Advice for driving in Finland
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Updated:
26 April 2024
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Tips, Checklist & Legal Requirements
The local transport system is good and traffic is light.
What do I need to drive in Finland?
Driver's checklist:
- · Valid driving licence
- · Proof of identification (passport)
- · Insurance documents (third part or above)
- · Proof of ownership (registration certificate)
If you do not own the vehicle you are driving, you are advised to obtain written permission from the registered owner.
Driver safety
In 2012 there were 255 road deaths in Finland. This equates to 4.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 population in 2012.
Finland Driving Laws
Seat belts are required for all passengers, whether in the front or back seat of the vehicle. Children under 3 years old must seat in the back and use a child seat when this is available.
Police are authorised to impose on the spot fines, but not to collect them. These must be paid at banks. When parking in a metered parking area with no meters, you must obtain a pay-and-display voucher in a petrol station and display it on the dashboard.
Kit You Need to Carry On Board
It is compulsory in Finland to carry the following safety equipment within any vehicle with more than 2 wheels:
- · Reflective jacket
- · Warning triangle
- · Headlamp converters
Speed Limits
The speed limits in Finland are not always the same. Limits depend on type of road, type of vehicle and even traffic density.
Standard speed limits (km/h) unless otherwise stated by traffic signs:
Urban roads (31 mph).
Non-urban roads (50 mph).
Motorways / expressways (50 - 62 - 74 mph). Always displayed by traffic signs.
Towing
Urban roads (31 mph).
Non-urban roads (50 mph).
Motorways / expressways (50 mph).
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking and driving is also a serious offence and you can expect a lengthy prison sentence. The drink drive limit in Finland is 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (lower than the UK).
Mobile Phones
Using a mobile phone while driving is not allowed but the use of 'hands free' equipment is allowed.
Headlights
Dipped headlights must be use at all times by all vehicles regardless weather conditions.
Driving in Winter
Driving in Finland during the winter months can be hazardous. Icy road conditions are common. If driving in Finland, your car must be winterised and winter/snow tyres (either studded or non-studded) are a legal requirement from 1 December to 31 March.
General Driving Advice
So to recap here is our checklist for driving in Finland:
- Ensure you have proper documentation: valid driving licence, ID, driving insurance covering driving in Finland, proof of ownership (registration certification).
- Take plenty of breaks when driving long distances.
- Ensure rear passengers are wearing seat belts and remember children 3 and under are not allowed to travel in the front seat.
- Ensure your car is equipped with the following safety equipment: Warning triangle, reflective jacket, headlamp converters and winter/snow tyres. Especially if travelling to snowier parts of Finland.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Observe local speed limits – as a general rule built up areas have limits of 50km/h (31 mph), outside built up areas are 100km/h (62 mph).
- Dipped headlights are compulsory even in daytime conditions.
Driving to Finland through another destination? You might like to read our guides to:
Need breakdown cover for Finland? Eurobreakdown.com can provide you with comprehensive single trip breakdown cover or annual multi trip breakdown policies with a best price guarantee.
Reference: The statistics mentioned on this page were sourced from the Reported Road Casualties Great Britain:2012 Annual Report and, to the best of Eurobreakdown.com’s knowledge, are correct at the time of publication (June 2014).
For general European driving tips click here