The condition of Polish roads could be described as relatively good. In the vicinity of the larger cities road surfaces are improving every month. Secondary roads can be qualified as being in a satisfactory condition.

Conditions on the roads

There are not many motorways in Poland. There are two long sections connecting the north with the south and the east with the west. These are from Łódź to Bielsko Biała (through Częstochowa and Katowice) and from the border with Germany to Krakow (through Wrocław and Katowice). Apart from these motorways there are many dual carriageways and single-lane roads. The surface of some of these roads has been deformed by ruts cut into the road surface during the summer by TIR trucks. In general drivers have to be a little more vigilant in Poland when driving along the minor roads in this country.

Speed limits

• built-up area - 50 km/h
• outside built-up area - 90 km/h
• residential zone - 20 km/h
• dual carriageway - 110 km/h
• single-lane road - 100 km/h
• twin lane carriageway with at least two lanes per direction - 100 km/h
• motorway - 130 km/h

Road use charges

In Poland there is a toll on motorways (A1, A2, A4 and A8). These tolls are collected (or they will be soon) using two systems:

• open system: The tolls are collected at toll booths situated on motorways. The toll depends on the type of vehicle.
• closed system: The tolls are collected at toll booths situated on access roads, on junction roads and additionally on the final sections of motorways. The toll depends on the type of vehicle and the distance covered.