In Poland, crucial changes concerning holders are coming unlimited driving licences. Under the fresh rules, all drivers holding specified papers will be required to exchange them for driving licences with a specified period of validity. This process will begin January 19, 2028 and will last until January 18, 2033. It is estimated that this work concerns about 15 million Polish drivers.
Why is there an work to exchange unlimited driving licences?
Unlimited driving licences were issued before January 18, 2013. Since then, fresh standards and safeguards have been introduced in papers aimed at expanding safety and harmonising the system. fresh driving licences shall have a maximum validity period 15 years for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, B+E and 5 years for another categories. Regular exchange of papers allows you to update data and verify driver rights.
Who is required to exchange?
The work to exchange applies to all holders of unlimited driving licences issued before January 18, 2013. These drivers must apply for a fresh paper during the period from January 19, 2028 au January 18, 2033. After this deadline, the usage of a invalid driving licence will be treated as an offence and may consequence in legal consequences.
How is the exchange of driving licences going?
In order to replace an unlimited driving licence, it is essential to:
- Request – an application for a fresh driving licence may be submitted to the city or municipality liable for the check-in.
- Attach the required documents – current 35×45 mm picture, existing driving licence and confirmation of the fresh document.
- Make a fee – the cost of issuing a fresh driving licence is PLN 100.50.
- Waiting for a paper to be issued – the waiting time is usually up to 30 days.
It is worth noting that if you have the right to drive vehicles of categories C, C+E, D, D+E, you may request to present current medical examinations confirming the absence of contraindications to drive.
Consequences of non-replacement
Drivers who do not exchange an unlimited driving licence within the prescribed time limit shall be liable to:
- Criminal term – driving without a valid paper may consequence in a mandate being imposed.
- Insurance problems – in the event of a collision or accident, the insurer may refuse to pay compensation if the driver does not have a valid driving licence.
- Necessity to re-take the exam – in utmost cases, the absence of a valid paper may consequence in the request to re-take the driving test.
Mandatory exchange of unlimited driving licences is simply a step towards harmonising the strategy and expanding safety on Polish roads. Drivers should follow the communications of the applicable authorities and prepare to submit the application within the prescribed time limit. Avoiding delays and legal consequences depends on timely completion of the formalities.
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