Poland’s New RMPD Rules: What We Learned the Hard Way
If you're running a trucking business in Europe, you know that regulations change all the time. Sometimes, you don’t hear about them until it’s too late—and that’s exactly what happened to us.
Recently, one of our trucks got stuck in Poland for four days and we had to pay a €3,500 fine because of a missing RMPD document. We don’t want anyone else to go through the same trouble, so here’s what happened and what you should do to avoid it.
What is RMPD, and What Changed?
RMPD (Roadside Mobile Pre-Declaration) is a document that trucks need when driving through Poland. The government recently updated the rules, making it mandatory for all non-EU trucks.
If your truck doesn’t have a valid RMPD when entering AND exiting Poland, you risk getting fined—and worse, other permits like the Dozvola can also be canceled if tied to an invalid RMPD.
How We Got Fined
Our truck was on its way through Poland when customs officers stopped it and asked for the RMPD. The driver believed they had the document when they entered the country but didn’t have it for the exit. In reality, it was never properly registered.
Because of this, Polish authorities not only fined us €3,500 but also canceled our Dozvola permit, which meant the truck couldn’t continue its journey.
How We Solved It
- Acquired a new RMPD from a Ukrainian company.
- Applied for a new Dozvola permit.
- Shipped the Dozvola document to the driver so the truck could continue.
It was a frustrating experience, and the delay cost us four days of lost time.
Polish Customs Were Extremely Strict
We understand that rules exist for a reason, but in this case, Poland’s enforcement of the new regulations felt too strict. This is a new system, and companies should have been given a grace period or better information to avoid mistakes. Unfortunately, we learned the hard way that there’s no room for error.
How to Avoid This Problem
If your trucks operate in Poland, make sure you’re following these steps:
- Check if your trucks need an RMPD before entering Poland.
- Ensure that RMPD is valid at BOTH entry and exit.
- Regularly check for new regulation changes—they don’t always get announced clearly.
- Train your drivers so they know which documents they need at all times.
- Have a backup plan—know where you can quickly get new documents if something goes wrong.
Could Other Countries Introduce Similar Rules?
Right now, we don’t know, but it’s possible. Governments across Europe are always looking for ways to tighten transport regulations. That’s why it’s critical to stay updated and always double-check documentation requirements before each trip.
Final Thoughts
This experience was frustrating, but it taught us a valuable lesson: don’t assume your paperwork is in order—double-check everything.
If you’re operating trucks in Poland, be proactive and stay ahead of the rules. Hopefully, our story helps other trucking companies avoid unnecessary fines and delays.
Safe travels! 🚛💨