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Marking of vehicles in Low Emission Zones

23.10.2023

As of the second half of 2024, some cities in Poland may introduce Low Emission Zones, called in national law “Clean Transport Zones”. These are specific areas restricted to vehicles complying with certain emission standards (namely the Euro emission standards based on the vehicle’s production date). Low-emission or zero-emission zones help to reduce exhaust emissions and improve air quality. They also contribute to reducing noise, improving residents’ health and promoting sustainable mobility. If you want to check whether the city you are travelling to has a low-emission or zero-emission zone in place, please consult the website of that city’s council.

The creation of Low Emission Zones is, in principle, optional and is to be decided by local authorities. Detailed rules for their operation are also set at the municipal level, which is why they may vary depending on the region of the country.


The emission restrictions in place in low-emission or zero-emission zones apply to residents and visitors alike. Warsaw is the first city in Poland that has decided to introduce a Low Emission Zone, starting from 1 July 2024.


Click here to check whether your vehicle meets the requirements of the Low Emission Zone in Warsaw.


In accordance with Polish law, the rules governing the operation of a low-emission or zero-emission zone, including the method of verifying access rights, are decided by the municipal council by means of a resolution.


The decision to introduce a Low Emission Zone, as well as any changes thereto, must be preceded by a public consultation. These consultations are designed to help local authorities develop solutions that best respond to local trends related to actual vehicle emissions in each city.


The municipal council must specify, among other things, in which area of the city (usually the city centre) and on what terms the Low Emission Zone will apply, which vehicles will be able to enter the area and which vehicles will be prohibited on account of, for example, the vehicle’s year of construction and engine specifications.


In addition to statutory exemptions (which include uniformed services’ vehicles, vehicles of persons with disabilities, etc.), municipal and occasional exemptions may also apply, allowing, for example, historic or vintage vehicles, roadside assistance, etc. to circulate in the Low Emission Zone.


The resolution must also specify the method that will be used to control cars travelling in the Low Emission Zone. A vehicle’s right to travel in a Low Emission Zone may be verified on the basis of stickers issued by the head of the local authority or the town/city mayor. The maximum cost for issuing such a sticker is PLN 5. The sticker shall be placed in the lower left-hand corner of the vehicle windscreen.


In Poland, there is one model sticker established by a regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment.


Not every vehicle has to be marked with a sticker. The municipal council decides which cars will be covered by this obligation. If you want to check whether your vehicle meets the requirements of the Low Emission Zone, go to the website of the relevant city council or municipal council.


Please remember that you will also not be required to mark an electric vehicle with a sticker if the electric vehicle or hydrogen-powered vehicle has green registration plates.
A second way of controlling the right to enter a Clean Transport Zone could be through an electronic system with cameras that read number plates. In this case, the verification takes place by comparison with the data obtained from the Central Register of Vehicles and Drivers.


According to Article 96c of the Minor Offences Code, an unauthorised entry into the Clean Transport Zone is punishable by a fine of PLN 500.
 
Legal basis:  
Electromobility and Alternative Fuels Act (Journal of Laws [Dz.U.] of 2023, items 875, 1394).
Regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment of 31 March 2022 on the model sticker for vehicles authorised to enter the Clean Transport Zone (Journal of Laws [Dz.U.] of 2022, item 845), as amended.

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