Wrong-way drivingPoland

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.


39. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.

Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.

Wrong-way driving
No-entry sign on Wieniawskiego Street. (Warsaw, Poland)
Wikimedia.org • Cybularny • CC0
How can you avoid driving the wrong way in Poland?

Traffic normally keeps right here. Keep to the correct side of the road and use no-entry and one-way signs to identify prohibited approaches; do not enter an exit ramp against its permitted direction.

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Road Traffic Law — articles 5, 16, 22–23, 49; Signs 17, 44

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

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, 2026/133 — current sign amendments, including P3 on two-way carriageways

What signs can prevent wrong-way driving in Poland?

Read no-entry signs, one-way signs, lane arrows and temporary directions together; a wide road is not automatically two-way. Before entering a motorway, expressway, one-way street or slip road, check the permitted direction rather than relying only on a navigation app.

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Road Traffic Law — articles 5, 16, 22–23, 49; Signs 17, 44

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

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, 2026/133 — current sign amendments, including P3 on two-way carriageways

What should you do if you enter a road against traffic in Poland?

Do not keep driving against traffic or try to turn round yourself. Polish police advise stopping on the shoulder or emergency lane if possible, switching on hazard lights and calling 112. Give your location and follow the police instructions for removing the vehicle safely.

🔗 policja.pl • Polish Police, wrong-way motorway response, June2025

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