Clean Transport Zone in Krakow and Warsaw 2026 – Who Can Drive In?
Since 1 January 2026, a Clean Transport Zone – in Polish Strefa Czystego Transportu (SCT), i.e. a low emission zone – has been in force in Poland's two largest cities. In Warsaw the second, stricter stage has come into effect, and the Krakow clean transport zone now covers most of the city. If you are planning to come to Krakow or Warsaw in your own car, check whether it meets the requirements. We explain who can enter the SCT, how much it costs to drive in with a car that does not meet the standards, what the exemptions are and how to avoid a fine.
An SCT is a designated area of a city that only vehicles meeting certain exhaust emission standards (Euro standards) or not older than a certain age may enter. The aim is to reduce smog and pollution from the oldest cars. The entrance to the zone is marked with the D-54 "strefa czystego transportu" sign, and its end with the D-55 sign.
You can check your car's Euro standard in the vehicle registration certificate (in newer documents in field V.9), in the type-approval certificate or in the Central Vehicle Register (CEP). If the standard is not stated in the documents, the year of manufacture decides whether the car meets the requirements.
The Krakow SCT has applied since 1 January 2026 and covers the vast majority of the city's built-up area, within the fourth ring road. Areas left outside the zone include Nowa Huta and Swoszowice.
| Fuel type | Requirement (meeting one is enough) |
|---|---|
| Petrol, LPG, petrol hybrid | Euro 4 standard or year of manufacture 2005 or newer |
| Diesel (vehicles up to 3.5 t) | Euro 6 standard or year of manufacture 2014 or newer |
| Electric, hydrogen, CNG | no restrictions |
People from outside Krakow whose car does not meet the requirements can enter the zone during the transition period (until 31 December 2028) after paying a fee:
You can pay on the sct.zdmk.krakow.pl website, in the mKraków app or at zone payment machines (strefomaty). From 2029, cars that do not meet the standards and are not exempt will not be allowed to enter the zone.
Entries are monitored by cameras that automatically check number plates against the Central Vehicle Register, as well as by municipal police and police patrols.
The Warsaw SCT has been in operation since 1 July 2024. It covers around 37 km², i.e. approx. 7% of the city's area: most of the Śródmieście (city centre) district and parts of neighbouring districts. The boundary streets are outside the zone. Since 1 January 2026, the second stage with stricter requirements has applied.
| Fuel type | Requirement from 1 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Petrol, LPG | car no older than 26 years and meeting at least the Euro 3 standard |
| Diesel | car no older than 17 years and meeting at least the Euro 5 standard |
The exemption is confirmed by a special sticker, which you can apply for via the SprawdzSCT.zdm.waw.pl website or at the Municipal Roads Authority (Zarząd Dróg Miejskich).
Entering the zone in a car that does not meet the requirements and has no exemption or paid fee is an offence. It carries a fine of up to PLN 500. Before you travel, check the current rules on the cities' websites, as the timetables for the next stages may change.
If your car does not meet the standards, or you are arriving in Krakow or Warsaw by plane or train, the simplest solution is to rent a car locally. All cars in the MobiCars fleet meet the Euro 6 standard, so with any of them – a passenger car, a 7-seater, a minibus or a van – you can enter the Clean Transport Zone in Krakow and Warsaw with no fees and without registering the vehicle.
You can collect your car at MobiCars locations including Warsaw and Kraków-Balice airport. See our offer: car rental Krakow and car rental Warsaw. There is no deposit, and you will find cars from PLN 79 per day in the daily rental section.
On 1 January 2026. Until the end of 2028, cars that do not meet the standards can enter the zone after paying a fee.
Diesel cars meeting the Euro 6 standard or manufactured in 2014 or later (applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t).
PLN 2.50 per hour. In 2026, paying for two consecutive hours covers you until the end of the day. A monthly pass for PLN 100 is also available.
Petrol and LPG cars no older than 26 years meeting at least Euro 3, and diesel cars no older than 17 years meeting at least Euro 5. Residents who pay their taxes in Warsaw have a temporary exemption.
In the vehicle registration certificate (field V.9 in newer documents), in the type-approval certificate or in the Central Vehicle Register. If the standard is not stated in the documents, the year of manufacture decides.
Yes. All cars in the MobiCars fleet meet the Euro 6 standard, so you can drive them into the SCT in Krakow and Warsaw with no fees.
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