A particularly significant change concerns railway crossings. From 15 September 2026, municipal and local police officers may issue fines for certain particularly dangerous behaviour at crossings. The new regulations respond to the need for a more effective response to cases of disregard for safety rules on the tracks.

Recently, there was renewed publicity about drivers and other road users who ignore red lights or barriers, or enter a crossing without being able to leave it safely. Tragic incidents at railway crossings show how serious the consequences of such behaviour can be.

An officer may punish a person who:

  • drives around lowered barriers or half-barriers,
  • enters a crossing while the barriers are being lowered or before they have finished rising,
  • walks or drives onto a crossing when a red, flashing red, or two alternating flashing red signals are displayed,
  • enters a crossing when there is no room on the other side to continue driving.

For offences specified in Article 97a of the Code of Petty Offences, the fine is at least PLN 2,000, while in fine proceedings it may reach PLN 3,000.

Fine for failing to follow an officer’s instruction

The new regulations also allow officers to issue a fine for the offence specified in Article 65a of the Code of Petty Offences. This concerns wilfully failing to comply with a lawful instruction issued by an officer, if this makes it impossible or significantly hinders the performance of official duties.

In such a case, the fine may amount to up to PLN 500.

Officers may penalise the sale of energy drinks to minors

The extension of powers also covers provisions concerning the sale of drinks containing caffeine or taurine to people under 18.

Officers may issue fines for violating this ban, as well as for certain violations related to the obligation to apply child protection standards.

New powers also concern animals and environmental protection

From 15 September, officers may also independently issue fines for selected offences related, among other things, to:

  • the mandatory vaccination of dogs against rabies,
  • requirements concerning the movement of companion animals,
  • air protection regulations and local anti-smog restrictions,
  • violations of the ban on photographing designated facilities covered by such a ban.

The new regulations do not, however, mean the return of speed cameras to the municipal police. Officers still do not have the power to conduct speed checks using speed cameras.

The new regulations have been in force since 15 September 2026. This means that municipal and local police officers may already use the expanded catalogue of fine-related powers.