Updated: 12 November 2026
Are winter tyres compulsory?
Poland has no legal requirement to use winter tyres. But your car must be roadworthy and its tyres in good condition. For a driver carrying passengers every day, winter tyres — or all-season tyres with a winter marking — are simply a must.
Tread depth and penalties
- The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm (or down to the wear indicator).
- Experts recommend at least 4 mm in winter — with less tread, braking distance on snow grows a lot.
- For tyres that endanger safety, police can issue a fine — up to 3,000 zł in serious cases — and take your registration certificate.
- An insurer may also reduce an AC (own-damage) payout for gross negligence.
Get the car ready
- Battery — the most common reason a car won’t start on a winter morning. Have it checked.
- Winter screenwash and working wipers.
- An ice scraper, snow brush and de-icer in the boot.
- Working lights — it gets dark early in winter.
- In a hybrid or EV, expect lower range and higher consumption in frost.
Clear the whole car
Before a ride, clear the windows, mirrors, lights, plates and roof. Snow on the roof slides onto the windscreen when you brake and blocks your view — and a passenger waiting in the cold will appreciate a warm, clean car.
How to drive
- Keep a bigger gap to the car in front and brake gently.
- Take care on bridges, flyovers and shaded spots — they freeze first.
- Allow more time to reach the passenger — better a minute late than in a collision.
Winter is a good time to earn
When it snows or freezes, demand jumps straight away and some drivers stay home. See where and when to drive in Tricity.
FAQ
Are winter tyres mandatory in Poland?
There is no legal requirement, but the car and tyres must be roadworthy. For winter taxi work, winter tyres are practically essential.
What is the minimum tread depth?
1.6 mm. Experts recommend at least 4 mm in winter.
What do I risk with bad tyres?
A fine — up to 3,000 zł in serious cases — and having your registration certificate taken.
