# The most common offenses of Polish drivers - what sins do we commit on the road and what are the risks for them?
Traffic violations are usually the result of distraction, rush or ignorance of the driver. Unfortunately, while driving, we also often sin with aggression, recklessness and excessive faith in our own abilities. What penalties can we expect if the most common traffic offenses are committed? For more at [Wulkanizacja 24h](https://www.megahol.pl/)
The most common sin of Polish drivers - exceeding the speed limit
For years, Poland has been at the forefront of European countries with the largest number of road incidents, so when driving, it is worth remembering about full concentration, observing the provisions of the Highway Code and maintaining safety while driving. The most common offense for which Polish drivers are punished is exceeding the speed limit. The penalties imposed in Poland for speeding are relatively low compared to other European countries, which is why Polish drivers like to drive fast, regardless of the consequences.
However, it is difficult to say whether exceeding the legal limits is the most frequently detected road offense in Poland due to the passion of drivers for speed, or because it is recorded not only by traffic police officers but also by automatic speed recorders - belonging to municipal and city guards and the Inspectorate Road Transport.

The amount of penalties that a driver may receive for exceeding the permitted speed is strictly regulated by the tariff:
• up to 10 km / h - a fine of PLN 50 and 0 penalty points,
• from 11-20 km / h - a penalty in the range from 50 to 100 PLN and 2 penalty points,
• from 21-30 km / h - a fine from PLN 100 to 200 and 4 penalty points,
• from 31-40 km / h - financial penalty from 200 to 300 PLN and 6 penalty points,
• from 41-50 km / h - fine in the amount of PLN 300-400 and 8 penalty points,
• by 51 km / h and more - a fine of 400 to 500 zlotys and 10 penalty points.
To sum up, the tariff provides for a maximum fine of PLN 500 and 10 penalty points in the event of a significant speed violation. However, in the case of the most gross offenses, i.e. exceeding the speed limit in built-up areas by more than 50 km / h, the driver will be deprived of his driving license for a period of 3 months. The policeman keeps the document at the scene of the incident, while the starosta issues an administrative decision that is immediately enforceable. The exception is the situation of greater necessity regulated by law, during which there is, inter alia, a direct threat to the life of the transported person. For more at [Holowanie TIR](https://www.megahol.pl/)

Contrary to foreign ones, the Polish tariff does not distinguish between the amount of fines depending on speeding in built-up and undeveloped areas. The only difference is the fact that exceeding the speed in built-up areas above 50 km / h results in the temporary withdrawal of driving license.
Using a mobile phone while driving
Regardless of whether we reach for the phone while driving to set navigation, send messages, make calls or use social networking sites, it is one of the most dangerous habits of modern drivers. The driver's involvement in the use of a telephone, smartphone or other mobile device distracts the driver and poses a real threat to himself and other road users. The Polish tariff provides a very low penalty for committing this type of offense, a fine of PLN 200 and 5 penalty points.
Driving without seat belts
A very common offense committed by Polish drivers is also driving without fastened seat belts. The drivers most often hide their problems with the inconvenience or short travel time. It is worth remembering that the risk of an accident does not depend in any way on the length of the traveled route and it may happen that we take part in a serious collision. According to the research, the use of seat belts reduces the risk of death in an accident by up to half (depending on the institution conducting the research, this value ranges from 40 - 60%).
The tariff foresees a fine of PLN 100 and 2 penalty points for a driver traveling without seat belts fastened. If the passenger has not fastened his seat belts, the fine will be imposed on him and the driver, even if the passenger was wearing seat belts. In accordance with Polish regulations, the driver is responsible for transporting passengers contrary to the provisions on seat belts. In this case, a fine of PLN 100 will be imposed on the passenger, PLN 100 on the driver and up to 4 points. In justified cases, the police officer may refrain from punishing the driver (when the driver ordered the passenger to fasten the seat belts, and the passenger refused to do so). For more at [Ciężarowa Pomoc Drogowa](https://www.megahol.pl/)