Driving in Poland vs. Pakistan: Key Differences Explained
When it comes to navigating the roads of Pakistan and Poland, understanding their unique regulations and practices is crucial for safe travels. Key distinctions include driving on opposite sides, varying speed limits, and distinct signaling rules. By familiarizing yourself with these driving nuances, you can enhance your safety and enjoy a smoother journey abroad.
Lanes
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Dividing line for different directions; overtaking not allowed. | Used for temporary markings, such as during road works. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe. |
| Overtaking: On Left | Prohibited | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, allowed on open roads. | Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads. |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes, in major cities | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses during peak hours. | Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' on the road. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Primarily in some urban areas. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols on road. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
pakistan:
Left
poland:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
pakistan:
Dividing line for different directions; overtaking not allowed.
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
pakistan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
pakistan:
Prohibited
poland:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
pakistan:
Yes, allowed on open roads.
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
pakistan:
Use leftmost lane.
poland:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
pakistan:
Yes, in major cities
poland:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
pakistan:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
Bus Lanes: Markings
pakistan:
Labeled 'BUS' with road signs.
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
pakistan:
Limited
poland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
pakistan:
Primarily in some urban areas.
poland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
pakistan:
Bicycle symbols on road.
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
pakistan:
N/A
poland:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
pakistan:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
pakistan:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 20 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-90 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-90 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 km/h | 140 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90-110 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes; fines can be issued on the spot | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation. |
Urban Areas: Standard
pakistan:
40-60 km/h
poland:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
pakistan:
40 km/h
poland:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
pakistan:
80-100 km/h
poland:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
pakistan:
70-90 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
pakistan:
70-90 km/h
poland:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
pakistan:
100-120 km/h
poland:
140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
pakistan:
90-110 km/h
poland:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
pakistan:
80-100 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
pakistan:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
pakistan:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
pakistan:
Yes; fines can be issued on the spot
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.
Signals
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used | Signals a change to green is imminent. |
| Use Of Indicators: Mandatory | Yes, for all turns and lane changes | Yes, for all turns and lane changes. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Only in cases to avoid accidents. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply. |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Used in some rural areas | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English and Urdu; symbols are standard | Polish; symbols are standard. |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Standard warning signs used | Triangular with red border. |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
pakistan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
pakistan:
Not used
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
pakistan:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
pakistan:
Signal when exiting
poland:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
pakistan:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
pakistan:
Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
pakistan:
Fines may apply for misuse
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
pakistan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
pakistan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
pakistan:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
pakistan:
Used in some rural areas
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
pakistan:
English and Urdu; symbols are standard
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
pakistan:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
pakistan:
Standard warning signs used
poland:
Triangular with red border.
Turns
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited unless a sign explicitly allows | Allowed only if a green arrow is present. |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | Varies by location; check for signs. |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
pakistan:
Prohibited unless a sign explicitly allows
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
Left Turn: General
pakistan:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
pakistan:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
pakistan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
pakistan:
Yes, marked with arrows
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
pakistan:
Prohibited
poland:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted with International Driving Permit. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Varies by province; proof may be required | Mandatory every year. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Usually not required | Displayed on windshield. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory but recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
Driver's License: Requirement
pakistan:
Valid driver's license required
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
pakistan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
pakistan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
Insurance
pakistan:
Liability insurance mandatory
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
pakistan:
Varies by province; proof may be required
poland:
Mandatory every year.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
pakistan:
Usually not required
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
pakistan:
Not mandatory but recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
pakistan:
Not mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Road Etiquette
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Commonly used in urban areas | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use compared to some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
pakistan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
pakistan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
pakistan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
pakistan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
pakistan:
Commonly used in urban areas
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
pakistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
pakistan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
pakistan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
pakistan:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints used | Common; checkpoints used frequently. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies; can be substantial | Varies; can be substantial. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Can result in fines and legal action | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
pakistan:
0.00%
poland:
0.02%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
pakistan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
pakistan:
Check if medication affects driving ability
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
pakistan:
Common; checkpoints used
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
Enforcement: Fines
pakistan:
Varies; can be substantial
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
pakistan:
Possible for severe offenses
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
pakistan:
Can result in fines and legal action
poland:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
pakistan:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
pakistan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
pakistan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
pakistan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
pakistan:
Use for first exit or straight
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
pakistan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 115 (Rescue 1122 for paramedics) | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 15 for assistance | 997 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or AA Pakistan | 981 or through your insurance provider. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
Contact: General Emergency
pakistan:
115 (Rescue 1122 for paramedics)
poland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
pakistan:
15 for assistance
poland:
997
Contact: Roadside Assistance
pakistan:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Pakistan
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
pakistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
pakistan:
Not mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Penalties And Fines
| Pakistan | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; possible impoundment of vehicle | Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Strict penalties, including imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fine if not worn where mandatory | Mandatory, fines apply. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply | Fines apply for use without hands-free device. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and possible license points | Fines and license points apply. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; fines can be paid on the spot | Rare; usually paid online or by mail. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay | Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay. |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
pakistan:
Varies; possible impoundment of vehicle
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
Common Fines: Alcohol
pakistan:
Strict penalties, including imprisonment
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
pakistan:
Fine if not worn where mandatory
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
Common Fines: Phone Use
pakistan:
Fines apply
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
pakistan:
Fines and possible license points
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
Payment: On The Spot
pakistan:
Yes; fines can be paid on the spot
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
Payment: Deadline
pakistan:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
pakistan:
Same as residents; must be paid
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
pakistan:
Possible if fines are not paid
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.