Driving in Poland vs. South Korea: Key Safety Differences
When driving abroad, understanding the unique road regulations is crucial for ensuring safety. In this comparison between Poland and South Korea, key distinctions emerge, such as speed limits, lane usage, and signaling methods. Familiarizing yourself with these variances will help you navigate the roads more confidently and responsibly in each country.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in poland is the Right Side of the road
81
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in poland is 81
1.551 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for poland is 1.551 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Used for temporary markings, such as during road works. | Marks the centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads. | Allowed on multi-lane roads | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified. | Reserved for buses during specified hours. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' on the road. | Often marked with blue lines, labeled 'BUS'. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | Yes | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | Minimum two or more occupants | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | N/A |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
south korea:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
south korea:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
south korea:
Allowed on multi-lane roads
Bus Lanes: Usage
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
south korea:
Reserved for buses during specified hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
south korea:
Often marked with blue lines, labeled 'BUS'.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
poland:
No
south korea:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
poland:
N/A
south korea:
Minimum two or more occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
poland:
Yes
south korea:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
south korea:
N/A
Speeds Limits
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 140 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 100-110 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | N/A | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation. | Yes |
Urban Areas: Standard
poland:
50 km/h
south korea:
60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
poland:
20 km/h
south korea:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
poland:
90 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
poland:
80 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
poland:
70 km/h
south korea:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
poland:
140 km/h
south korea:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
poland:
100 km/h
south korea:
100-110 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
poland:
80 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
poland:
Yes
south korea:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
south korea:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.
south korea:
Yes
Signals
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Signals a change to green is imminent. | Not used in South Korea | |
| 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; local ordinances may apply. | 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 | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Polish; symbols are standard. | Korean; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with red border. | Diamond-shaped with yellow or orange background |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
south korea:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
south korea:
Not used in South Korea
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
south korea:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
poland:
Signal when exiting.
south korea:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Allowed
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
south korea:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
south korea:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
south korea:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
south korea:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
south korea:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
south korea:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
south korea:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
south korea:
Korean; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Priority
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
south korea:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
Traffic Signs: Warning
poland:
Triangular with red border.
south korea:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or orange background
Turns
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| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Allowed only if a green arrow is present. | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | |
| 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 | Varies by location; check for signs. | Allowed unless prohibited by signs | |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows. | Yes, marked with arrows | |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited. | Prohibited |
Right Turn On Red
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
south korea:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
Left Turn: General
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
south korea:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Left Turn: At Intersections
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
south korea:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
U- Turns Allowed
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
south korea:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
Special Turn Lanes
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
south korea:
Yes, marked with arrows
Overtaking While Turning
poland:
Prohibited.
south korea:
Prohibited
Documentation
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| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required. | Valid driver's license required | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted with International Driving Permit | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit. | Accepted with International Driving Permit | |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory. | Liability insurance mandatory | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Mandatory every year. | Mandatory; proof must be displayed | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield. | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory. | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory. | Recommended but not mandatory |
Driver's License: Requirement
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
south korea:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Insurance
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
south korea:
Liability insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
poland:
Mandatory every year.
south korea:
Mandatory; proof must be displayed
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
south korea:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
poland:
Mandatory.
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
poland:
Mandatory.
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory
Road Etiquette
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Only in emergency situations. | Only in emergency situations | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less 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 right 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
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
south korea:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
south korea:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
south korea:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
south korea:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
south korea:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
south korea:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
south korea:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
south korea:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
south korea:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
When driving abroad, understanding the unique road regulations is crucial for ensuring safety. In this comparison between Poland and South Korea, key distinctions emerge, such as speed limits, lane usage, and signaling methods. Familiarizing yourself with these variances will help you navigate the roads more confidently and responsibly in each country.
Alcohol
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.02% | 0.05% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.00%; zero tolerance | |
| 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 frequently. | Common; sobriety checkpoints frequently used | |
| 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 license suspension. | Can result in license suspension and fines |
Limits: General Drivers
poland:
0.02%
south korea:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
poland:
0.00%
south korea:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
poland:
0.00%
south korea:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
south korea:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
south korea:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
south korea:
Common; sobriety checkpoints frequently used
Enforcement: Fines
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
south korea:
Varies; can be substantial
Enforcement: Imprisonment
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
south korea:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
poland:
Can result in license suspension.
south korea:
Can result in license suspension and fines
Roundabouts
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
south korea:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
south korea:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
south korea:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
south korea:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
south korea:
Use for first exit or straight
Lane Usage: Left
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
south korea:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 997 | Varies; often part of the general emergency network | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | 981 or through your insurance provider. | Check with your insurance provider | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory. | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory. | Recommended but not mandatory |
Contact: Traffic Police
poland:
997
south korea:
Varies; often part of the general emergency network
Contact: Roadside Assistance
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
south korea:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
poland:
Mandatory.
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
poland:
Mandatory.
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory
Penalties And Fines
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Poland | South korea | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles. | Varies; fines and license points given | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory, fines apply. | Fines and license points given | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply for use without hands-free device. | Fines and license points given | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and license points apply. | Fines and license points given | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Rare; usually paid online or by mail. | Yes | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay. | Varies; typically 30 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
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
south korea:
Varies; fines and license points given
Common Fines: Alcohol
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
south korea:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Phone Use
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Payment: On The Spot
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
south korea:
Yes
Payment: Deadline
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
south korea:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
Foreign Drivers: Fines
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
south korea:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.
south korea:
Possible if fines are not paid