Poland Introduces Mandatory Registration and Inspections for Foreign-Registered Vehicles After 12 Months

Updated Regulations for Vehicles Registered Outside the EU in Poland

According to Radiotrek — Світ: Poland is set to revise its regulations concerning cars registered outside the European Union, impacting many Ukrainian drivers with vehicles bearing Ukrainian license plates. Under the proposed changes, any vehicle staying in Poland for more than 12 months from the date of border crossing will be required to undergo local registration.

Requirements for Foreign Residents

Foreign nationals granted permanent residency in Poland will have a 30-day window to register their vehicles. Following registration, owners must secure insurance and complete a technical inspection according to Polish standards. Authorities will enforce these rules strictly, with penalties including:

• removal of the vehicle from public roads;
• confiscation of foreign registration documents.

The legislative proposal, known as Project UC95, is scheduled for review by the Permanent Committee of the Council of Ministers. The exact date when these regulations will take effect remains unspecified. This update was confirmed by Dariusz Klimczak. The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 7:30 PM.

These adjustments to Poland’s vehicle policies could significantly affect Ukrainian citizens residing or planning to stay in the country. While the new rules might streamline the legalization process for foreign-registered cars, they also introduce stricter obligations for vehicle owners. This move reflects Poland’s broader efforts to tighten control over vehicles within its borders, aligning with national security and traffic management objectives.