To obtain a Polish licence it is necessary to pass a Polish driving test and to be resident in Poland for at least 185 days in each calendar year. Applicants may also be required to provide medical certificates confirming that they have no medical or psychological disorders which impede their ability to drive.

Driver's licences issued by other EU countries are valid for use in Poland, but EU citizens have the option of exchanging their licence for a Polish one if they wish to, without having to take a Polish driving test. They must have held an EU citizen's residence card for at least 185 days before applying for the Polish licence.

Polish law requires all drivers to carry their driving licence and civil liability insurance documents (Green Card) with them whenever they are driving. Civil insurance issued in other EU countries is valid in Poland.

It is compulsory to use front and rear seat belts in cars in Poland, and children up to the age of 12 must use special child seats. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless a hands-free set is used. The legal alcohol limit while driving is 0.2 mil. Speed limits include 50 km/h in towns (60 km/h at night-time) and 130 km/h on motorways. Between October and February drivers are required to use day lights on their vehicles during the day.