Entering a level crossing on red means a three-month licence suspension: Sejm toughens penalties

The Sejm passed amendments to the road traffic law: drivers who enter a level crossing on a red light, with the barrier down or when there is no room for the car beyond the tracks will have their licence taken away for three months. 422 deputies voted in favour, five against, two abstained. The Senate will now consider the law.

The amendments also introduce a mandatory driving ban: at least three years on conviction for a catastrophe or accident at a crossing, and at least a year for creating a direct danger of catastrophe.

Currently, violations at crossings carry a fine of 2,000 zloty and 15 penalty points, and for a repeat violation within two years, 4,000 zloty.