Vehicle Towing Rules in Poland — What Does the Law Say?

Vehicle Towing Rules in Poland — What Does the Law Say?

A breakdown on the highway, a fender bender at an intersection, a dead battery in an electric vehicle — situations that require moving a disabled car happen to thousands of drivers every year in Poland. Before you hook up a tow rope and set off, though, you need to understand the regulations. We've seen drivers get fined, damage their gearbox, or cause a second accident — all because they didn't know the rules.

Here's what the law actually says, and when the only sensible move is to call a professional flatbed tow truck.

Legal Framework — Polish Road Traffic Act, Article 31

The primary legislation governing vehicle towing in Poland is the Act of 20 June 1997 — Road Traffic Law (Prawo o ruchu drogowym), specifically Article 31 and related executive regulations. The key rules:

1. Towing is permitted only when a vehicle has broken down or been damaged in a way that prevents it from driving further.
2. The towing vehicle must have its dipped headlights on at all times.
3. The towed vehicle must have its hazard lights on (if the electrical system works) or display a red warning triangle at the rear.
4. Maximum speed during towing: 30 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h outside built-up areas.
5. On motorways and expressways, towing is permitted only to the nearest exit or motorway service area.
6. The driver of the towed vehicle must hold a valid driving licence of the appropriate category.

These rules apply equally to Polish and foreign drivers — if you're visiting or living in Poland with a foreign licence, they're just as important for you.

When Is Towing Allowed?

Mechanical Breakdown

The most common reason. This includes engine failure, gearbox issues, brake system problems, suspension damage, or electrical faults. Crucially, the steering and braking systems of the towed vehicle must be working — otherwise, rope or rigid-bar towing is prohibited, and a flatbed is required.

After an Accident or Collision

If a vehicle can't be driven after a crash, police may order its removal from the road. In such cases a flatbed tow truck is usually called. If the accident was caused by another driver, the towing costs may be covered by their liability insurance — see our full guide on claiming towing from the at-fault driver's insurance.

Running Out of Fuel

It happens to the best of us — and yes, the law allows towing a vehicle that has run out of fuel. Just remember that modern diesel engines may need the fuel system bled after running dry.

Dead Battery

Primarily relevant for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. For conventional cars, a jump-start from another vehicle usually does the job.

When Is Towing Prohibited or Restricted?

Faulty Brakes or Steering

If the towed vehicle's brakes don't work, towing with a rope is forbidden. Rigid-bar towing is allowed only if the weight of the towed vehicle doesn't exceed the weight of the towing vehicle. In most cases, a flatbed is the only safe choice.

Vehicles with Automatic Transmissions

One of the most common and costly mistakes we see. Towing an automatic on a rope or bar with its drive wheels on the road can cause serious transmission damage. When the engine is off, the oil pump inside the gearbox isn't running, leading to overheating and seizure of internal components. Most manufacturers allow towing automatics only for short distances (up to 30–50 km) at no more than 50 km/h — but a flatbed is always the safest option. We towed a Golf DSG off the A4 near Kraków last month where the owner had tried rope-towing it 80 km — the repair bill was over PLN 12,000.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Fully electric vehicles (BEVs) must not be towed with their drive wheels on the road. The spinning wheels generate electricity in the motor, which can damage the power electronics and battery. The only safe method is a flatbed.

Motorcycles

Towing motorcycles is prohibited under Polish law. A motorcycle must be transported on a trailer or flatbed.

Multiple Vehicles

You can't tow two or more vehicles simultaneously. One towing vehicle may pull only one towed vehicle.

Motorways and Expressways

Towing on motorways and expressways is permitted only to the nearest exit or service area. Driving a towed vehicle along an entire motorway stretch is illegal and will get you fined.

Required Markings and Signals

Proper marking of the towing assembly is mandatory and directly affects safety:

• Towing vehicle: dipped headlights on (even during the day), working brake lights and indicators.
• Towed vehicle: hazard warning lights on; if these don't work, a red warning triangle must be attached to the rear.
• Tow rope or bar: the rope must be 4 to 6 metres long and marked with a red or red-and-white flag or reflective tape to make it visible to other drivers.
• Speed limits: 30 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h outside (including motorways, where towing is to the nearest exit only).

Tow Rope vs Rigid Bar vs Flatbed

Tow Rope

The cheapest and most readily available method. Requires working brakes and steering in the towed vehicle. The driver of the towed car must actively brake and steer. Not suitable for automatics, electric vehicles, or vehicles with faulty brakes.

Rigid Tow Bar

Safer than a rope because there's no risk of the towed vehicle rear-ending the towing vehicle. Allows towing a vehicle with faulty brakes (provided the towed vehicle weighs no more than the towing vehicle). Requires specialist equipment not standard in most cars. Not suitable for electric vehicles or long-distance automatic-transmission towing.

Flatbed Tow Truck

The safest method — the vehicle is fully secured on a platform. The only option for electric vehicles, automatics, vehicles with faulty brakes, or heavily damaged cars. Works for any distance, including motorway transport. Check the current pricing to see what it costs.

Fines for Incorrect Towing

Violating towing rules can result in significant penalties:

If an accident occurs during improper towing, the consequences are far more serious — including criminal liability and personal financial responsibility if the insurer refuses to pay out.

Documents You Need When Towing

Before you start towing, make sure you have:

• Driving licence — both the driver of the towing vehicle and the driver of the towed vehicle must have a valid licence.
• Vehicle registration certificates for both vehicles.
• Third-party liability insurance (OC) — both vehicles must be insured. Towing doesn't exempt you from the insurance requirement.
• Assistance insurance details — many OC and comprehensive (AC) policies include roadside assistance with towing. Check your policy before paying out of pocket.
• At-fault driver's policy number — if the towing results from a collision caused by another driver, you can recover costs from their liability insurance.

When to Call Professional Roadside Assistance Instead

Self-towing works in many situations, but there are cases where calling a professional flatbed is the only sensible choice:

1. Automatic transmission — the risk of gearbox damage is too high.
2. Electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle — towing with wheels on the road can destroy the electric motor.
3. Faulty brakes or steering — rope towing is illegal; bar towing requires specialist gear.
4. Severe crash damage — the vehicle may be unstable.
5. Long distance — towing 100+ km on a rope is exhausting, risky and fuel-hungry.
6. Motorway or expressway — towing is allowed only to the nearest exit; a flatbed can take the car to its final destination.
7. No experience — if you've never towed before, a busy road isn't the place to learn.
8. Night or adverse weather — reduced visibility increases accident risk.

A professional flatbed tow truck is often the safest and — considering the risk of damage — the most cost-effective solution. Check our pricing page for rates. And if your breakdown was caused by another driver, towing may be free — learn more about claiming from the at-fault driver's insurance.

The Key Takeaways

Towing a vehicle in Poland is governed by clear regulations:

• Towing is permitted only for breakdowns or damage — not for regular transport.
• Mandatory markings: hazard lights or warning triangle, marked tow rope.
• Speed limits: 30 km/h in town, 60 km/h outside.
• Both vehicles must have valid insurance and drivers with licences.
• Automatics, electric vehicles, and motorcycles — flatbed only.
• On motorways — towing only to the nearest exit.

Following these rules protects you from fines, penalty points and — most importantly — from accidents. When in doubt, call a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I tow a car with an automatic transmission using a rope?

Technically it's possible over very short distances (up to 30 km) at speeds below 50 km/h, but we strongly advise against it. Without the engine running, the gearbox oil pump is inactive, which means the transmission runs without lubrication and can overheat or seize. The safest option is always a flatbed.

2. How much does professional towing cost in Poland?

The price depends on distance, time of day and vehicle type. Expect to pay from about 200–300 PLN (roughly EUR 45–70) for a short-distance city tow. Detailed rates are available on our pricing page. If the breakdown was caused by another driver, their insurance covers the cost — read about claiming from the at-fault driver's OC.

3. Do I need a special licence to tow a vehicle in Poland?

No — a standard category B licence is sufficient, provided both vehicles fall within the weight limits for that category. The driver sitting in the towed vehicle must also hold a valid licence.

4. What's the penalty for towing without a warning triangle?

Failure to mark the towed vehicle properly is an offence punishable by a fine of 200–500 PLN and 2–4 penalty points. If a collision occurs because the towing assembly wasn't visible, you bear full liability.

5. Can I tow an electric car on a rope?

No. Fully electric vehicles must not be towed with their drive wheels on the road. The spinning wheels generate current in the electric motor, potentially damaging the power electronics and battery pack. The only safe method is a flatbed tow truck. Some models have a dedicated transport mode — check your vehicle's owner manual.