Running a red light at a level crossing will cost Polish drivers their licence for 3 months

Poland's Sejm has almost unanimously passed rules that suspend a driver's licence for three months for entering a level crossing on red or when the barriers are down. The Senate is next.

On Friday the Sejm passed changes to level-crossing safety rules. 422 MPs voted in favour, 5 against and 2 abstained.

The change follows several very dangerous accidents at level crossings. At present, drivers do not lose their licence for entering a crossing on red.

What costs you your licence

Drivers will lose their licence for three months for driving around lowered or lowering barriers or half-barriers, or entering before the barriers are fully raised. The same applies to entering on a red light, a flashing red light or two alternating red lights, and to entering when there is no room to clear the tracks on the other side.

Fines and points stay

These offences currently carry a PLN 2,000 fine (PLN 4,000 for repeat offences) and 15 penalty points. Those penalties remain, and the licence suspension is added on top.

What's next

The Senate will now consider the bill before it goes to the president for signature. The rules take effect 14 days after publication.

The "Bezpieczny Przejazd" (Safe Crossing) campaign points out that a speeding train may need a braking distance of up to thirteen football pitches.

Source: Auto Świat (9 Oct 2026)