 97 § 2 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code). In this case, the matter is decided by a court, which may impose a higher fine than that in the ticket.
- Do not lie, do not provide someone else's information, and do not offer anything in return. Simply promising benefits to the officer is a crime (Article 229 of the Penal Code).
There are many tips online about how to "talk to a police officer to avoid a fine." Some of them are reasonable – calmness, politeness, and admitting to an obvious mistake do not harm. However, some promise more than any conversation technique can deliver. This guide separates what is derived from regulations from what is opinion. It also shows how a traffic stop proceeds, what your rights are, and when it is better to refuse to accept a fine rather than trying to convince the officer on the roadside.
Legal status: October 23, 2026. Traffic regulations in Poland changed several times in 2026, so for each rule, we provide its legal basis, and links to the texts of the laws can be found in the sources table at the end.
Warning Instead of a Fine: What the Law Really Says
The basis is Article 41 of the Misdemeanor Code: against an offender, "one may suffice" with a warning, a notice, a caution, or another educational measure. The word "may" indicates the officer's discretion.
How police officers should use this discretion is defined by Guidelines No. 3 from the Chief Commander of Police dated July 13, 2020. They indicate that:
- A warning is applied when it is sufficient for the offender to start obeying the law,
- When assessing, circumstances from Article 33 of the Misdemeanor Code are taken into account, particularly the offender's assurance that they will not commit a similar act in the future; Article 33 § 2 also mentions "behavior after committing the offense,"
- A warning is not applied when a mandatory penalty measure must be imposed for the offense,
- A warning on the spot does not exclude a later fine or a request for punishment if new circumstances arise.
A factual acceptance of responsibility, calmness, and a sincere assurance that you will learn from the experience are precisely the circumstances that the guidelines instruct the officer to consider. However, there are no public statistics on how often police settle for a warning, and no one can honestly promise that specific words will "work." In the case of a serious offense, such as a significant speeding violation, a warning is unlikely regardless of the tone of the conversation.
How a Traffic Stop Proceeds
The rules of the stop are described in the regulation of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration dated November 5, 2019, regarding traffic control. The most important moments are:
- Stopping. Stop safely at the indicated location. The regulation requires the driver to stop the vehicle and keep their hands on the steering wheel, and upon request, turn off the engine and turn on the hazard lights (§ 24 sec. 1).
- Stay in the car. The driver and passengers may only exit with the permission of the officer (§ 24 sec. 2). The officer may, however, order the exit for safety reasons (§ 4 sec. 6).
- Identification of the officer. The officer provides their rank, name, and the reason for the stop. A uniformed officer shows their ID upon request, while a non-uniformed officer does so without being asked (§ 4 sec. 1–2). Exceptions include pursuits and mass sobriety checks.
- Documents. A driver with a Polish driving license does not need to carry it, nor do they need to carry the vehicle registration document and the OC insurance policy – the police check the data in the registers (Article 38 sec. 1 of the Road Traffic Law). You can confirm your identity with an ID card or in the mObywatel app. The situation is different with a foreign driving license and a vehicle registered abroad – in that case, you must have the documents with you.
- Possible sobriety test. Primarily with a breathalyzer. Refusal to undergo testing means a blood test, which can also be conducted without consent, after prior notification (Article 129i of the Road Traffic Law).
- Resolution. The officer may suffice with a warning, propose a fine, or refer the case to court. In the case of a fine, they must state the amount of the fine, describe the act, the time, place, and legal qualification, and inform you of your right to refuse and its consequences (Article 97 § 3 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code).
Entering the police vehicle is only permissible in situations mentioned in the regulation, including to show the recorded course of the offense, such as a recording or speed measurement reading (§ 4 sec. 7). The regulations do not explicitly formulate a "right to view the measurement," but you can politely ask for it.
How to Talk: Calmly, Honestly, Without Games
The following tips are our editorial proposal based on regulations, not a ready-made "formula for avoiding a fine." Their aim is to facilitate an honest conversation that does not worsen your situation – regardless of whether it ends in a warning, a fine, or a refusal to accept it.
| Situation | What You Can Say | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You know why you were stopped, and it is true | "Yes, I was speeding. I do not dispute the measurement." | Feigning surprise changes nothing, as the officer will state the reason for the stop anyway. Admitting an obvious fact shortens the conversation and aligns with what the guidelines instruct the officer to consider. |
| You want to ask about a warning | "Is it possible to suffice with a warning in this situation? I will do my best to ensure it does not happen again." | The question is polite and refers to the criteria in the guidelines. It does not pressure the officer and does not suggest that they are entitled to something. |
| You do not know why you were stopped | "Please tell me the reason for the stop." | The officer is obliged to state the reason for the stop. The question is fine as long as you are not pretending ignorance when you have it. |
| You have doubts about the measurement | "Can I see the record of the measurement?" | The regulation provides for showing the course of the recorded offense. If doubts remain, the proper route is to refuse the fine and go to court, not to dispute it on the roadside. |
| You disagree with the charge | "I disagree with the charge and refuse to accept the fine. I want the matter to be resolved by the court." | This is your right under Article 97 § 2 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code. A calm, clear declaration is better than a long discussion. |
| You do not want to explain anything | "I prefer not to make any statements." | A person suspected of an offense may refuse to explain (Article 54 § 6 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code). Silence is legal; making up a story is not a good idea. |
What Not to Do
- Do not provide false information or refuse to provide it – this is an offense under Article 65 of the Misdemeanor Code.
- Do not say someone else was driving if that is not true. Falsely accusing another person is a crime (Article 234 of the Penal Code).
- Do not offer to "settle the matter." Active bribery also includes merely promising benefits, and when it comes to persuading an officer to refrain from issuing a fine, the penalty ranges from one year to ten years (Article 229 § 1 and 3 of the Penal Code).
- Do not insult the officer (Article 226 § 1 of the Penal Code) and do not obstruct their actions by refusing to follow orders (Article 65a of the Misdemeanor Code). A factual discussion is not an offense, but it rarely changes anything.
- Do not flee from the stop. Failing to stop for a control is an offense (Article 92 § 2 of the Misdemeanor Code), and fleeing can be a crime.
What Research Says and What It Does Not
Popular advice often relies on psychology: acknowledging authority and calmness are said to "disarm" the officer. Scientific research presents a more cautious picture:
- A systematic review of 30 studies from Australia, the USA, and the UK (Campbell Collaboration, 2013) found that when police officers conduct conversations in a reliable and respectful manner, citizens are more satisfied and more willing to cooperate.
- An experiment with traffic stops in Queensland, Australia yielded positive results, but its replication in Scotland did not. The authors of the Scottish study warn that such effects transfer poorly between countries.
- Whether the driver's behavior influences the officer's decision has mainly been studied in the USA, with data from the 1970s to 1990s, and the results are disputed.
There are no studies confirming the effectiveness of specific phrases during traffic stops in Poland. Politeness is worth employing because it is appropriate and does not worsen the situation, not because it guarantees a warning.
Fine: Accept, Refuse, or Ask for a Warning
The flowchart below helps organize the decision. It is a simplification of the regulations described in this guide and does not replace legal advice.
What to Do When the Officer Proposes a Fine?
Do you agree with what the officer is accusing you of?
Did you exceed the speed limit by more than 50 km/h in a built-up area or on a single-lane two-way road outside of it?
Consequences exceed the fine
In addition to the fine and points, the district head suspends the driving license for 3 months. From March 3, 2026, this also applies to single-lane two-way roads outside built-up areas. Driving despite the suspension of the driving license means revocation of rights. In the case of such a serious offense, a warning is unlikely. Details in the section on fines and points.
You can calmly ask for a warning
Admit the facts, ask if it is possible to suffice with a warning, and assure that you will learn from the experience. The decision is up to the officer. What was their decision?
No fine and no points
A warning does not carry penalty points because these are assigned only after a valid fine or court ruling. However, remember that a warning does not exclude a later fine if new circumstances arise.
If you agree with the accusation, accepting the fine usually closes the matter
A credit fine is paid within 7 days of acceptance, and it becomes valid upon receipt. Penalty points are recorded after it becomes valid and removed one year after the fine is paid. After accepting a fine, it cannot be contested, except in narrow situations under Article 101 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code.
After viewing the measurement record and the officer's explanations, have your doubts disappeared?
You can refuse to accept the fine
Calmly state that you refuse (Article 97 § 2 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code). The police will then submit a request for punishment to the court (Article 99 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code). The court may impose a fine of up to 5000 PLN, and for some traffic offenses, up to 30,000 PLN, and charge you with costs. Prepare evidence: recordings from a dashcam, photos, witness information. Refusal is the only way to present your case before the court.
Was the act not an offense at all, or does the fine exceed the permissible amount?
You can submit a request to overturn the fine
The court overturns a valid fine, among other reasons, when the fine was imposed for an act that is not an offense, or when it exceeds the permissible amount (in the part of the excess). The request must be submitted no later than 7 days from the date the fine became valid (Article 101 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code).
The fine generally remains
Accepting the fine closes the matter. Simply changing your mind or other doubts about the assessment of evidence are not grounds for its overturning. Therefore, the decision to accept or refuse should be made consciously during the stop.
Fines and Points for Speeding in 2026
The amounts come from the regulation on the amount of fines imposed by way of a penal ticket (the so-called tariff), and points from the regulation of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration from 2026 regarding points for violations of traffic regulations. The rate for recidivism is indicated in parentheses.
| Speeding | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| up to 10 km/h | 50 PLN | 1 |
| 11–15 km/h | 100 PLN | 2 |
| 16–20 km/h | 200 PLN | 3 |
| 21–25 km/h | 300 PLN | 5 |
| 26–30 km/h | 400 PLN | 7 |
| 31–40 km/h | 800 PLN (1600 PLN) | 9 |
| 41–50 km/h | 1000 PLN (2000 PLN) | 11 |
| 51–60 km/h | 1500 PLN (3000 PLN) | 13 |
| 61–70 km/h | 2000 PLN (4000 PLN) | 14 |
| 71 km/h and more | 2500 PLN (5000 PLN) | 15 |
- Recidivism: if within 2 years of the last valid punishment you commit the same offense from the list in Article 38 § 2 of the Misdemeanor Code (including exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h), the fine is at least double the lower limit.
- Maximum fine: for offenses against traffic safety up to 5000 PLN, and in the case of concurrent offenses up to 6000 PLN (Article 96 § 1ad of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code, from January 2, 2026).
- Suspension of driving license: exceeding by more than 50 km/h in a built-up area, and from March 3, 2026, also on a single-lane two-way road outside of it, means suspension of the driving license for 3 months.
- Punishment points are removed one year after the fine imposed by the ticket is paid. Exceeding 24 points (20 in the first year after obtaining the first driving license) has serious consequences, including loss of rights.
From September 4, 2026, penalty points will go to the central register of drivers. The rules for voluntary training to reduce the number of points were changed in 2026 – it now covers only selected violations, and points for exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h cannot be reduced by it. You can check your current points status and training rules in the "Check Your Penalty Points" service on gov.pl.
Your Rights During a Stop
- Right to information: the officer provides their rank, name, and the reason for the stop, and in the case of a fine – the amount of the fine, a description of the act, and information about the right to refuse.
- Right to refuse to accept a fine (Article 97 § 2 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code).
- Right to refuse explanations (Article 54 § 6 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code).
- Recording: no regulation prohibits recording police interventions. The Commissioner for Human Rights points out that publishing a recording online is subject to personal data protection regulations. Record calmly and do not obstruct the actions.
- Complaint and grievance: a grievance can be submitted to the prosecutor regarding the manner of conducting actions (Article 15 sec. 7 of the Police Act). You can also file a complaint about the officer's behavior based on Article 227 of the Administrative Procedure Code; the authority has one month to consider it. Complaints are submitted in writing or electronically, with details and a description of the case.
Driver Visiting Poland from Abroad
- If you are temporarily in Poland, the officer may impose a cash fine, payable immediately (Article 98 § 2 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code). Payment by card is possible if the officer has a terminal.
- With a foreign driving license and in a vehicle registered abroad, you must have your driving license, vehicle registration document, and proof of OC insurance (Article 38 of the Road Traffic Law).
- The right to refuse to accept a fine also applies to persons from outside Poland, but it means a case in a Polish court. Consider whether you will be able to participate in it.
Common Myths
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "The right words guarantee a warning." | A warning depends on the officer's assessment. Calmness and honesty may help, but nothing guarantees it. |
| "I have the right to a warning for the first offense." | There is no such right. Article 41 of the Misdemeanor Code states that the officer "may" suffice with a warning. |
| "Asking about the reason for the stop is a mistake." | The officer must state the reason anyway. The mistake is pretending ignorance when you have it. |
| "Refusing a fine is always a better option." | In court, the fine may be higher, and there are additional costs. Refusal makes sense when you have real arguments. |
| "I must carry my driving license and registration document." | A driver with a Polish driving license in a Polish car does not have to. The police check the data in the registers. |
| "A small amount for the officer is not a bribe." | A bribe is any material or personal benefit, and even the mere promise of it is a crime. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the officer have to give me a warning if I admit guilt?
No. Admitting guilt and assuring that the act will not be repeated are circumstances the officer considers, but the decision is theirs. In the case of more serious offenses, such as significant speeding, a warning is unlikely.
Will I receive penalty points for a warning?
No. Penalty points are assigned after a valid fine or court ruling. A warning is not a punishment and does not carry points.
What happens if I refuse to accept a fine?
The police will submit a request for punishment to the court. The court may find you innocent, but it may also impose a fine higher than in the ticket – up to 5000 PLN, and for some traffic offenses up to 30,000 PLN – and charge you with the costs of the proceedings.
Can I record a traffic stop on my phone?
The regulations do not prohibit this. Record in a way that does not obstruct actions and avoid sudden movements. Before publishing a recording online, remember the personal data protection regulations.
Can I view the speed measurement record?
The regulation provides for the possibility of showing the course of the recorded offense, even in the police vehicle. However, the regulations do not explicitly formulate a right to demand this. If you have doubts about the measurement, you can refuse to accept the fine and raise them before the court.
How much time do I have to pay the fine?
A credit fine is paid within 7 days of acceptance, and a default fine within 14 days of issuance or delivery (Article 98 of the Misdemeanor Procedure Code).
Related Guides
- Car in Poland During a Visit and After Returning: Rental, OC, Fines, and Registration
- Driving License for the Polish Diaspora: Exchange, Polish Abroad, and International Law
- Polish e-Authorities from Abroad: Trusted Profile and mObywatel
- "Grandchild Scam": How to Recognize a Fake Officer
Sources
Legal status: October 23, 2026. This guide is educational and does not constitute legal advice for individual cases. The conversation tips are editorial proposals based on regulations, not guarantees of a specific police decision. In disputed matters, consult a lawyer or legal advisor.
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