Poland’s toll system significantly contributes to road maintenance and infrastructure development as far as the trucking industry in this country is concerned. On 24 June 2021, the Polish e-Toll system saw the introduction of the E-toll system that brought about a major change in how tolls are managed and collected from heavy goods vehicles.
Poland’s e-Toll system has recently been updated significantly to enhance its efficiency and user-friendliness. The system has been adopted across the country, with more than 2.6 million heavy goods vehicles registered and over 1.5 million downloads of the e-Toll- PL app, highlighting that it has become integral to managing the country’s road network. The improvements provided show Poland's commitment to integrating technology into infrastructure management for an easy and law-abiding environment for truckers nationwide.
Poland’s e-Toll system is a vital innovation in the Polish road transportation sector. Using innovative technology facilitates effective toll collection and contributes to maintaining roads and upgrading infrastructure. The fact that adherence to the system is compulsory on heavy vehicles and buses also points out its effectiveness in road management by larger transport operators. This leads to a better-organised and better-maintained road system in Poland.
e-Toll is a project implemented in Poland that signifies an innovative development in the road usage and toll collection field focused on using heavy goods vehicles – trucks and buses. It is based on the latest technology involving Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), with which vehicle movements on toll roads are accurately tracked and managed. The main function of the e-Toll system is to automate and simplify toll collection for vehicle drivers.
The e-Toll system uses GNSS technology to identify or determine the vehicles using its toll roads by pinpointing their location. Each vehicle should have an onboard unit OBU that communicates with the E Toll system to provide real-time location data. This information is encrypted for security purposes and can only be used to calculate the cost of payments as well. Along with OBUs, operators can also use External Location Systems (ELS) provided by various providers. Moreover, they can use the e-Toll PL mobile application to help the system address different user requirements and preferences.
The e-Toll system was introduced with a dual purpose: to help carry out toll collection more efficiently and to aid in the maintenance and improvement of road infrastructure within Poland. The e-Toll system automates road toll collection processes using modern technology, minimising the associated delays and inaccuracies compared to manual methods. This system plays a very important role in collecting funds for maintaining and further developing Poland’s road network, ensuring a safer, comfortable, and efficient mode of road travel for all commuters.
In Poland, e-Tolls are mandatory for motor vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons. This involves different classes of heavy goods vehicles and buses. The system is intended to work with these vehicles, using toll road sections in Poland managed by the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways. Truck operators need to be familiar with trucking regulations in Poland, especially those related to the e-Toll system.
Ensuring e-Toll compliance is vital for all truck operators using Poland's toll roads. Lack of observance of these regulations may lead to serious financial penalties. The penalties for violating them range from PLN 250 (€25) to PLN 1, 500 (€330) based on the type of violation. Such violations may be due to inaccurate data of the vehicle category entered into the device, using devices in a way they are not designed for, resulting in partial or no toll payments; failure to register a vehicle in the e-Toll system, or inaccurate data entry in the e-Toll payers register.
Furthermore, additional fines may be levied on violations such as failure to update the data in the electronic fee payers register or not paying the e-Toll by prepayment. This strict framework highlights that compliance with e-Toll regulations and current, accurate information in the system is extremely important.
The e-Toll registration process in Poland is straightforward and essential for compliance. To ensure a smooth registration experience, here are some tips and advice:
Choose the Right Device: Register with an onboard unit (OBU), ELS or the e TOLL PL mobile application. Operational requirements and the type of vehicle you operate should dictate this choice.
Gather Necessary Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents within reach. This includes your vehicle registration certificate and proof of exhaust emission class. If you are registering a company, then the Tax Identification Number and company registration documents as well.
Decide on the Payment Method: Decide on a prepaid or postpaid account. Each has its own advantages and demands, such as requiring collateral in the case of a postpaid account.
Use the Online Customer Account (OCA): Registration is also faster and more convenient through the Online Customer Account. You can manage your account, vehicles, and devices on this platform.
Add Your Vehicle and Pair Your Device: Once registered, add your vehicle to the system and link it with a location device of your choice. Make sure you activate the device in your OCA to enable toll charging.
Stay Informed: Always examine the official e-Toll website or OCA for any modifications or amendments to regulations, rates, and procedures.
By implementing these steps and staying proactive in updating and managing your e-Toll account, vehicle operators can avoid penalties while ensuring they always comply with the regulations governing Poland’s e-Toll system. It is necessary to realise why this system’s functioning and augmentation are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the country’s roads and contributing responsibly to its care.
The e-Toll system in Poland provides a comprehensive and flexible framework for toll payments, accommodating truck operators' different needs and preferences. With a clear understanding of the toll rates, how tolls are calculated, and the various payment methods available, operators can efficiently manage their toll expenses while ensuring compliance with the e-Toll regulations.
In Poland, the e-Toll has set up a structured rate and tariff system based on various factors. This depends on the road type (class A, S, GP or G national roads) and the maximum permissible weight. A vehicle’s exhaust emission class forms another critical factor in determining the toll rate. The e-Toll system offers vehicle operators an online toll road network calculator and a simple configurator that utilises vehicle parameters to determine the electronic toll fee.
Tolls in the e-Toll system are calculated automatically as vehicles pass through toll road sections. Vehicle geolocation data gets transmitted to the system through this automated process facilitated by onboard units (OBUs), External Location Systems (ELS), or the e-Toll PL mobile application. The tolls are usually collected monthly, and the system issues a debit note indicating how much of the electronic toll was charged in that billing period, which is generally rolled out within one calendar month. This note is provided for prepaid accounts within seven business days of the end of the billing period.
The toll payment method for e-Toll system offers two main types of accounts for toll payment: prepaid and postpaid accounts.
Q. Can I pay e-Toll by cash in case the battery runs out on my device and I do not have access to the internet?
A. You can cash top up your billing account and settle the debit note by cash at any Customer Service Facility.
Q. What are the consequences for users with a deferred payment account who do not pay the electronic toll on time?
A. If an individual with a payment deferred account does not pay the electronic fee, its security can be used to offset it. As a result, their billing accounts will be migrated from the deferred payment mode to prepayment unsecured account status with zero balance. Furthermore, the user may risk penalties imposed by the General Inspectorate of Road Transport (GITD) for non-payment on time.
Q. Can I continue travelling if I run out of the funds in my prepaid account and make payment later?
A. Users who operate on a toll road must top up their Online Customer Account (OCA) before they start travelling if the balance in their prepaid account is less than enough to pay for any expenses associated with using the toll roads. Alternatively, they can recharge their account anytime during the three days immediately after finishing their travel.
e-Toll cost management is a key contribution to the profitability of truck operators in Poland while adhering to road usage legislation. Here are some strategies to effectively manage these costs:
Optimise Vehicle Use: Always track and analyse how your vehicles are being used. Avoid unnecessary toll routes where possible and combine loads to optimise each journey as much as possible.
Stay Informed on Rates: Find out the current e-Toll fees because they can differ based on the nature of the road and vehicle weight or emission class. The e-Toll system’s website provides a vehicle classifier that can be utilised to estimate the charges in advance.
Regular Account Monitoring: If you have a prepaid account, check and manage your balance to avoid depleting all funds. When using postpaid accounts, monitor the costs of monthly tolls to avoid surprise high charges.
Utilise Eurowag’s Smart Solutions: Eurowag’s EVA platform offers multiple smart solutions, which are immensely helpful in route optimisation and very efficient in minimising toll costs. They have advanced technology that can aid in planning the most efficient routes, considering distance and toll costs.
Eurowag's Route Planner: Use Eurowag's Route Planner to locate the most budget-friendly routes for a trip. This tool can help you calculate the best route, including toll roads, and make informed decisions about your routes.
Real-Time Data and Analytics: Eurowag offers real-time data and analytics regarding vehicle performance and costs. This information may be extremely valuable for strategic decisions, the goal of which lies in reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
By following these tips and using technological tools such as the solutions proposed by Eurowag, truck operators can efficiently control their e-Toll charges and plan routes wisely with lower toll costs. This approach ensures that they comply with toll regulations and adds to the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their operations.
For further information or if you’re looking for other answers not discussed here, please click on the FAQ link.
The e-Toll system in Poland represents a major breakthrough, particularly for heavy goods vehicles and buses. It uses GNSS technology to conduct accurate toll collection, critical for road infrastructure development. Truck operators need to understand the inner workings of the system, compliance requirements and cost-effective strategies such as route optimisation and technological tools like Eurowag’s solutions.
It is vitally important to be informed about e-Toll updates and regulations. Using innovative solutions not only makes it possible to comply with these rules but also creates better operating efficiency. It is a matter of more than ensuring compliance; it’s about contributing to Poland's sustainable and well-managed road network. Therefore, stay updated and incorporate smart solutions into your plan for road trips to make the trip easier and cost-effective.
Start on a journey of efficiency with Poland's e-Toll system. Start optimising your trucking costs today by staying informed and compliant. Climb the technology wave and move towards smarter, cost-effective trucking operations. Start your journey towards improved operational success with e-Toll now! Contact us today and discover how Eurowag can enhance and simplify your e-Toll payment process.
