Traffic Regulations in Finland

Planning to drive in Finland? The land of a thousand lakes offers stunning roads and scenic routes, but navigating them requires understanding Finnish traffic regulations. Whether you’re a tourist or planning an extended stay, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about driving legally and safely on Finnish roads.

Essential Documents Required for Driving in Finland

Before hitting Finnish highways, ensure you have these four mandatory documents to avoid legal complications:

1. Valid National Driver’s License

You must carry a national driving license issued by your country of residence’s official authority. International driving permits are recommended for non-EU visitors.

2. Vehicle Registration Documents

Keep valid registration documents from the country where your vehicle is registered. For passenger cars, a certificate of vehicle registration is sufficient. If driving a vehicle registered to someone else, carry a power of attorney (though this is rarely checked in practice).

3. Annual Technical Inspection Certificate

While not frequently requested, Finnish police have the authority to inspect any vehicle’s condition on the road. Ensure your technical inspection certificate is current.

4. Green Card Insurance

The “Green Card” is an international motor third party liability insurance certificate, named after its distinctive green paper form. This document confirms your compulsory motor third party liability insurance (MTPL) is valid across all Green Card system countries.

Key facts about Green Card insurance:

• Required at both entry and exit points from Finland
• Insurance contracts range from 15 days to one year
• Eliminates the need for additional liability insurance in member states
• Valid in 44 countries including all EU nations, Norway, Switzerland, and others

The Green Card System includes: Austria, Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Israel, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Morocco, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, France, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Montenegro, Switzerland, Sweden, and Estonia.

Additional Requirements for Non-Schengen Residents

Drivers from countries outside the Schengen Area must also carry:

• Passport with valid Schengen visa
• Medical insurance valid across all Schengen Agreement states
• Coverage for all trip participants

Speed Limits and Traffic Cameras in Finland

Finland employs thousands of speed control cameras across its road network to ensure compliance with traffic regulations. Understanding these limits is crucial for safe and legal driving.

Standard Speed Limits

• Motorways: Maximum 120 km/h
• Built-up areas: Maximum 50 km/h (some areas have reduced limits of 30 or 10 km/h)
• Outside built-up areas: Maximum 80 km/h
• Campervans: Maximum 80 km/h at all times

Speed limits take effect immediately upon passing built-up area signs. Watch for road signs indicating specific speed restrictions.

Winter Speed Restrictions

During winter months, Finland implements reduced speed limits for safety:

• Standard roads: Reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h
• Motorways: Reduced from 120 km/h to 100 km/h
• Electronic panels on some roads display variable limits based on weather conditions

Important: Anti-radar devices are strictly prohibited in Finland. Possession alone is illegal, not just usage.

Speeding Fines and Penalties in Finland

Finland uses a unique day-fine system for traffic violations. Fines are calculated based on your income, making penalties proportional to your financial situation.

How Day-Fines Are Calculated

The day-fine system works as follows: Your monthly net income (after taxes) minus €255, divided by 60, equals one day-fine. Each dependent child reduces the day-fine by €3. The minimum day-fine is €6.

Speeding Penalty Structure

• 24-26 km/h over limit: 14 day-fines (built-up), 12 day-fines (outside)
• 27-29 km/h over limit: 16 day-fines (built-up), 14 day-fines (outside)
• 30-32 km/h over limit: 18 day-fines (built-up), 16 day-fines (outside)
• 33-35 km/h over limit: 20 day-fines (built-up), 18 day-fines (outside)
• 36-38 km/h over limit: 22 day-fines (built-up), 20 day-fines (outside)
• 39-41 km/h over limit: 24 day-fines (built-up), 22 day-fines (outside)
• 42-44 km/h over limit: 26 day-fines (built-up), 24 day-fines (outside)
• 45-47 km/h over limit: 28 day-fines (built-up), 26 day-fines (outside)
• 48-50 km/h over limit: Court referral (built-up), 28 day-fines (outside)
• 51+ km/h over limit: Court referral

Common Traffic Violation Penalties

Beyond speeding, Finnish traffic law enforces strict penalties for various violations:

• Non-compliance with traffic signs: €100
• Running a red light: €64
• Reckless driving: €70
• Littering on the road: €100
• Mobile phone use without hands-free: €100
• Illegal parking: €10-40
• Unfastened seat belt: €70

Important payment information: All penalty tickets are issued by police and must be paid at any bank within two weeks. All violations are recorded in a national register. Three fines within one year result in a driving ban in Finland. Unpaid fines and systematic violations may lead to visa denial.

Essential Finnish Driving Rules and Regulations

Overtaking Regulations

Overtaking is permitted only when it causes no disturbance or danger to other road users. Overtaking is strictly prohibited:

• On uphills and bends
• Near intersections
• When it forces oncoming or overtaken vehicles onto the roadside

Violations can result in severe penalties, including license suspension.

Seat Belt Requirements

All occupants must wear seat belts at all times, regardless of seating position (front or rear). Children must be secured in appropriate child seats or restraints sized for their age and weight.

Headlight Usage

All vehicles must drive with headlights on at all times, day and night, on all road types (urban, rural, and motorways). This mandatory requirement enhances visibility and safety year-round.

Mobile Phone and Device Restrictions

Since January 1, 2003, hands-free headsets are mandatory for mobile phone use while driving. Additionally, using stereos, players, televisions, or other devices that prevent the driver from concentrating on traffic is prohibited.

Window Tinting Regulations

Vehicle window tinting must meet strict transparency requirements:

• Windscreen: Minimum 75% transparency
• Front side windows: Minimum 70% transparency

Winter Tire Requirements

Snow tires are mandatory for all three winter months (December, January, February). Legal requirements specify:

• Minimum tread depth: 3 millimeters
• New snow tires typically have 7-8 mm tread depth
• All four tires must meet winter tire standards

Drunk Driving Laws in Finland

Finland maintains zero tolerance for impaired driving. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries severe consequences.

Blood Alcohol Limits and Penalties

• Legal limit: 0.5 parts per million (ppm)
• Severe intoxication threshold: 1.2 ppm
• Standard penalty: €200 fine and license suspension
• Severe cases: Possible imprisonment

Police conduct random alcohol testing at control stations. If you exceed the legal limit, you’ll be taken to the police station for examination, your license will be confiscated immediately, and you’ll forfeit all insurance compensation if involved in an accident.

What to Do in Case of a Road Accident in Finland

If you witness or are involved in an accident with injuries or involving wildlife (particularly moose or reindeer), follow these steps:

Emergency Contact Numbers

• Emergency services: 112 (free from any phone, including payphones)
• Police: 10022 (no city code required)

Information to Provide

When calling emergency services, have the following information ready:

• Registration numbers of all vehicles involved
• Insurance companies covering the involved vehicles
• Names of vehicle owners or operators
• Contact details of witnesses (names, addresses, phone numbers)

Driving Culture in Finland

Finland is renowned for its exemplary driving culture. Finnish drivers are courteous, cautious, and strictly adhere to traffic regulations. Aggressive driving behaviors like cutting off other vehicles, excessive speeding, or reckless overtaking are rare. This respectful road culture makes Finland one of the safest countries for driving in Europe.

For international visitors, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended and adds prestige to your credentials. Our service offers quick and straightforward IDP registration without complicated formalities, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your Finnish road adventure.