The matter has been controversial for years. As reported by muratorplus.pl:
(...) Poczta Polska has been obliged to check whether Poles have registered their televisions and radios, as well as whether they pay the TV and radio licence fee for them.
Who does not have to pay the licence fee?
Here is a list of people who have no reason to worry about inspections:
- people over the age of 75;
- people with a significant degree of disability, completely unable to work or holding a first-group disability certificate;
- war veterans, military invalids and people persecuted during the Polish People's Republic.
The others face substantial penalties for failing to pay the licence fee.
Are we obliged to let the inspector in?
No. As we read on gazeta.pl:
Even if an inspector knocks on the door of our apartment or car, we do not have to agree to an inspection. Refusal does not result in any consequences. An inspector also cannot impose any penalty on the basis of a refusal.
The portal adds:
A penalty cannot be imposed either when an official notices “through the window” a radio receiver in a car or an antenna on a balcony or roof. For an inspection to be valid, the official must check the device’s technical condition—that is, switch it on and check whether it receives a broadcast.
If such a penalty is nevertheless imposed on us, we may appeal the decision to the Ministry of Infrastructure. Details at gazeta.pl.