Driving in Finland.
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The land of extremes.
Finland still remains one of the relatively unknown corners of Europe, whether it is from the art-filled city of the nation’s capital Helsinki, the architectural buildings of Turku, to the lively industrial city of Tampere or the unmistakable sight of the Northern Lights, Finland is a land of extremes.
Due to the wealth of tourist friendly destinations and picturesque locations Finland is perfect for a holiday getaway no matter what you are looking for.
To find out more about the various activities to do and sights to behold in Finland, you can read our travel guide or take a look at our destinations in Finland for more information.
Tips for driving in Finland
Which side of the road do they drive on?
Drive on the right, overtake on the left. Vehicles should be overtaken on the left, unless the driver of the vehicle to be overtaken has indicated his intention to turn left. Vehicles being overtaken should not move to the right across the white line which indicates the lane for cycles and pedestrians.
At intersections, vehicles coming from the right have priority, unless otherwise indicated. Vehicles on rails and emergency vehicles always have priority over other vehicles, even when coming from the left.
Seat belts
It is compulsory for the driver and passengers on the front and rear seats of cars to wear seat belts where fitted. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that all children under 15 are safely restrained, the penalty is €35.
Driving with children
Children must be placed in a child seat or child restraint. Where a child restraint/seat is not available, a child who is 3 years and over must travel in the rear seat of the vehicle using a seat belt or other safety device attached to the seat. A child under 3 years old may not be transported in a vehicle without child restraint/seat.
Blood alcohol limit
The drink drive limit is 0.5 mg per ml. Alternatively, the maximum level of alcohol in the blood permitted is 0.05%.
Can I use a mobile?
The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free system.
Reflective vests, triangles & other essentials
It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle as well as a reflective jacket should you have to leave the vehicle in the hours of darkness.
Do I need winter tyres or snow chains?
Winter tyres are compulsory on all vehicles for the months of December, January and February. In other months, the use of winter tyres is optional.
Winter tyres are currently available free of charge, throughout the winter between November 1st and March 31st.
Parking
Always park in the direction of traffic and at least 5 metres from any pedestrian crossing or intersections. The majority of cities will have parking meter areas, however should there be no meters in the vicinity, a pay-and-display parking voucher must be obtained and displayed on the dashboard. These can be found at any local petrol stations.
Variable speed limits
Variable speed limits can apply, ranging from 80km/h to 100km/h, depending on the road and traffic density.
On the spot fines
The Police are able to impose fines on the spot of up to €115, but are unable to collect these. Any fines should be paid at any local banks within 2 weeks.
For more serious offences there can be a minimum daily fine of €6 per day (the amount is based off the person’s income). Foreign drivers have the right to not disclose their income, in which case the fine will be standard.
Horns and headlights
It is advised that all vehicles must have their headlights or daytime running lights on at all times during the year. You should not use the horn in urban areas unless involved in a dangerous situation; however both lights and horns should be used where there is poor visibility.
What should I do if I have an accident?
If you’re in an accident, you MUST notify the Police and the supplier and get an accident report for insurance purposes. Failure to do so may result in you footing the whole bill. It is also recommended to contact us at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.
What should I do if I breakdown?
If you breakdown in Finland, you must put on a reflective jacket and place the reflective triangles behind and in front of the vehicle to warn other drivers. Call the car rental provider who will be able to advise you further.
Book nowPlaces to hire in Finland
- Espoo Marsbyntie
- Hameenlinna
- Hameenlinna Rail Station
- Helsinki
- Helsinki Airport (HEL)
- Helsinki Rail Station
- Hyvinkaa
- Hyvinkaa Rail Station
- Iisalmi Rail Station
- Ivalo Airport (IVL)
- Joensuu Airport (JOE)
- Joensuu Rail Station
- Jyvaskyla Rail Station
- Kajaani Airport (KAJ)
- Kajaani Rail station
- Kemi Rail Station
- Kemi Tornio Airport (KEM)
- Kemijarvi Rail Station
- Kittila Airport (KTT)
- Kokkola Rail Station
- Kolari Rail Station
- Kouvola Rail Station
- Kuopio Airport (KUO)
- Kuopio Rail Station
- Kuusamo Airport (KAO)
- Lahti
- Lahti Rail Station
- Lappeenranta Rail Station
- Mikkeli
- Oulu
- Oulu Airport (OUL)
- Oulu Rail Station
- Parkano Rail Station
- Pori Rail Station
- Rovaniemi
- Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)
- Rovaniemi Rail Station
- Savonlinna Rail Station (Kauppatori)
- Savonlinna Rail Station (Paaskylahti)
- Seinajoki Rail Station
- Tampere
- Tampere Airport (TMP)
- Tampere Rail Station
- Turku
- Turku Airport (TKU)
- Turku Rail Station
- Vaasa
- Vaasa Airport (VAA)
- Vaasa Rail Station
- Vantaa
- Ylivieska Rail Station
Average customer rating for car hire in Finland
(4.65 out of 5.00) based on 23 responses to our customer survey.
Speed limits
- Motorways - 100/120 kph / 62/75mph
- Open roads - 80 kph / 50mph
- Built up areas - 50 kph / 31mph
Phone numbers
- Police - 112
- Fire - 112
- Ambulance - 112
Useful phrases
- Danger - Vaara
- Diesel - Dieseli
- Exit - Poistua
- Filling Station - Tayttoasema
- Petrol - Bensiini
- Restricted - Rajoitettu
- Right of way - Etuajo-Oikeus
- Roadworks - Tietyot
- Slow - Hidas
Fuel
Many fuel stations have both kiosks and 'Pay at Pump' fuel pumps. Foreign credit and debit cards are widely accepted although this is not always the case therefore it is advisable to keep some cash on you. SP95-E10 fuel is now sold throughout Finland although it is not suitable for all vehicles so check before filling up. In case of doubt, use either diesel or regular unleaded.
Articles about Finland
