Driving License eBook 2024

General vehicle traffic rules

The driver of the vehicle must drive on the right.

Referring to the Road Traffic Code (Chapter 3, Section 1, Article 16) "When using a dual carriageway, the driver is obliged to drive on the right road; These roadways do not include the roadway intended for access to the property located next to the road."

Referring to the Road Traffic Code (Chapter 3, Section 1, Article 16) "The driver of a vehicle using a two-way road with at least four lanes is obliged to occupy the lane located on the right half roadway”

"The driver is obliged to drive as close as possible to the right edge of the road. If traffic lanes are designated on the road, it may not occupy more than one lane."

Joining traffic

Merging into traffic requires extreme caution and the need to give way to all other road users. First of all, before you start moving, carefully observe the situation on the road and make the right decision whether you will perform the maneuver of merging into traffic safely. If you have any doubts, wait until the situation improves.

You are also allowed to join traffic in situations strictly defined by regulations, e.g. during:

• leaving the residential area,
  
• exit to the road from the property, roadside facility, i.e. parking lot, gas station,
  
• exit from a road that is not a public road,
  
• exiting the field from the road,
  
• exit from a road that is not a public road (internal road),
  
• exit from a bicycle path onto the road or side, with the exception of the entrance to a crossing for cyclists or a bicycle lane.
  

Vehicle traffic on the highway and expressway

A motorway is a dual carriageway road, marked with appropriate road signs, on which no cross traffic is allowed, intended only for motor vehicles, excluding quadricycles, which on a flat, horizontal roadways can reach a speed of at least 40 km/h, including when pulling trailers.

An expressway is a two- or single-carriageway road, marked with appropriate road signs, on which intersections occur exceptionally, intended only for motor vehicles, excluding four-wheelers.

The beginning or continuation of the motorway is marked by sign D-9.

The end of the motorway is indicated by the D-10 sign and the posts preceding it informing about the distance to the end of the motorway.

The beginning or continuation of the expressway is marked by sign D-7, and its end by sign D-8.

The T-28 sign placed under the D-7 or D-9 sign indicates that tolls are charged.

The regulations prohibit the following on the highway:

• turn back
• undo,
• towing; except for towing by vehicles intended for towing to the nearest exit or passenger service point,
• stopping in the lane between the roads,
• stopping and parking the vehicle in a place other than the one designated for this purpose

Regulations prohibit on expressways:

• undo,
• make a U-turn except at an intersection or place designated for this purpose,
• stopping in the lane between the roads,
• stopping and parking the vehicle in a place other than the one designated for this purpose.

Residential zone

Residence zone is an area including public roads or other roads where special traffic rules apply, and entrances and exits are marked with appropriate road signs. In a residential zone, pedestrians can move freely throughout the entire space made available for public use and have priority over vehicles - in such a situation, the driver must always give way to the pedestrian.

In residential zone:

• the maximum speed for the vehicle is 20 km/h and you cannot exceed this speed
• parking of the vehicle is allowed only in places designated for this purpose,
• When you leave this zone, you are merging into traffic, so you must be especially careful and give way to another road user.

Internal road and traffic zone

Internal road - a non-public road, which may also take the form of a parking lot or a square intended for vehicle traffic. Most often, such roads can be found in housing estates, but they can also be communication areas near shops, especially hypermarkets.

On internal roads, both publicly accessible and those with limited access, we must apply regulations that regulate direct relations between road participants:

• give way in certain situations, e.g. when joining traffic, when starting from a parking stand,
• right-hand traffic,
• safe speed,
• priority for pedestrians - especially in squares in front of shops,
• using lights in poor visibility conditions.

The beginning of the internal road is marked by sign D-46, and its end by sign D-47.

When leaving an internal road, you are merging into traffic. In this situation, the driver must be especially careful and give way to all other road users.

Traffic zone is an area including at least one internal road, the entrances and exits to which are marked with appropriate road signs: D-52 and D-53.

Bypassing

Evading means driving past a stationary vehicle, road user or obstacle.

When passing, the driver is obliged to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle, road user or obstacle being avoided, and if necessary, reduce speed; passing a vehicle signaling the intention to turn left can only be done on its right side.

The prohibition to bypass applies to:

• vehicles that were traveling in the same direction and stopped to give way to a pedestrian,
• vehicles waiting in front of the railway crossing,
• vehicles signaling their intention to turn left with their turn signal - on their left side,,
• trams standing at the stop with passengers boarding or alighting.

Passing

Evading - passing by a vehicle or road user moving in the opposite direction.

When passing the vehicle, the driver is obliged to keep a safe distance from the vehicle or road user being passed, and, if necessary, pull to the right and reduce speed or stop.

Overtaking

Overtaking - passing by a vehicle or road user moving in the same direction.

Overtaking is a difficult and dangerous maneuver that requires appropriate preparation, concentration, and the ability to predict subsequent events. Particular caution is mandatory here, as is maintaining an appropriately large, safe distance from the vehicle or road user being overtaken. When overtaking a bicycle, bicycle stroller, moped, motorcycle or a column of pedestrians, this distance cannot be less than 1 m.

Before overtaking, the vehicle driver is obliged to make sure in particular that:

• has adequate visibility and sufficient space to overtake without impeding anyone's traffic;
• the driver behind him did not start overtaking;
• the driver driving in front of him in the same lane did not signal his intention to overtake another vehicle, change direction or change lane.

The driver of an overtaken vehicle is prohibited from increasing speed during and immediately after overtaking.

Overtaking on the right

Referring to the Road Traffic Code (Overtaking on the right is allowed on a section of road with designated lanes

• on a one-way road,
• on a two-way road, if at least two traffic lanes in a built-up area or three traffic lanes outside a built-up area are intended for driving in the same direction.

In what cases is overtaking prohibited?

• when reaching the top of the hill,
• at the bend marked with warning signs,
• at an intersection, except for an intersection with circular traffic or where traffic is directed,
• at pedestrian crossings and cyclist crossings, as well as immediately in front of such places, with the exception of crossings or crossings where traffic is directed,
• at railway crossings and directly in front of them,
• on road sections where overtaking is prohibited, expressed by an appropriate prohibition sign. If an additional plate with a vehicle symbol is placed under the B-25 sign, this prohibition applies only to the vehicles indicated on such a plate,
• overtaking an emergency vehicle in a built-up area,
• if overtaking would involve crossing a solid line - single or double.

Changing lane, changing direction

The regulations regarding changing driving direction are very short and general, which requires compliance with them and adaptation to the current situation, while maintaining common sense.

Referring to the Road Traffic Code, "The vehicle driver is obliged to indicate in advance and clearly his intention to change the driving direction or lane and to stop signaling immediately after the maneuver."

A change of direction occurs when you turn onto a different road or carriageway at or outside an intersection. You can change the direction of travel only if you exercise particular caution and signal your intention to change in advance with an appropriate turn signal. When changing lanes, each driver is obliged to carefully check whether the maneuver performed will not result in cutting into the road of another road participant or will not threaten the safety of pedestrians on the road.

A driver who intends to change direction must:

• approach the right edge of the road if he or she intends to turn right,
• approach the left edge of the road if you intend to turn left from a one-way road,
• approach the center of the road if you intend to turn left from a two-way road.

If traffic lanes are designated, the vehicle driver must occupy the lane consistent with the direction of further travel.

Change lane

Changing lanes is a change in the position of the vehicle in relation to the edge or center line of the road, but while remaining on the same road. Be especially careful when changing lanes.

The driver of a vehicle intending to change lanes outside the intersection should give way to the vehicle driving in the lane he wants to enter (the exception to this rule are the regulations regarding zipper driving) and the vehicle entering this lane from right side.

Zipper riding and the corridor of life

The slider rule applies when two conditions are met:

• a significant reduction in speed on the road caused by e.g. a traffic jam,
• impossibility to continue in a lane due to an obstacle in this lane or its disappearance.

In such a situation, the driver of a vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane is obliged to immediately before the place where the obstacle occurs or the place where the lane disappears:

• on a road with more than one lane, allow one vehicle or a set of vehicles to change lane to an adjacent lane where it is possible to continue driving,
  
• on a roadway with more than two lanes, when it is not possible to continue driving in two lanes, allow one vehicle or one combination of vehicles on the right side to change lane, and then one vehicle or one combination of vehicles on the left side.
  

Corridor of Life

According to road traffic regulations, road users and other persons on the road are obliged to facilitate the passage of an emergency vehicle by immediately removing themselves from the road and, if necessary, stopping.

In conditions of increased traffic intensity, which impedes the free passage of an emergency vehicle, drivers are obliged to comply with detailed regulations regarding the formation of life corridors:

• on a road with two lanes in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle moving in the left lane is obliged to move out of the path of the emergency vehicle by driving as close as possible to the left edge of the lane, and the driver of a vehicle moving in the right lane is obliged to move away from the path of the emergency vehicle by driving as close as possible to the right edge of the lane,
  
• on a road with more than two lanes in the same direction, the driver of the vehicle moving in the leftmost lane is obliged to remove himself from the path of the emergency vehicle by driving as close as possible to the left edge of the lane, and the drivers of vehicles moving in the remaining lanes are are obliged to move out of the path of the emergency vehicle by driving as close as possible to the right edge of the traffic lanes.
  

Importantly, the corridors of life, apart from emergency vehicles, can only be used by road managers or roadside assistance vehicles taking part in a rescue operation. Otherwise, their use is prohibited, and vehicle drivers may continue driving in the previously occupied lane after emergency vehicles have passed.

U-turn

The turning maneuver involves changing the driving direction to the opposite direction. When making a U-turn, the driver must pay special attention and be especially careful. The U-turn maneuver may be performed anywhere where it is not prohibited, having signaled it in advance with a turn signal, under appropriate conditions and after making sure that it will not pose a safety risk.

U-turns are prohibited:

• on the bridge,
• in the tunnel,
• on the viaduct,
• on a one-way road,
• on the highway,
• on an expressway, except at an intersection or a place intended for this purpose, in conditions where it could threaten the safety of road traffic or impede traffic,
• at the signs:
  • B-23 "prohibition of turning" (the prohibition applies from the place where the sign is placed to the intersection and at the intersection),
    
  • B-21 Left turn prohibited - the prohibition applies to the intersection itself,
    
  • Continuous single or double line,
    
  • S-3 directional signals without a U-turn arrow,
    
  • Driving order, straight, left or right,
    

Permissible speeds

The driver should drive at a speed that ensures control of the vehicle and should not make it difficult to stop the vehicle in the event of an obstacle or other threat.

As a driver, you must always be aware of the speed at which you are driving and determine the appropriate speed taking into account:

• driving conditions,
• other people traveling on the road,
• prevailing weather conditions,
• all possible dangers,
• speed limits.

Standard speed limits for motorcycles and cars with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes are:

Undeveloped area

• on the highway – 140 km/h,
• on a dual carriageway expressway - 120 km/h,
• on a single carriageway expressway – 100 km/h,
• on a dual carriageway, two-way road, with two lanes - 100 km/h,
• on a single-lane, two-way road - 90 km/h.

Built-up area

• around the clock – 50 km/h,
• residence zone – 20 km/h.

The speed limits applicable to other vehicles and combinations of vehicles with a trailer are:

Built-up area:

• around the clock – 50 km/h,
• residence zone – 20 km/h.

Undeveloped area:

• on the highway – 80 km/h,
• on a single-lane expressway – 80 km/h,
• on a dual carriageway expressway - 80 km/h,
• on a dual carriageway, two-way road, with two lanes - 80 km/h,
• on a single-lane, two-way road - 70 km/h.

Safe distance and braking

Safe distance

Referring to the Road Traffic Code, the vehicle driver is obliged to:

1. drive at a speed that does not hinder other drivers,
2. brake in a way that does not endanger or impede traffic safety,
3. maintain the distance necessary to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front brakes or stops.

When traveling on a motorway and expressway, the driver is obliged to maintain a minimum distance between the vehicle he is driving and the vehicle in front of him in the same lane. This distance, expressed in meters, is defined as not less than half of the number determining the speed of the vehicle driven by the driver, expressed in kilometers per hour. This provision does not apply during an overtaking maneuver.

Maintaining an appropriate distance between vehicles is one of the most important factors affecting road safety. The greater the distance between the vehicles, the longer the time to react in the event of an unexpected situation and the greater the chances of avoiding a collision.

The average response time is approximately 1 second. This is the time the driver needs to react when he receives information about the need to perform a maneuver. However, the reaction time may be longer, even several times, if the driver's attention is absorbed in something else, e.g. operating the radio or talking to a passenger. Prolonged reaction time is also a natural result of fatigue, drowsiness and poorer well-being.

The three-second rule

When the car in front of us passes a road sign, tree or other stationary reference point, we should count "101, 102, 103". Saying these three numbers calmly corresponds to approximately three seconds. If we do not reach the reference point within this time, it means that we maintain a safe distance of 3 seconds. If we pass it before we say two numbers, we should increase the distance from the car in front of us.

Braking

Braking is an integral part of driving a car. We brake when reaching traffic lights, stopping before a pedestrian crossing, driving in a traffic jam or simply wanting to slow down the vehicle.

Factors influencing braking distance:

• driver skills,
• weather conditions,
• tire grip,
• technical condition of the braking system.

Types of braking:

• normal braking - involving continuous pressure on the brake pedal without turning off the clutch, which turns off in the last phase of braking. The pressure on the pedal should be increased gradually so as to simultaneously brake the vehicle with the engine.
• emergency braking - consisting of pressing the brake pedal vigorously in order to stop the vehicle in the shortest possible time. In the last phase of braking, if possible, press the clutch pedal to prevent the vehicle's engine from stalling.
• pulse braking - consisting of pressing and releasing the pedal with high frequency. This braking reduces the possibility of wheel slippage, especially on slippery surfaces.
• engine braking - involves decelerating by not disengaging the drive system with the accelerator pedal released and in the appropriate gear. This type of braking should be used primarily in mountainous terrain when descending hills.

Towing

Towing - the activity of pulling a motor vehicle by another motor vehicle or a moped using a flexible or rigid connection.

When towing a motorcycle, use a flexible connection that allows easy detachment. The method of connecting other vehicles is to exclude detachment while driving.

A rigid connection may be used for towing, provided that at least one braking system is functional in the towed vehicle, while in a flexible connection both systems must be functional. An efficient braking system is not required in a towed vehicle whose front suspension is based on the mechanical part of the towing vehicle.

Referring to the Road Traffic Code (Chapter 3, Section 9, Article 31), the driver may tow a motor vehicle only provided that:

1. the speed of the towing vehicle does not exceed 30 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h outside this area;
2. the towing vehicle has its dipped headlights on also during periods of sufficient visibility;
3. there is a driver in the towed vehicle who is authorized to drive the vehicle, unless the vehicle is towed in a way that excludes the need to drive it;
4. the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle in a way that prevents it from becoming detached while driving; this does not apply to towing a motorcycle, which should be connected to the towing vehicle with a flexible connection in a way that allows easy detachment;
5. the towed vehicle, with the exception of a motorcycle, is marked on the rear left side with a warning reflective triangle, and its position lights are also on during periods of insufficient visibility; instead of being marked with a reflective triangle, the towed vehicle may send yellow flash signals visible to other road users;
6. in a vehicle towed on a rigid connection, at least one brake system is operational, and in a vehicle towed on a flexible connection - two systems;
7. the distance between vehicles is no more than 3 m for a rigid connection, and from 4 m to 6 m for a flexible connection, and the connection is marked with alternating white and red stripes or equipped with a yellow or red flag; this provision does not apply to towing vehicles of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland.

Towing is prohibited:

1. a vehicle with defective steering or brakes, unless the towing method precludes the need to use them
2. vehicle by means of a flexible connection, if the operation of the braking system in this vehicle depends on the operation of the engine and the engine is stationary;
3. more than one vehicle, except for a articulated vehicle;
4. a vehicle with a trailer (semi-trailer);
5. on a highway, except when towed by vehicles intended to be towed to the next exit or service point.

If a vehicle is towed in a manner that eliminates the need to steer or use the brakes, the actual total weight of the towed vehicle must not exceed the actual total weight of the towing vehicle.

Permissible speeds of the towed vehicle

• Residence zone – 20 km/h
• Built-up area – 30 km/h
• Unbuilt area – 60 km/h
• Expressway – 60 km/h
• Highway – 60 km/h roadside assistance only

Control questions - section IV