FORFEITURE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR ITS EQUIVALENT: AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEW REGULATION OF THE PENAL CODE AND ITS IMPACT ON SAFETY

Abstract

Crimes against safety in public transport constitute a serious problem and threat to social functioning. A failure to comply with the provisions of the Highway Code, especially excessive speeding, poses a serious threat to other road users, as well as to pedestrians who, as a result of drivers’ carelessness, become victims of road accidents. However, drivers who decide to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol pose a particularly serious threat. Therefore, legislation declares severe punishment for such actions. This paper is a response to the changes that came into force in the Polish legal system beginning March 14, 2024, which included extremely severe sanctions against people committing certain crimes against safety.