A Clean Transport Zone, (SCT – Strefa Czystego Transport), more commonly known as a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into effect in Kraków on 1st January 2026.
The SCT introduces new rules for entering certain areas of the city. The zone will cover roughly 60% of Kraków’s area. Whilst this change is not expected to heavily impact residents or visitors, it is important to understand the requirements and who they apply to.
The introduction of the Clean Transport Zone – the first in Poland – is another important step towards improving air quality and, consequently, the health of Kraków residents.
SCT rules do not apply to Krakow residents (provided that the vehicle is in their possession before the date of entry into force of the resolution, i.e. before 26 June 2025), but if they have a car that does not meet the standards (petrol cars – Euro 4 or manufactured at least in 2005; diesel cars – Euro 6 or manufactured at least in 2014), they must report it to the verification system.
Of course, this being Kraków/Poland, there are those who are less than happy, with at least one anti SCT social media group “Blade Runners SCT Kraków” established against the perceived “Ekoterroryzm”. (NB – I haven’t linked to this group, as they disappointingly appear to be featuring acts of vandalism and deliberate destruction of the SCT & ANPR equipment)
Critics claim;
From January 1, the Clean Transport Zone comes into force in Krakow. The project, which is supposed to improve air quality, is in practice becoming one of the most restrictive restrictions on citizens’ freedom of movement in post-war Poland.
SCT covers almost the whole city and selects based on age and vehicle emission standards. Older cars, even fully technically functional, are being pushed out of town or charged with extra fees. As a result, the right to enter Krakow ceases to be common and becomes a privilege dependent on the privacy of your wallet.
Critics point out that SCT doesn’t solve real environmental problems. Data for years have indicated that the main source of smog in Little Poland is the heating of buildings and landscaping, not car traffic. Nevertheless, the drivers were described as comfortable scapegoat.
The way the project is being pushed raises particular controversies. Despite the clear social objection expressed in the public consultations, the resolution was passed. This problem was also a subject of work by the Parliamentary Driver Defense Team, which I chair. We analyzed both the social impact and legal doubts related to the implementation of SCT.
The zone mainly affects the less fortunate people: residents of the surrounding towns, commuters for work, craftsmen, small entrepreneurs and families with one car. For them, SCT means additional costs or real difficulties in their daily functioning. At the same time, people who own new cars stay outside the real scope of these limitations.
Krakow SCT is a test run. If passed without greater resistance, similar solutions may appear in other cities. This is a warning signal for the whole of Poland, showing how easily freedom can be restricted and deepen social inequalities under the slogans of environmental protection.
The launch has, unsurprisingly had a few teething problems with some payment machines being inoperable.
Check Your Vehicle – Most Cars Already Comply
Begin by checking whether your vehicle meets the emission standards. Many cars – up to 8 in 10 – are already compliant. For Polish-registered vehicles, no further action will be required.
Petrol cars (including LPG) – Allowed if they meet Euro 4 or were manufactured in 2005 or later, meaning cars up to 21 years old will still be eligible.
Diesel cars – Must meet Euro 6 or have been produced in 2014 or later (for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes). Larger diesel lorries must meet Euro VI or be produced in 2012 or later.
If your vehicle meets the required standard and is registered in Poland, it will automatically be added to the SCT system and can enter the zone freely.
SCT Information System
The online SCT information system allows you to:-
- Check if your vehicle complies
- Register your vehicle if necessary
- Register entries for medical visits
- Pay entry fees
In-person services will also be available at dedicated service points for those who prefer direct assistance.
Exemptions for Kraków Residents
Residents registered in Kraków and paying taxes in the city will receive an indefinite exemption for vehicles owned before 26 June 2025, regardless of age. Registration in the system is only required if the vehicle does not meet the emission standards.
New residents in 2025 can also apply for a resident exemption in the SCT’s first year by:
- Submitting proof of tax settlement in Kraków for 2025
- Applying with either a tax office certificate (from 1 January 2026) or a 2025 tax return (from 15 February 2026)
Students, those unemployed, or without income can submit a zero-income PIT-37 (“zero PIT”) to confirm residency and obtain an exemption.
Resident exemptions must be renewed annually with updated proof of eligibility. Exemptions based on disability permits must be renewed upon permit expiry.
Exemptions for Non-Residents
- Non-residents can claim exemptions in the following cases:
- Disability – With a valid EU disability parking permit (one vehicle per permit)
- Medical treatment – Regularly attending specialised treatments in Kraków; visits must be registered in the SCT system
- Historic vehicles – Listed on the heritage register
- Special vehicles – Such as motorhomes or food trucks, as indicated in the Central Vehicle Register
Fees for Non-Residents – Transitional Period 2026–2028
- Non-residents with non-compliant vehicles and no exemption can enter the SCT during the three-year transitional period by paying:
- Hourly fee – 2.50 PLN per hour
- Daily fee – In 2026, two consecutive hours will cover the whole day; in 2027, the daily fee will be 15 PLN for 6 hours
- Monthly subscriptions:
- 2026: 100 PLN
- 2027: 250 PLN
- 2028: 500 PLN
After 31 December 2028, paid entry will no longer be possible.
Payment Machine locations
The city installed nine special machines “Strefomats” at BP stations near the entrances to Krakow. Drivers were supposed to pay for entry
.
BP 230 „Solanka” – Wieliczka, ul. Krakowska
BP 306 „Mirowska” – Kraków, ul. Mirowska
BP 319 „Jasnogórska” – Modlnica, ul. Częstochowska
BP 573 „Lajkonik” – Kraków, ul. Zakopiańska
BP 576 „Rękawka” – Kraków, ul. Pasternik
BP 820 „Kocmyrzowska” – Kraków, ul. Kocmyrzowska
BP 849 „Bibice” – Bibice, ul. Na Czekaj
BP 873 „Meksyk” – Kraków, ul. Nadbrzezie
BP 882 „Skawina” – Skawina, ul. Krakowska.
Vehicles Registered Abroad
Foreign-registered vehicles must be registered manually in the SCT system, even if compliant. Documents needed include the registration certificate and details on the brand, model, year, and emission standard.
Entry Control and Renewal of Exemptions
Automatic (ANPR) cameras will check number plates against the SCT database. Ensure registration is complete before entering for the first time.
SCT/SCT CAMERA LOCATIONS (green existing – red planned)
The cameras will operate using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology. Each device, installed at the zone boundaries and in selected locations throughout the city – from Balice to Bieżanów, from Skawina to Nowa Huta – will record a vehicle’s passage, take a photo, and transmit the data to a central system. Artificial intelligence algorithms will read the license plate and compare the number with a database of vehicles authorized to drive in Krakow. The information will be transferred to the city’s data warehouse, where it will be combined with data from the SCT system.
Most of the cameras will be installed along major access routes. In addition to the stationary devices, a system of four mobile cameras will also be introduced, which will be used by Municipal Police patrols. In the next phase, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, guards and police officers will receive a mobile app enabling real-time vehicle verification – subject to funding.
Where to get more information?
For further assistance, contact the Kraków Contact Centre via email or phone at 12 616 55 55.
. SCT Information on www.krakow.pl
Presentation of the Clean Transport Zone (SCT/SCT) – PDF (English)
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I have to say this is one the most stupidly executed change I would not expect in city like Krakow, with many expats and foreign people. Myself, currently on the mission to the company and staying in apartment in outer Krakow, but inside the zone, I only get to notice this change by hearing a chatter around the coffe machine. I have arrived today to Krakow. I did not notice any signs around A4 warning, any sign on turnw to Krakow from highway. I have then google up instruction and register my car. I dont know how this will be managed because like many company cars, mine is owned by lease company but you cannot register owner as company (first name, last name and paspport or national ID is required and I dont have this for chairman of the lease company..). There is option “Owner is not driver” which doesnt make any sense if the owner can only be a person? Who created that stupid thing is beyond me. As for the social aspect, you got what you woted for.