A recent amendment to the Code of Petty Offenses mandates protective helmets for riders under 16, shifting legal responsibility and potential fines onto parents and guardians for non-compliance.
Liability for Guardians
The amendment introduces a provision under which the person responsible for the care or supervision of a minor is held accountable if the child rides without a required helmet. This offense carries a fine of up to 100 Polish zlotys.
If a child is found riding without a helmet while unsupervised, police will document the minor’s details and contact the legal guardian to perform further investigative procedures. Depending on the circumstances, the case may result in a formal warning, a fine, or a referral to court.
New Regulations for Child Transport
The updated Road Traffic Law introduces detailed regulations for carrying children on bicycles and in trailers. Generally, children under seven must wear a helmet that meets technical requirements and be transported in an appropriate, secure seat.
Exceptions to the helmet requirement for children under seven apply when the child is in a safety seat or a factory-equipped bicycle or trailer designed to transport people with built-in seatbelts that preclude the use of a helmet.
Surging Accident Statistics
Data from the Motor Transport Institute (ITS) highlights a significant rise in accidents involving children on e-scooters. In 2024 alone, such accidents increased by 84 percent compared to the previous year, while fatalities linked to e-scooters rose from 3 to 11 between 2022 and 2025.
Research indicates that helmet use reduces fatal head injuries by over 70 percent for cyclists and over 40 percent for e-scooter users. Public support for mandatory helmets for children is high, reaching 80 percent among Polish citizens.
