Mandatory Helmets for Children Under 16 – New Rules in Poland from 3 June 2026

With the entry into force of further provisions amending the Road Traffic Law, from 3 June 2026 the use of protective helmets is strictly mandatory for children and young people under 16 years of age. This change, part of a broad road-safety reform, imposes new legal obligations and financial responsibility on parents and guardians.

Who and which vehicles does the new duty cover?

Under the Act of 17 October 2025 amending the Road Traffic Law and certain other acts (Journal of Laws 2025, item 1676), the duty to ride with a protective helmet applies to persons who have not turned 16. The rule covers riders of:

• bicycles,
• power-assisted bicycles (including electric),
• electric scooters,
• personal transporters (PTs), such as electric skateboards and self-balancing devices.

The rules apply regardless of whether the minor uses their own vehicle or a rented one. Importantly, the requirement applies in practically every place where a child rides one of these vehicles — not only public roads, but also cycle paths, pavements, residential zones, housing estates, parks and recreational areas.

For those who have turned 16, wearing a helmet remains a recommendation, not a statutory requirement.

Carrying the youngest children (under 7)

The new rules also specify how children under 7 may be carried on bicycles, in bicycle cargo carriers or in trailers. As a rule, a child of this age must wear a helmet. The Act, however, provides for exceptions:

• where the child is carried in a bicycle cargo carrier and uses the safety belts with which that carrier is factory-equipped;
• where the child is carried in a trailer structurally designed to carry persons and uses the factory-fitted safety belts of that trailer.

At the same time, the Act prohibits carrying a child on a power-assisted bicycle or in a bicycle cargo carrier where the bicycle or carrier is fitted with a combustion engine.

A penalty for the guardian, not the child

The amendment introduces Article 89a into the Code of Petty Offences, shifting legal and financial responsibility entirely onto adults. The provision covers three situations, each punishable by a fine of up to PLN 100:

1. a guardian allowing a child under 16 to ride a bicycle, electric scooter or personal transporter without the required helmet (§ 1);
2. a guardian allowing a person under 17 to carry a child under 7 on a bicycle without a helmet or otherwise than as required (§ 2);
3. a guardian allowing a person under 17 to carry a child in a bicycle cargo carrier without a helmet or in another impermissible manner (§ 3).

The child itself bears no responsibility for these breaches.

Technical requirements – which helmet is legal?

A helmet used by a child must meet the applicable technical conditions. Under the European standard PN-EN 1078, a legal and safe helmet must have:

• effective fastening straps under the chin,
• a construction free of parts that could cause injury,
• a pass result in shock-absorption tests.

Before buying, check for permanent markings on the product or label, which should include: the manufacturer’s name, the conformity marking (“EN 1078” or “PN-EN 1078”) and the CE mark.

The wider road-safety context

This change is part of a comprehensive road-safety reform and fits a consistent policy of tightening rules that protect minors. It is worth recalling that, from 3 March 2026, the minimum age for riding an electric scooter or personal transporter unaccompanied on public roads was raised from 10 to 13.

Frequently asked questions

When does the helmet requirement for children take effect? From 3 June 2026. Children and young people under 16 must wear a helmet on a bicycle, power-assisted bicycle, electric scooter and personal transporter — on public roads as well as on pavements, paths and in parks.

Who pays the fine if a child has no helmet? The guardian, not the child. Article 89a of the Code of Petty Offences provides for a fine of up to PLN 100 for the adult who allowed the child to ride or be carried without the required helmet.

Must a child under 7 always wear a helmet when carried? As a rule yes, but there are exceptions: a helmet is not required where the child uses factory-fitted safety belts in a bicycle cargo carrier or in a trailer structurally designed to carry persons.

Which helmet meets the legal requirements? A helmet compliant with PN-EN 1078 — with chin-fastening straps, a safe construction and a pass in shock-absorption tests. The product should bear the manufacturer’s name, the “EN 1078” marking and the CE mark.