A ticket for the radio in the car? Here are the new rules you need to know

Every owner of a radio or television receiver must pay an appropriate fee, also for devices installed in cars. Failure to pay the fee may result in a financial penalty, and Poczta Polska inspectors have the right to check whether the subscription has been paid. Although the possibility of such controls is controversial, the obligation to pay a subscription fee results directly from the law.

Rates for 2025

According to the information provided by Poczta Polska, the radio license fee in 2025 is PLN 8.70 per month, while the fee for a TV or radio and television set is PLN 27.30 per month. People who decide to pay the subscription for the entire year in advance can benefit from a 10% discount. For example, the annual fee for a radio receiver will be PLN 94, and for a TV set – PLN 294.90.

Penalties for failure to pay the subscription fee are also clearly defined. In the case of a radio, they amount to PLN 261, and for a TV and radio, PLN 819. In addition, you are charged outstanding fees for the time you have been avoiding payments. Inspections are carried out by Poczta Polska employees who can check whether there is a receiver in the household or car.

Controversies surrounding control

In the case of cars, inspection may be easier – the controller just needs to see the radio through the vehicle’s window. However, lawyers point out that simply having a receiver in the car is not sufficient evidence. Inspectors should prove that the device is working and in use, which would require turning on the receiver or obtaining additional evidence. Drivers also have the right to refuse to let the inspector into the vehicle.

The obligation to pay applies to every owner of the receiver, regardless of how it is used. Even if the radio in the car is only used to play music from the phone and the TV is only used to use streaming services, the TV license fee must be paid.

Fee exemptions

The good news for individuals is that the fee applies to the type of device, not the number of devices. If your household has several TVs and radios, you only pay one fee. The situation is different in the case of companies that have to pay a subscription fee for each receiver separately, both in the office and in company cars.

Some social groups are exempt from the obligation to pay an RTV license fee. This category includes, among others: people over 75 years of age, seniors receiving a pension below a certain income threshold, disabled people, veterans and people using social benefits.