Poland is introducing new regulations requiring riders under 16 to wear helmets, with parents and legal guardians held accountable for enforcement through potential fines of up to 100 PLN.
Legal Responsibility and Penalties
The amendment to the Code of Petty Offenses mandates that caregivers are responsible for ensuring minors wear helmets while riding. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to 100 PLN.
Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak stated the change aims to minimize severe head injuries and fatalities. Police will document cases of children riding without helmets, identifying legal guardians to determine if a warning, fine, or court referral is warranted.
New Provisions for Child Transportation
The updated Road Traffic Act regulates how children are transported on bicycles and in trailers. Generally, children under seven must wear helmets when in bike seats or trailers, with specific design-based exceptions for equipment featuring factory-installed safety belts.
Promoting Safety Culture
The ministry has ordered 65,000 helmets for fourth-grade students across Poland to support the initiative. Officials urge adults to set a positive example by wearing helmets themselves, noting that research indicates helmets significantly reduce the risk of fatal head injuries for both cyclists and e-scooter users.
Surge in E-Scooter Incidents
According to the Motor Transport Institute (ITS), accidents involving children on e-scooters rose by 84 percent in 2024. Data shows total e-scooter accidents in Poland increased from 543 in 2022 to 1,158 in 2025, with a significant rise in both fatalities and serious injuries.
