Clean Transport Zones and couriers: Warsaw, Krakow and Katowice in 2026

Who the SCT applies to

• Bicycle, e-bike and electric scooter — no restrictions in any zone.
• Scooter and moped — enter freely in Warsaw and Krakow.
• Motorcycle — no restrictions in Warsaw; in Krakow it has to be registered in the SCT system.
• Car — must meet a Euro standard or have a suitable production year. One of the two is enough.

SCT in Warsaw

The zone has operated since 1 July 2024, and stage II has been in force since 1 January 2026. It covers about 37 km² — most of Śródmieście and parts of the central districts. Boundary streets, expressways and motorways are outside the zone.

• Petrol and LPG: Euro 3 or made in 2000 or later.
• Diesel: Euro 5 or made in 2009 or later.
• Hybrids follow the same rules as petrol or diesel cars, depending on the engine.
• The next tightening of the rules — in 2028.

Exemptions in Warsaw

Residents who are registered in Warsaw and pay tax there can get an exemption for a car registered before 1 January 2024 — until the end of 2027. An application is required. You can check your car in the SCT search tool of the Municipal Roads Authority (ZDM).

SCT in Krakow

The Krakow rules may change: an administrative court struck down part of the resolution (the ruling is not final), and the new mayor plans a local vote on shrinking the zone in 2027.

• Petrol and LPG: Euro 4 or made in 2005 or later.
• Diesel up to 3.5 t: Euro 6 or made in 2014 or later.
• A car that does not meet the rules can enter for a fee: in 2026, 2.50 zł for each hour, 5 zł a day or 100 zł a month.
• Scooters and mopeds up to 50 cc do not need registering. Motorcycles must be registered in the SCT system.

SCT in Katowice

Since the end of June 2026 the zone has covered the very centre of Katowice, including the Market Square and Stawowa, Mariacka, Staromiejska and Dworcowa streets. Cars from outside Katowice and the GZM metropolis must meet Euro 3 (petrol) or Euro 5 (diesel), or be made in 2000 (petrol) or 2009 (diesel) or later. Cars that Katowice and GZM residents owned before the zone started may still enter.

What about Wroclaw and other cities?

Wroclaw paused work on its zone in May 2026 because nitrogen dioxide levels are within the limit. A zone could return in 2028 at the earliest if the limits are exceeded again. We found no plans for a zone in Lodz, Poznan or Gdansk.

Fines and checks

Entering the zone in a car that does not meet the rules can mean a fine of up to 500 zł. The police and the city guard (straż miejska) carry out checks by looking up the number plate in the vehicle register. In Krakow the city also uses cameras for initial screening. A windscreen sticker is not mandatory.

What it means for couriers

A bike, e-bike or e-scooter is the simplest way to deliver in the centre — with no entry fees. If you deliver in a diesel car made before 2014 without Euro 6, you will pay to enter in Krakow, and in Warsaw check that it meets at least Euro 5 or was made in 2009 or later.

Correct as of 20 October 2026. The rules may change — check your city’s website before you drive in.

Cities affected

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