Winter holidays are a long-awaited time for children and young people who enjoy their days off to play in the snow and to actively spend time outdoors. However, not everyone realises that any of the popular winter games may be illegal and endanger with advanced fines and even more serious legal consequences. Here are the details that are worth knowing to avoid trouble.
Winter holidays 2025: deadlines for individual voivodships The Ministry of Education and discipline announced the agenda of winter holidays for 2025. Traditionally, they are divided into 4 groups, allowing for even distribution of the burden to tourist facilities and providing greater comfort to resters. circumstantial dates below:
- 20 January – 2 February: Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lubuskie, Małopolska, Świętokrzyskie, Wielkopolskie.
- 27 January – 9 February: Podlaskie, Warmian-Masurian.
- 3 February – 16 February: Lower Silesian, Mazowieckie, Opole, West Pomeranian.
- 17 February – 2 March: Lublin, Łódź, Podkarpackie, Pomeranian, Silesian.
Each of these groups of voivodships will have the chance to enjoy winter attractions on certain dates. However, it is worth remembering that not all activities are legal and safe.
Kuligs behind the car – banned and life threatening 1 of the biggest threats during winter games is to organize spools behind mechanical vehicles. Although this form of amusement may seem exciting, it is strictly prohibited by Polish law. According to the Code of Offences, pulling sleds or another persons on public roads is punished with a fine of PLN 300 and 10 punishment points.
Example from practice: In 2024, a tragic accident occurred in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship during an illegal sphere. The driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in serious injuries to the fun participants. Police remind us that specified actions endanger wellness and life and, in the event of an accident, may even consequence in a punishment of up to 8 years in prison for the driver.
Legal and safe balls This does not mean that the organisation of the slabs is completely prohibited. Polish law allows specified fun, provided they are held in a horse-drawn team, with certain safety rules. Horses should be organised in a place excluded from traffic, involving a decently trained animal and under adult supervision.
Polish Police remind us of the key principles of organising legal spools: The coupling shall be adequately equipped, including lighting according to the regulations. Organizers should choose a safe place, specified as fields or forest fields. Passengers of sleighs must be careful and avoid risky behaviour, specified as pushing.
Snowballing – innocent fun or wrongdoing Another popular winter activity that can lead to problems with the law is throwing snowballs at cars or bystanders. Although for many children it is innocent fun, it can be qualified as an offence or demolition of property if the throw causes harm to the vehicle. For specified conduct, a fine of PLN 500 is threatened, and in case of harm of greater value, the case may go to court.
Ice safety rules Many children and youth during holidays choose fun on frozen lakes, ponds or rivers. This is 1 of the most dangerous forms of winter activity. In Poland, there are dozens of accidents associated with the breakdown of ice all year, any of which end tragically. Police call for the usage of only authoritative and controlled ice rinks that warrant the safety of participants.
Winter holidays with head – police and another emergency services appeal to parents and guardians for peculiar care during holidays. It is crucial to educate children with safety principles and consequences of inappropriate behaviour. Compliance not only prevents a mandate, but primarily protects the lives and wellness of winter play participants.
Continued here:
Winter holidays under scrutiny: a ticket is being issued for these games
