In Poland, Ukrainians will be required to undergo technical inspection of passenger cars

Changes are being prepared in Poland that may affect owners of cars with Ukrainian registration. This concerns the introduction of mandatory technical inspection for vehicles from outside the European Union, including Ukraine. Currently, there is no such requirement for Ukrainian plates in the country. This is reported by inpoland.net.pl.

Today, Poland has no right to demand a technical inspection from cars from Ukraine, as mandatory technical control in Ukraine was canceled back in 2011. Moreover, the country adheres to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, ratified in 1984, which prohibits imposing requirements on foreigners that do not apply in their state of registration. At the same time, Polish cars over five years old undergo technical inspection annually.

Technical inspection of cars with Ukrainian plates: what changes are wanted

According to Polish media, the Ministry of Infrastructure is considering the possibility of introducing new rules for transport from countries outside the EU. This concerns the mandatory technical inspection for cars that have been in Poland for a long time.

In particular, it is proposed to:

• require technical inspection for cars from outside the EU
• introduce requirements for vehicles that are used in the country on a permanent basis
• in many cases, require registration of the vehicle in Poland.

Registration and inspection of cars: who may be affected

According to preliminary developments, vehicles from countries outside the EU that have been in Poland for at least a year will have to be re-registered with Polish license plates. After this, they will be subject to general rules, including mandatory periodic technical inspections.

The exact timing of the new requirements coming into effect and the final format of the changes have not yet been determined.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Development of Ukraine has also planned to implement technical inspections for all passenger cars in 2026.