Pedestrian crossingPoland
Traffic rules
Poland
30. Pedestrian crossing
A pedestrian crossing is a designated place where pedestrians may cross a road. It is commonly indicated by road markings, traffic signs, signals or a combination of these measures.
Drivers must approach with appropriate caution and give way when required by local law. Pedestrians must also observe approaching traffic and follow any pedestrian signals or instructions from authorised traffic controllers.
Wikimedia.org • Henryk Borawski • CC BY-SA
When must drivers give way at a pedestrian crossing in Poland?
Drivers must slow down, take particular care and give way to pedestrians on a marked crossing or entering it. Tram drivers must give way to pedestrians already on the crossing, but the crossing-entry priority does not extend to pedestrians entering in front of a tram. Follow applicable signals.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026
Are all pedestrian crossings controlled the same way in Poland?
No. Where traffic is controlled by signals or authorised directions, follow that control. At an uncontrolled marked crossing, drivers must protect pedestrians on it or entering it. A green vehicle light does not permit entry if it would prevent pedestrians from leaving the carriageway.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026; 🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Signs and Signals Regulation, 2019 consolidated text, sections 21, 95–96 and 98–99
May I enter a pedestrian crossing if the road beyond it is blocked in Poland?
Wait before the crossing until there is room to clear it without obstructing pedestrians. Do not pass a vehicle travelling in your direction that has stopped to give way to a pedestrian. Overtaking on a pedestrian crossing or immediately before it is also prohibited, except where traffic at the crossing is controlled.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026
Does an island divide a Polish pedestrian crossing?
Yes. Treat each carriageway separately; the same applies where an island or other device separates vehicle traffic.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026
May Polish pedestrians use a phone while crossing?
Not in a way that limits observation. This applies while entering or crossing carriageways, cycleways and tracks, including marked crossings.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026
May Polish pedestrians run across the road?
No. Article 14 prohibits running across carriageways and cycleways.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026
Must Polish pedestrians use a footbridge or pedestrian tunnel provided on the road?
Yes, including facilities shared by pedestrians and cyclists.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026
How must Polish passengers reach an island connected to a pedestrian crossing?
Use that crossing when entering or leaving the public-transport island.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026
May Polish pedestrians cross a dual carriageway in a built-up area away from a crossing?
No. They must use a pedestrian crossing.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026
Can Polish pedestrians cross where a barrier separates the pedestrian route from the road?
No. The prohibition applies regardless of which side of the carriageway the barrier is on.
🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Sejm, Road Traffic Act, consolidated working text dated 12 October 2026
