QuayPoland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Poland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


18. Quay

A quay is a constructed area beside a river, canal, harbour or other body of water, commonly used for loading, unloading, mooring vessels or providing waterside access. A road may run alongside the water or lead directly towards the quay edge.

In road traffic, a quay warning indicates a risk that a vehicle could leave the road and enter the water. Drivers should reduce speed, observe the road layout carefully and keep a safe distance from the waterside edge.

Quay
Quay warning and stop signs at the Kłopotowo–Witnica ferry across the Warta. (Lubusz, Poland)
Wikimedia.org • MOs810 • CC BY-SA
What should I watch for near a quay or waterside road in Poland?

Look for an unprotected or poorly protected water’s edge, bends leading towards the water, barriers and local access controls. A quay can be an operational port area or a public waterside road; do not infer the traffic arrangement from the presence of water alone.

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Road Traffic Law — articles 3, 19–20, 23–24, 49; Signs 3–12

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, traffic signs and signals — 2019/2310 consolidation, read with subsequent amendments

How should I choose a safe speed beside water in Poland?

Use the applicable road or local speed limit and slow further for the foreseeable waterside danger. A hazard warning is not a promise that driving at the maximum is safe. Keep enough visibility and control to avoid the edge, pedestrians, loading activity or a blocked route.

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Road Traffic Law — articles 3, 19–20, 23–24, 49; Signs 3–12

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, traffic signs and signals — 2019/2310 consolidation, read with subsequent amendments

Does a quay warning allow me to enter or park beside the water in Poland?

Check the actual access and parking restrictions, including any port or dock controls. A waterside warning does not provide permission to enter a restricted facility or park on the edge. Keep the required passage clear and use a permitted place without endangering traffic or people beside the water.

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Road Traffic Law — articles 3, 19–20, 23–24, 49; Signs 3–12

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, traffic signs and signals — 2019/2310 consolidation, read with subsequent amendments

1 Poland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Separated path 12 Pedestrian warning 13 Tunnel 14 Speed bump 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 Turn prohibition 34 School area 35 Overtaking 36 Crossing animals 37 Curve 38 Chevron 39 Wrong-way driving 40 Roadworks 41 Height limit 42 Weight limit 43 Radar speed sign 44 Priority at the next junction 45 Traffic lights 46 Traffic lights warning 47 Pedestrian lights 48 Road markings 49 Junction layout 50 Driving licence 51 Traffic mirror 52 International border 53 Pedestrian underpass 54 Cycling route 55 Parking 56 No parking 57 No stopping 58 Park and ride 59 Kiss and ride 60 Disabled parking 61 Traffic management 62 Merging 63 Reversing 64 U-turn 65 Road surface 66 Provisional licence 67 Hazardous cargo 68 Radio service 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Licence plate 72 Charging station 73 Dangers 74 Rail safety 75 Pedestrian 76 Cyclist 77 Car 78 Truck 79 Bus 80 Police 81 Ambulance 82 Taxi 83 European emission standard 84 Public road 85 Pothole 86 Private property 87 Path 88 Particulates 89 Air pollution 90 Rush hour 91 Road code 92 Two-way traffic 93 Street gutter 94 Cargo bike 95 Forestry vehicle 96 Construction vehicle 97 Semi-trailer truck 98 Trolleybus 99 Speed pedelec 100 Delivery vehicle ...