For several months, the Polish road transport sector has been actively discussing a potential relaxation of restrictions related to the overtaking ban for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Particular interest was focused on the idea of introducing a night-time exemption from the ban, during hours when traffic volumes are significantly lower. However, the latest developments confirm that this scenario has been rejected, and the regulations remain highly restrictive.
Current Status of the Truck Overtaking Ban
Under the current regulations, heavy goods vehicles are prohibited from overtaking on motorways and expressways with two lanes in one direction. This ban applies 24/7 and covers all such roads, regardless of traffic intensity. As a result, even during night hours — when traffic is minimal or nearly non-existent — truck drivers are not legally allowed to overtake other vehicles.
The regulation, which came into force in mid-2023, is considered one of the most stringent overtaking bans for HGVs in Europe. In practice, many transport operators and drivers violate it unintentionally, leading to fines and penalty points.
The Concept of “Night-Time Exceptions” – and Its Withdrawal
In autumn 2025, a proposal emerged to introduce a temporary suspension of the overtaking ban during night hours, for example between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This initiative was part of broader legislative efforts to improve road traffic regulations and a direct response to criticism from the transport industry, which argued that the existing rules are excessively restrictive during low-traffic periods.
The draft was prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure and submitted for inter-ministerial consultations. Ultimately, however, intense debate and opposition from other ministries resulted in the proposal being withdrawn. The planned night-time exemption was removed from the draft legislation and will not be implemented in its current form.
Why Was the Proposal Rejected?
According to feedback from the consultation process, the primary argument against allowing night-time overtaking was road safety. Opponents of the change emphasized reduced visibility at night and the increased difficulty in accurately assessing distances and speeds of approaching vehicles. Although the proposal appeared reasonable from the perspective of professional truck drivers, safety concerns ultimately proved decisive in the decision to abandon the idea.
Implications for Transport Companies and Drivers
The lack of legislative changes means that the existing restrictions will continue to apply without any time-based exemptions. Truck drivers must therefore plan their routes carefully to avoid situations where overtaking would be desirable but prohibited. In operational terms, this results in increased logistical challenges and potentially slower transit times, particularly on long-distance and international routes.
Summary
Although proposals were made to relax regulations and allow truck overtaking during night hours, recent administrative decisions clearly indicate that no such changes will be introduced in the near future. As a result, Poland continues to enforce one of the most restrictive overtaking bans for heavy goods vehicles in Europe, requiring transport operators and drivers to fully adapt their operational planning to the current legal framework.