Differences in the assessment of individual authorities’ competences are the cause of disputes between them. According to the categories of disputing authorities in the Polish procedure, these disputes are qualified as disputes over jurisdiction and disputes over competences. The category of authorities in dispute and the type of dispute also determine the procedure and the entity authorised to settle the dispute. The prevailing view in judicial decisions is that disputes over jurisdiction and disputes over competence can arise solely against cases pending in administrative proceedings. A review of statutory regulations and judicial decisions proves that disputes over competence of authorities are and may be initiated in cases that are subject to general administrative procedure. In view of the above, this study analyses the law in force and specific cases of such disputes. This analysis is carried out on the basis of examples of regulations and rulings, and attempts to assess them in the light of the legal measure discussed here.