The snow removal of pavements adjacent to the property is the work of property owners, which follows the law on maintaining cleanliness and order in municipalities. In 2025, many municipalities in Poland announce a stricter approach to the enforcement of this provision, which creates large emotions among the inhabitants. Non-snowing the pavement can now consequence not only in negative legal consequences, but besides in advanced mandates. What are the current rules and what is worth knowing to avoid problems?
The work to remove pavements – what does the law say?
Pursuant to Article 5 of the Cleanliness and Order Act in municipalities, property owners are required to remove snow, ice and mud from pavements adjacent straight to their premises. The provisions clearly state that:
- The walker must be snowed in specified a way as to guarantee pedestrian safety, which means removing snow and ice from the full surface.
- Snow should be stored in a way that does not hinder pedestrians or vehicles.
The sidewalk is considered to be a pedestrian lane which is straight adjacent to the property boundary. If there is simply a green belt or another infrastructure between the property and the pavement, the snow removal work shall lie with the road manager.
Mandates in 2025
In 2025 in many cities in Poland, parking fees for the deficiency of a snowy pavement increased. The municipalities want to enforce the rules more effectively, arguing that neglecting this work leads to many accidents and damages claims.
Examples of mandates:
- W Warsaw's punishment for not snowing the pavement is from 100 to 500 zł.
- W Krakow has a mandate of 200-400 zł, depending on the degree of negligence.
- In Wrocław the fine can scope even PLN 1,000if negligence has led to a pedestrian accident.
In addition, if pedestrians are injured by slippery pavement, the property owner may be held liable for civilian liability and will be obliged to cover treatment costs or compensation payments.
Record intervention by the city guard
In January 2025, the municipal defender in respective large cities issued a evidence number of tickets. In Gdańsk only in the first week of the fresh year was punished over 500 property ownerswho failed to comply with their work to remove snow.
Residents are increasingly reporting specified negligence utilizing urban applications. For example, in Poznań it was noted that 1200 notifications concerning unsnowed pavements within 1 month.
Why are the villagers angry?
Although most Poles realize the request for snow removal, many property owners find penalties besides harsh. The main arguments of the opponents are:
- Unclean provisions, which do not always specify who is liable for the pavement in case of a complex layout of the property.
- Amount of mandates, which in any cases are importantly higher than the average punishment for another traffic offences.
- Problems with access to snow removal tools and materials, especially for older people or residents of settlements where work is not clearly defined.
How to avoid a ticket?
To avoid problems, it is worth following respective rules:
- Regularly remove the pavement: preferably in the morning and evening to avoid the formation of ice.
- Take the right measures: sprinkle the pavement with sand or road salt to prevent slips.
- Monitor weather conditions: be ready for intense snowfall, especially during rush hour.
- Get Help: if snow removal is difficult, consider hiring a clean cleaning company.
With the expanding number of accidents and safety problems on pavements, the municipalities decide to take a more stringent approach to the duties of property owners. Mandates for not snowing the pavement In 2025 it can scope up to PLN 1,000, which is simply a clear signal for residents that regulations will be strictly enforced.
More here:
Mandates for deficiency of snowy pavement: what you request to know in 2025
