The Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment has proposed stricter penalties for illegal off-road driving in forests. The proposal includes imprisonment, community service, or fines amounting to thousands of złotych. In severe cases, vehicle confiscation could also be enforced.
Proposed Legal Changes
Under the proposed changes, those caught driving in restricted forest areas could face not only fines starting from 3,000 zł but also potential imprisonment or community service. Repeat offenders could even see their vehicles confiscated. Additionally, a supplementary fine of up to 1,500 zł could be imposed if convicted in court.
Currently, according to Article 161 of the Code of Petty Offenses, unauthorized driving in forests results in a fine ranging from 20 to 5,000 zł. Despite these penalties, illegal forest driving remains prevalent, with over 50,000 cases reported in 2022 alone, highlighting the need for more stringent measures.
While the proposed legal amendments are seen as a positive step, experts emphasize that the key to success lies in the consistent enforcement of penalties. Without it, stricter laws may have little impact on reducing the number of violations.