Purpose: of this paper is evaluation of behaviour of plasma nitrided layers subjected to influence of internal and external hydrogen. Properties of nitrided layers like: hydrogen permeation and trapping, fracture mode, and plasticity were examined. Design/methodology/approach: Structural low-alloy steel was nitrided at glow discharge in the gas mixture of various N2, H2, and Ar content. Samples with nitrided layers were subjected to cathodic hydrogen charging in acid solution simulating the aged engine oil hydrogenating environment. The effect of the nitrided layers on the hydrogen transport and on the irreversible trapping was evaluated by the measurements of the hydrogen permeation rate and by the vacuum extraction, respectively. Surfaces with modified layers were examined with the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) before and after hydrogen permeation tests. Slow strain rate test (SSRT) on samples with and without nitrided layers was carried out in hydrogen generating environment. After SSRT fracture mode and plasticity of nitrided layers were examined with SEM. Findings: In the presence of the not defected compact nitride layer, no hydrogen permeation through the steel has been stated under the experimental conditions. Influence of hydrogen content in working atmosphere, i.e. internal hydrogen, was found. Absorbed hydrogen, i.e. external hydrogen, was accumulated within this layer. Research limitations/implications: There is no possibility to perform direct observations of exact mechanism of hydrogen-assisted cracking so far. Further research should be taken to reveal the exact mechanism of increased plasticity of nitrided layer with absorbed hydrogen. Practical implications: Plasma nitrided layers are effective barriers to hydrogen entry into structural steel utilised in aggressive environments, which is especially important in the case of possible hydrogen charging of exploited steel. Originality/value: Using the atmosphere of the higher nitrogen to hydrogen ratio at plasma assisted nitriding provides the formation of thin compact nitride zone, highly protective against corrosion and hydrogen degradation. Evidences of a likely increased plasticity of nitrided layers with absorbed hydrogen was observed.