Polish singer Ryszard Rynkowski has been formally charged with drunk driving after a roadside breath test in Żmijewko on 14 June 2025.
Indictment filed against Ryszard Rynkowski
The Toruń District Prosecutor’s Office announced on 2 October that the Prosecutor of the Brodnica District Court had sent the indictment to the Brodnica District Court on 30 September. The indictment, released with the singer’s consent to publish his name, concerns an incident that took place on 14 June 2025 in Żmijewko, Brodnica County. Rynkowski was driving a private car while impaired by alcohol.
Potential penalties
The prosecutor disclosed the singer’s breath‑test results: 0.753 mg/l, 0.784 mg/l, 0.707 mg/l and 0.784 mg/l, indicating an estimated blood alcohol level of about 1.5 ‰. Under Article 178a(1) of the Polish Penal Code, the offence carries a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment. The indictment also recommends a mandatory driving ban for a period of one to fifteen years and a monetary contribution to the Victims’ Assistance and Post‑Prison Assistance Fund ranging from 5,000 zł to 60,000 zł.
Background of Ryszard Rynkowski
Ryszard Rynkowski was born on 3 October 1951. He is a singer, composer, pianist, vocalist and actor. From 1978 to 1987 he was the vocalist of the band Vox, and since 1987 he has performed as a solo artist. He won the National Polish Song Festival in Opole several times – in 1979, 1989, 1990 and 1994 – and appeared in the 16.12.1981 production directed by Łukasz Kobiela, staged to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the “Wujek” coal mine’s liquidation in Katowice.
