In Poland radio-television subscription (RTV) is simply a compulsory fee for radio and tv receiver holders. This work applies not only to household appliances but besides radios in cars. Failure to comply may consequence severe financial penalties.
Obligation to pay RTV subscription for Radio in Car
Under Polish law, each holder of a radio or tv receiver is obliged to pay a subscription fee. This besides applies to radio installed in motor vehicles. In practice, this means that car owners who do not have a registered receiver at home should registry the radio in the vehicle and pay the subscription regularly. Companies with a fleet of vehicles are obliged to pay subscriptions for each radio receiver in their cars.
RTV subscription rates in 2025
In 2025, RTV subscription rates stay at the level of the erstwhile year. The monthly fee for utilizing the radio receiver is PLN 8.70. Discounts are provided for those who decide to charge in advance for a longer period of time:
- 2 months: PLN 16.90
- 3 months: PLN 25.10
- 6 months: PLN 49.60
- 12 months: PLN 94.00
In the case of a tv or radio set, the monthly fee shall be 27.30 zł, with akin discounts at longer word charges. Users who pay a fee for the full year up to 25 January 2025 can benefit from 10% discount.
Penalties for not paying the RTV subscription
Failure to pay a compulsory subscription fee may consequence in a financial penalty. In 2025, the punishment for no radio charge is PLN 261which represents 30 times the monthly fee. In the case of a tv receiver, the punishment shall be PLN 819. Additionally, the Polish Post Office has the right to charge late fees even for 5 years backwhich may lead to crucial amounts to be paid.
Checks carried out by Polish Post
The Polish Post Office is entitled to carry out checks to verify that radio and tv receivers are registered and that the subscription is paid. Checks may cover both households and motor vehicles. The employees of the Polish Post Office, with the appropriate authorizations, can check the presence and operation of the receivers. Where irregularities are found, they may impose financial penalties in accordance with the applicable rules.
Exemptions from the RTV Subscription Payment Obligation
Some social groups are exempted from the work to pay RTV subscriptions. The most crucial are:
- Persons over 75 years of age
- Invalids I groups
- Deaf and blind
- Persons who are 60 years of age and are entitled to a pension whose amount does not exceed 50% of the average salary
- Unemployed
In order to benefit from the exemption, appropriate supporting papers should be provided at the Polish Post Office.
Scheduled Amendments to the Rules
For many years there have been discussions on the liquidation of the RTV subscription. In mid-2024, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage launched a public consultation of the draft fresh media law, which includes the abolition of the subscription and the improvement of the National Broadcasting Council. However, as of today, RTV's subscription remains mandatory and failure to pay the fee may consequence in financial penalties.
The work to pay the RTV subscription applies to all radio and tv receivers, including radio in cars. Failure to comply with this work may lead to severe financial penalties. It is so worth making certain that the receivers are registered and the subscription fees regulated in time to avoid adverse legal and financial consequences.
Read more:
RTV 2025 subscription: Obligations and Penalties for Vehicle Owners
