No, lane splitting is not explicitly legal in Poland. Polish traffic law (Road Traffic Act of 1987, amended 2026) prohibits motorcyclists from overtaking between lanes unless stationary traffic creates a 3-second gap. The 2026 amendments to Article 24(2) explicitly criminalize lane filtering, imposing fines up to 500 PLN and 2 penalty points. The National Road Safety Council (Krajowa Rada Bezpieczeństwa Ruchu Drogowego) has lobbied against legalization, citing collision risks in urban congestion.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Poland
- Prohibition Clause (Art. 24(2)): Motorcycles may not overtake between lanes unless traffic is stationary and a 3-second gap exists. Filtering is treated as lane changing without signaling.
- Penalty Framework (2026 Amendments): Violations incur fines of 200–500 PLN and 2 penalty points. Repeat offenses within 12 months escalate to mandatory road safety courses.
- Local Enforcement Priorities: Municipal police in Warsaw and Kraków prioritize lane splitting enforcement during peak hours, with dashcam footage admissible as evidence under Article 78(3) of the Traffic Law.
The Polish legal framework aligns with EU Directive 2016/796, which defers lane splitting legality to member states. No pending legislative proposals suggest imminent legalization. Riders must adhere to static traffic rules or risk liability in accident disputes.