Have you exceeded the speed limit in your hire car and are now waiting to hear about the fine? Or has the rental company sent you a penalty notice? Speed camera fines raise a lot of questions - from how long you have to wait for the notice, to how to pay, to the appeals procedure. In this article you will find all the information you need to help you settle this unpleasant liability smoothly.

How does a speed camera work and how does it record offences?

A speed camera is an automatic control and measurement device that records the speed of vehicles and documents speeding offences. It works on the basis of radar or laser technology, which measures the speed of an approaching or departing vehicle.

When a vehicle exceeds the speed limit (usually by a minimum of 10 km/h after taking into account the tolerance), the speed camera automatically takes a series of photos documenting the vehicle registration number, the date and time of the offence, the measured speed and the location. Modern speed cameras also take pictures of the rear registration plate.

A distinction is made between fixed speed cameras (permanently mounted), mobile speed cameras (in unmarked vehicles or portable stands) and sectional speed cameras (measuring average speed over an entire stretch of road).

When to expect a speed camera ticket?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by drivers. In practice, the mandate usually comes within 2-8 weeks from the moment the offence is committed. In theory, law enforcement agencies have much longer - according to the Misdemeanours Code, fine proceedings can be conducted up to 6 months from the date of the offence.

The delivery time depends on several factors: the workload of the offices, data verification, the method of delivery and whether the vehicle was hired. Hiring a car lengthens the process! The authority sends a notice to the address of the vehicle owner (the rental company), which must identify the driver and pass on his details to the authorities, who only then send a fine to the actual offender. This may take up to 2-3 months.

What to do after receiving a penalty notice?

The fine has arrived - don't panic! Examine the document carefully: check the date, time and place of the offence, the measured speed and the permitted limit, the amount of the fine and the number of penalty points, as well as the photos from the speed camera.

You have three options: acceptance of the mandate and payment (the easiest way), refusal to accept a mandate (the case goes to court, which may impose a higher penalty) or submission of explanations if there were special circumstances.

If you were not the one driving the vehicle, you are obliged to explain who was actually behind the wheel and provide details of that person.

Payment deadlines - how much time do you have to pay your fine?

Normally you have 7 days from the date of service of the notice to pay the fine. The time limit counts from the day you received the letter or from the first unsuccessful attempt at service.

If you pay within 7 days after the offence was committed (not from the receipt of the fine!), you can use the 50% discount. In practice, with speed camera fines this is rarely possible, as the notification arrives later.

Failure to pay on time results in an enforcement order, bailiff action (seizure of accounts, wages or assets), additional costs and problems with vehicle registration.

Level of speeding fines in 2025

The fines and penalty points depend on the scale of the speeding offence.

In built-up areas

• Up to 10 km/h - 50 zł, 1 point
• 11-20 km/h - PLN 100, 2 points
• 21-30 km/h - PLN 200, 4 points
• 31-40 km/h - PLN 300, 6 points
• 41-50 km/h - PLN 400, 8 points
• 51-60 km/h - 500 zł, 10 points
• Above 61 km/h - 1000-2000 PLN, 10 points + possible driving ban

Outside built-up areas

• Up to 10 km/h - 50 zł, 1 point
• 11-20 km/h - PLN 100, 2 points
• 21-30 km/h - PLN 200, 3 points
• 31-40 km/h - 300 zł, 5 points
• 41-50 km/h - PLN 400, 7 points
• Over 51 km/h - 500-1000 PLN, 9-10 points

Recidivism: If you commit a similar offence within 2 years of the previous one, the penalty can be doubled. Drivers collecting 24 penalty points in one year lose their driving licence for 3 months and have to pass the state test again.

How to pay a speed camera fine and how to appeal?

Methods of payment of the fine

Bank transfer - the most convenient method. You will find the transfer details on the mandate: account number, amount, title of payment. Keep the receipt!

At a Polish Post Office branch - you can pay in cash, but this involves a handling fee.

Online via payment platforms - some authorities offer electronic payments through payment gateways.

Appeal procedure

If you believe the fine was issued unfairly: within 7 days of service, write to the authority that issued the fine, indicating why you disagree. The case goes to court, which will hear it at a hearing. The court may: discontinue the proceedings, uphold the fine or even increase it.

When is it worth appealing? With documentation errors, incorrect calibration of the speed camera, an emergency situation justifying the speeding, or when you were not the one driving. Remember: an appeal is a costly and time-consuming process.

How to avoid a fine while driving a rental car?

Follow the rules

Simplest: Drive within the speed limit! Navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze) warn of speed cameras and show limits. Be especially careful in built-up areas - the penalties are highest there.

Alerting applications

Legitimate applications such as Yanosik, Waze show the locations of speed cameras reported by users. Take extra care near schools, small towns and on repaired stretches.

What to do when you rent a car?

When collecting the car at Slawa Rent:

• Check if there is a navigation or warning system in the car
• Ask about common pitfalls along the route
• Make sure you know the procedure in the event of a mandate

On lease:

• Take extra care - it's not your car, but the responsibility is yours
• Don't trust other drivers too much - take your time

Post-return:

• Remember that the fine may come even 2-3 months later
• If the rental company passes on your data to the authorities, you will be informed

Consequences of the rent mandate

When you get a ticket for an offence in a hire car:

• You pay the fine - it is your responsibility
• You get penalty points - are credited to your account
• The rental company may charge an administration fee - for the time spent providing the data to the authorities (usually PLN 50-150)
• You may lose the confidence of the rental company - on a subsequent rental, they may refuse or require a higher deposit

Summary - key information

On average, a speed camera fine comes within 2-8 weeks, although it may take longer if you are renting. You have 7 days to pay from receipt of the notice, otherwise the matter will go to a bailiff with additional costs.

The fines in 2025 range from £50 for minor offences to £2,000 for flagrant offences, with additional penalty points. You can pay the fine by bank transfer, at the post office or online. If you consider the fine to be unfair, you can appeal, but remember that the court can also increase the fine.

The best way to avoid a fine? Follow the rules! Use warning apps, learn the routes, take extra care in built-up areas.

At Slawa Rent, we make sure that our customers are aware of their responsibilities. All our vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art driver support systems and the team is always on hand to offer advice on road safety.

Remember: safe driving is not only about no fines, but above all about protecting yourself and others!

Slawa Rent - Safely and Responsibly on the Road!