Technical Inspection in Poland for Ukrainian Cars: Is It Required?

The question of whether Ukrainian cars need to undergo a technical inspection (ITP) in Poland has become increasingly relevant for drivers living in the country or temporarily crossing the border. In this article, we will review the current situation as of September 2024, the regulatory framework, and possible consequences for Ukrainian vehicle owners.

Current Rules: No Obligation, but Risks Exist

As of September 2024, there is no mandatory requirement for Ukrainian cars to undergo a technical inspection in Poland. However, it is important to understand that the lack of an obligation does not free drivers from responsibility. If the police stop a car and find defects such as a broken headlight, cracked windshield, black or blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, or if an emissions test shows the car does not meet Polish standards, the vehicle’s registration certificate (tech passport) may be seized.

After this, the owner is given 7 days to repair the defects and pass the technical inspection. If the inspection is successfully completed, the registration certificate is returned. If not, the document is sent to the country of registration. This is especially important in the case of accidents caused by vehicle defects.

Vienna Convention on Road Traffic

According to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, member countries, including Poland and Ukraine, recognize national technical inspections of vehicles registered in other countries. This means that Ukrainian cars can temporarily travel on Polish roads without undergoing the Polish technical inspection, as long as their technical condition meets international minimum standards. However, this does not absolve the owner from keeping the car in good working order and complying with safety requirements.

International Technical Inspection at the Ukraine-Poland Border

As of September 2024, international technical inspection is not a mandatory requirement for Ukrainian vehicles crossing the Ukraine-Poland border. This simplifies the entry process, but it does not eliminate the possibility of a technical check within Poland itself.

Importance of Technical Inspection for Insurance in Poland

For those who live in Poland for an extended period and have obtained local Polish insurance for their Ukrainian vehicle, it is important to note the specific terms of the insurance contract. In Poland, compensation for an insurance claim is only possible if the vehicle has a valid technical inspection. Thus, even though the law does not require mandatory technical inspections for Ukrainian cars, having one can be crucial for insurance purposes. Without a valid technical inspection, the insurance company may refuse to pay out.

Fines for Vehicle Defects

If a Ukrainian-registered vehicle is stopped by the police and defects such as a broken headlight or cracked glass are found, the driver may receive a fine of up to 500 PLN (about 120 USD). This is stipulated by Article 96 of the Polish Traffic Violation Code. In addition to the fine, the police may seize the vehicle’s registration certificate, giving the owner 7 days to fix the defects and pass the technical inspection. If the inspection is not passed, the registration certificate will be sent to the country of vehicle registration.

Can Foreign Cars Undergo a Technical Inspection in Poland?

Yes, foreign cars, including Ukrainian ones, can undergo a technical inspection in Poland. This is possible under the same conditions as for vehicles registered in Poland. The driver must go to an Okręgowa Stacja Kontroli Pojazdów (Regional Vehicle Inspection Station), where the car will be checked according to the standard safety and environmental criteria.

If a Ukrainian-registered vehicle undergoes a technical inspection in Poland, it is officially recognized only within Poland. For the inspection to be recognized in another country, such as Romania, both countries would need to have an agreement for mutual recognition of inspections, or the inspection must meet international standards.

Currently, Romania does not recognize the Polish technical inspection as valid for vehicles registered in other countries, such as Ukraine. This means that if a Ukrainian car crosses the Romanian border, Romanian authorities may not recognize the Polish inspection and may require a local technical inspection in Romania or a valid Ukrainian inspection at the time of crossing.