Drivers in Poland must prepare for a revolution that can drastically change the way video recorders are used. From August 2025 fresh regulations of the Homeland defence Act enter into force, which introduce strict restrictions on the recording of military facilities and peculiar services infrastructure. Risk? Fines up to PLN 20 000 for the accidental or deliberate fixation of prohibited sites. Although the scope of the ban was limited after a wave of criticism, any owner of a car camera should be aware of the possible consequences. Experts warn: what was to defend on the road can now become a origin of serious financial problems.
When does a video recorder become a problem? Revolution of regulations since August 2025
The changes to the Homeland defence Act, which take on legal force in August 2025, are a consequence to increasing concerns about the safety of the strategical infrastructure of the state. Initially, the draft regulation of the Minister of National Defence provided for ban on shooting and filming up to 25 1000 places across Poland – from bridges and dams, to courts and offices. This broad explanation faced large social opposition, and drivers feared that even an accidental recording in the background could consequence in serious legal consequences, including detention.
Fortunately, after intense consultation and public debate, the scope of the ban has been significantly narrowed. Currently, regulations focus exclusively on the facilities actually occupied by the military and key peculiar services. This is an crucial discrimination which aimed at eliminating absurdities and protecting citizens from unjustified penalties. Nevertheless, the fresh law inactive requires drivers maximum caution and awarenessWhat they can and cannot evidence on their recordings.
Subjects under peculiar supervision: What can you not record?
As amended, it is strictly prohibited to movie and photograph objects belonging to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland and those in usage key state services. This list includes the Agency for interior safety (ABW), Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW), Border Guard, Central Anti-corruption Office (CBA), National gross Administration (KAS) and Prison Service. The key component is that all these objects must be appropriately marked peculiar information boards placed in visible places. The absence of specified a designation may be an argument in a possible defense, although this does not relieve general caution.
This means that driving past military barracks, ABW office or strategical border points must be peculiarly alert. Even modern video recorders, offering a wide angle of view, can unwittingly registry the prohibited object. On the another hand, the intention of the legislator was to hit people deliberately documenting specified places. That's why it's so crucial to realize the difference between random shooting and intentional recording. Lack of awareness of regulations will not be an excuse if a financial punishment is imposed.
Giant penalties and key exceptions: How to defend your wallet?
The amendment, although it abolished the anticipation of arrest for specified offences, inactive provides for draconian financial penalties. Drivers are facing fines ranging from 5 1000 to 20 1000 zlotys. These are amounts that can seriously hit the home budget. It is worth noting that punishment can be imposed even for unintentional recording if it is interpreted as conscious preservation of an object. That's why it's so crucial to separate between conscious action and random occurrence.
However, provisions introduce valid exceptions. Recordings that include the general landscape, a fragment of the city, or a public event, and a military or peculiar services facility appears on them only as insignificant background detailThey will not be punished. It's key information for anyone who uses a camera to paper travel or as evidence in case of a collision. This means that if a part of the barracks wall appears on the vacation video, it doesn't gotta mean problems. However, in case of doubt, it is always worth consulting a lawyer or avoiding places we suspect.
Practical tips for drivers: How to safely usage the camera?
In the face of fresh regulations, the function of video recorder evolves. With a tool exclusively utilized for road protection, it becomes a device the usage of which requires increased awareness and responsibility. First of all, always pay attention to marking of objects. Information boards “not photographing” or akin messages should be an emergency signal for you. If you see specified a sign, and there is simply a military facility or service office nearby, consider turning the camera off or pointing it the another way.
Also worth regularly view recordings, especially after crossing possibly susceptible areas. If you registry a prohibited object, the best solution is immediate removal of material, unless there is evidence in another case (e.g. collision). Remember that knowingly storing and distributing specified recordings is besides criminal. The fresh rules are intended to defend state security, but at the same time impose fresh obligations on drivers. Precaution and cognition of the law is the best protection against unpleasant surprises and fine of PLN 20 thousand.
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Do you have a camera in your car? Since August 2025 you are facing 20 1000 PLN of fine. fresh regulations hit.
