Braking for the camera won't help here. This is how they calculate speed on A/S in Poland (2025)

The number of speeding violations on Polish roads continues to rise, especially on long, smooth stretches of highways and expressways. Traditional speed cameras are no longer sufficient, as drivers easily "fool" them with momentary braking. Sectional speed measurement changes this paradigm: it measures the travel time between toll booths and assesses the average speed over the entire section of road, effectively enforcing smooth and legal driving.

In this article, we explain how the OPP works, where you're most likely to encounter them in Poland, and how to safely and stress-free travel through monitored sections. We focus on reliable information, practical tips, and up-to-date locations – in a format accessible to every driver.

As of: 27/08/2025

What is OPP and how does it work?

Sectional speed cameras (SPCs) are a system that doesn't catch drivers "at a single point," but rather measures the travel time between two toll booths on a specific section of road and then calculates the average speed. If this average is higher than the posted speed limit, a fine is issued. SPCs operate independently of lane changes or momentary braking "into the camera's path," and are therefore more effective than traditional speed cameras. The number of such cameras is growing rapidly in Poland, with dozens of installations already on motorways, expressways, and national roads.

Section, time, average

Camera A records the moment of entry (license plate, time)
Camera B records the moment of departure
The system calculates the average speed based on the length of the section and the travel time
If average > limit – data goes toCANARD (Centre for Automatic Road Traffic Supervision) at GITD, where the proceedings are conducted

Sectional Speed Measurement road signs (D-51a/D-51b)

The signage you will see

The beginning and end of the OPP section are marked with signs D-51a (beginning) and D-51b (ending). You don't need to "know" the location – the information is always on the signs .

"Can you change lanes? What about stopping?"

Changing lanes does not matter - the system counts the time between gates, and does not "track" the lane
Stopping in a rest area/parking area within the section will formally lower the average, but stopping on the emergency lane unnecessarily is prohibited - it is risky and may result in a fine.
Variable limit: in tunnels and roadwork areas the limits are sometimes lower; the OPP will "obey" the limit for a given section (see signs)

Why OPP is coming and where you will find it most often

In 2024–2025, CANARD expanded its OPP capabilities to include highways and expressways . The installation of 43 new units has been announced, which will monitor nearly 400 km of expressways. After this phase, CANARD will have over 100 OPP devices (114). The goal is to enforce constant speeds and reduce accidents in areas where drivers most often lose their bearings: long, level stretches, tunnels, and urban interchanges.

How many such episodes are operating today?

Industry reports indicate approximately 71 active sections (August 2025) – this number grows as the system expands, with individual points sometimes temporarily shutting down. The longest active section is 14 km (S7, Białobrzegi bypass).

In practice, the busiest sections include the A4 Kostomłoty–Kąty Wrocławskie (8 km, speed limit 110 km/h) and the S7 Białobrzegi – they have the highest number of violations per year.

Check your cut-off time on the OPP section

Enter the distance and the speed limit indicated on the sign. The calculator will calculate the minimum travel time required to keep your average speed below the limit. For peace of mind, add 10–20 seconds to spare and drive smoothly (cruise control helps).

Section length (km) Speed limit (km/h)

Note: This tool is for illustrative purposes only. Always follow current OPP signs and road markings.

Fines and points: what are the real risks?

Speeding fines at public transport stations (OPP) are based on the current tariff schedule – identical to those for traditional speed cameras. What can be confusing is that the OPP "looks" at the average speed, so "slowing down briefly for the camera" doesn't help. Look at the speed limit (e.g., 110 km/h on a section of the A4) and set cruise control . A section is usually several kilometers long, so maintaining a steady pace is the safest tactic. (You can find the current number of installations/limits on the official CANARD map).

Speeding fines – 2025
Exceeding	Fine (PLN)	Recidivism*	Points
+1–10 km/h	50	—	1
+11–15 km/h	100	—	2
+16–20 km/h	200	—	3
+21–25 km/h	300	—	5
+26–30 km/h	400	—	7
+31–40 km/h	800	1600	9
+41–50 km/h	1000	2000	11
+51–60 km/h	1500	3000	13
+61–70 km/h	2000	4000	14
+71 km/h and more	2500	5000	15

* Recidivism: committing the same offence again within 2 years – the fine is doubled from the threshold of +31 km/h . Section speed measurement (SPCM) uses the same tariffs as spot speed cameras (the average for the section is taken into account).
Status: 27/08/2025

Where are section speed measurements operated in Poland? (selection of key locations)

Below is a brief list of the most important and frequently traveled locations, divided by road category. This summary is based on updated industry lists and CANARD announcements (as of summer 2025). You can view the full, constantly updated map on the CANARD website.

Legend: Length – length (km) • Limit – km/h • Dir. – direction (↔ both)

Key sections of the OPP – as of 2025
Way	Episode (beginning → end)	Voivodeship	Length	Limit	Dir.	Comment
A2	Poznań Komorniki → Poznań Krzesiny	large	~12	120	↔	A busy section of the Poznań bypass.
S7	Białobrzegi (Falęcice) → Nowy Gózd	Masovian	14	120	↔	The longest OPP section in Poland.
S8	Warsaw: Konotopa → Bemowo	Masovian	~3	according to characters	↔	Urban junction; heavy traffic.
S8	Łabiszyńska (Warsaw) → Marki (Piłsud avenue)	Masovian	~4	according to characters	↔	Urban section with frequent crossings.
S8	Wyszków: Lucynów village → Zakręzie street	Masovian	~6.8	according to characters	↔	A long section of the Wyszków bypass.
A4	Kostomłoty → Kąty Wrocławskie	lower	~8	110	↔	A "classic" in violation statistics.
S3 (tunnel)	Upper Sady ↔ Nowe Bogaczowice	lower	~2.5	80	↔	OPP inside the tunnel (both directions).
DTS (DW902)	Katowice – city section	Silesian	~3–4	80	↔	City artery; high detection rate.
DW719	Kanie → Branbusy	Masovian	~1.3	50	↔	Suburban entry to Warsaw.
DK93 (tunnel)	Świnoujście – tunnel under the Świna River	west-north	~2.5	according to characters	↔	New, high-profile location in the north.
A2	MOP Leonia/Kuny → PPO Żdżary	large	~11	according to characters	↔	Often cited in industry rankings.

Note: The OPP network is being expanded; selected points may be temporarily closed. Please verify signage and the official CANARD map before traveling.

Source: NaviExpert

Does OPP really improve safety?

Research and statistics from other countries (and Polish observations from recent years) show that public safety systems (OPP) limit extreme speeds and smooth traffic flows . Polish roads are already seeing a decline in speed peaks on monitored sections, and where OPP has been implemented in cities (e.g., interchanges on the S8 expressway in Warsaw), traffic is calmer – although thousands of violations still occur. On the A4 between Kostomłoty and Kąty Wrocławskie, the system recorded over 51,000 violations in 2024, which clearly demonstrates the scale of the problem and… the effectiveness of the measurement.

What's changing in 2025 and beyond

CANARD has announced the expansion of its OPP network by 43 devices on motorways and expressways (nearly 400 km of new sections). Upon completion of this phase, the total number of devices is expected to increase to approximately 114, and the total length of monitored routes to several hundred kilometers. In practice, this means that more and more long, "tempting" sections of fast driving will be subject to average speed measurement. Follow CANARD's announcements – installation is taking place in stages.

Frequently asked questions about section speed measurement (SPM)

Does OPP work at night and in the rain?

Yes. The system uses cameras that recognize license plates and time stamps, and the new systems are equipped with lighting and operate in difficult weather conditions and at night. The OPP calculates the average speed over a given section regardless of the time of day.

How does OPP work in practice – what does the “average” depend on?

At the entrance and exit of the section, cameras record the travel time and license plate number. Based on this, the system calculates the average speed (section length divided by time). If the average speed exceeds the applicable speed limit, the violation is reported to CANARD at the Main Inspectorate of Road Transport.

Can you change lanes during a section?

Yes. Changing lanes does not affect the result – the OPP measures the time between gates, not the "travel path." It is important to maintain the posted speed throughout the monitored section.

What if I enter a section halfway or exit at a rest area?

Most emergency lane sections are marked so that entry and exit are impossible between the gates. However, if an entry or exit exists, the measurement will only cover the section from the first gate encountered to the next. Stopping on the emergency lane "to reduce your average" is illegal and dangerous.

How are the OPP sections marked?

The beginning of the section is marked by sign D-51a , and its end by sign D-51b . Additionally, speed limit signs apply for that section (e.g., a lower limit may apply in a tunnel).

Do applications (e.g. Yanosik, NaviExpert) show OPP and which source is "official"?

Popular apps provide information about OPPs, but their databases may differ from the official status, especially during the launch or maintenance of new sections. The only reference source is the CANARD device map , which shows active locations.

Does OPP apply to motorcycles and trucks?

Yes. The OPP covers all vehicle categories. Limits appropriate for the given vehicle and road section must be applied, in accordance with regulations and signage.

What will I get after a violation – a “photo” or a summons?

Once the average speed limit is exceeded, the case is forwarded to CANARD. The driver receives a request to identify the driver and further correspondence regarding the fine. The OPP's tariffs and points are the same as those for point-of-care cameras.

Does OPP “forgive” minor measurement deviations?

The devices operate based on type approval and CANARD procedures. In practice, the system takes into account metrological margins, but this should not be considered a "green light" to drive faster. The simplest approach: set the cruise control according to the signs and maintain a smooth flow.

Where can I check the current locations of OPP?

The most reliable source is the official CANARD map . Driver apps are a good supplement, but the number of active sections may temporarily differ from the official list.