This is the 8124th most frequent Polish word.
obowiązuje
"Obowiązuje" means "applies" or "is in effect."
Here, 'obowiązuje' means 'to apply' or 'to be in effect', denoting that the rules are relevant and binding for the specified group.
Regulamin obowiązuje wszystkich uczestników.
The rules apply to all participants.
In this sentence, 'obowiązuje' refers to the enactment or application of a legal regulation, in context indicating a starting time for its relevance.
Nowa ustawa obowiązuje od przyszłego miesiąca.
The new law will take effect from next month.
Here, 'obowiązuje' means 'to be in effect or valid', discussing the cessation of the application of a former rule or regulation.