Poland’s Prosecutor General has issued new guidelines to strengthen prosecution of drivers who ignore court bans or drive after license revocation.
New Guidelines Target Specific Crimes
On March 5, 2026, Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek issued directives for prosecutors handling violations of court driving bans (Art. 244 Criminal Code) and driving after license revocation (Art. 180a Criminal Code). The move aims to standardize prosecution, eliminate inconsistencies, and enhance state response against repeat offenders.
Unified Prosecution Process
Prosecutors must now check for existing similar cases against the same offender and seek their consolidation. Broader suspect data collection is mandated, including prior traffic violations, central driver registry records, and personal circumstances influencing probation or trial waiver decisions. Previous court orders and driving ban rulings must be attached to case files.
Stricter Penalties for Repeat Offenders
Guidelines demand harsher penalties, especially for those with prior lifetime or multiple vehicle bans or prior Art. 244 convictions. Suspended prison sentences should only be sought exceptionally. Concurrent offenses against traffic safety typically warrant unconditional prison terms. Asset seizure is emphasized to ensure future penalty enforcement, with vehicles subject to forfeiture not returned to suspects.
Enhanced Public Communication
Procurator Anna Adamiak stressed the need for public transparency in high-interest cases, informing society about offender identification, measures taken, and penalties imposed. This aims to reinforce public trust in the law and deter potential offenders.
