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Low Emission Zones in Poland

2 Low Emission Zones

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Overview

Poland operates two Clean Transport Zones (Strefy Czystego Transportu, SCT) in its largest cities: Krakow and Warsaw. These zones restrict access to vehicles that do not meet minimum Euro emission standards, with the goal of improving air quality in urban centres.

Warsaw launched the first SCT in Poland on July 1, 2024, covering most of the city centre and parts of surrounding districts. Krakow's SCT took effect on January 1, 2026, covering roughly the area within the city's fourth ring road. Both zones are enforced through ANPR camera systems and require foreign-registered vehicles to register before entry.

Regulations

Each Polish SCT has its own specific emission requirements that differ by fuel type and vehicle category:

Krakow SCT (from January 1, 2026): Passenger cars and vans up to 3.5 tonnes require Euro 4 for petrol (from model year 2005) and Euro 6 for diesel (from model year 2014). Heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes follow the same Euro standards. Krakow residents who owned their vehicles before the regulation took effect receive an indefinite exemption after registering in the SCT system. Non-compliant, non-resident vehicles may enter by paying hourly or daily fees during a 3-year transition period (2026–2028).

Warsaw SCT (second phase from January 1, 2026): Petrol vehicles (including LPG) must be no older than 26 years or meet at least Euro 3. Diesel vehicles must be no older than 17 years or meet at least Euro 5. Registered Warsaw residents who pay taxes in the capital are exempt for the first 3.5 years.

All foreign-registered vehicles must register before their first entry into either zone. Electric, hydrogen, and historic vehicles are exempt in both cities.

Who must comply

The SCT restrictions apply to all motor vehicles including passenger cars, vans, trucks, and buses. Specific requirements vary by zone and vehicle type.

Zones — 2

Krakow SCT
Krakow SCT
Warsaw SCT
Warsaw SCT

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a sticker or registration for the Polish SCT?
Vehicles with Polish registration plates that meet the requirements do not need any sticker or registration — they are automatically verified. Foreign-registered vehicles must register online before entering either zone. In Warsaw, exempt vehicles can apply for a sticker online or at the city roads office.
What are the fines for entering a Polish SCT without meeting the requirements?
In Warsaw, the fine for entering the SCT without meeting the requirements is up to 500 PLN. In Krakow, during the transition period (2026–2028), non-compliant vehicles from outside the city may enter by paying hourly (2.50 PLN/h) or daily fees (5 PLN/day in 2026, 15 PLN/day in 2027).
Are Krakow residents exempt from the SCT?
Krakow residents who are owners, co-owners, or long-term users (leasing, company cars) of vehicles acquired before the regulation took effect receive an indefinite exemption, regardless of the vehicle's emission standard, after registering in the SCT management system.
How large are the SCT zones?
The Warsaw SCT covers approximately 37 km², about 7% of the city's area, centred on the city centre. The Krakow SCT covers roughly the area within the fourth ring road, about half the city's area. The boundary streets themselves are outside the restricted zones in both cities.
Are Warsaw residents exempt from the SCT requirements?
Registered Warsaw residents who are domiciled and pay income taxes in the capital are exempt from SCT requirements for the first 3.5 years from the zone's introduction. Persons aged 70 or older (born before December 31, 1953) are also exempt. After the exemption period, all vehicles must comply.

Check your vehicle compliance

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