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Driving in Finland – Everything You Need To Know

Driving in Finland – Everything You Need To Know

Exploring Finland by car offers a unique and unforgettable experience. From the serene beauty of the Finnish Lakeland to the magical landscapes of Lapland, driving allows you to discover the country at your own pace. Whether you're planning a summer road trip under the midnight sun or a winter adventure through snowy forests, renting a car in Finland gives you the freedom to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about driving in Finland — from essential road rules to the most scenic routes — so you can enjoy a safe and memorable journey.

Driving in finland

Essential Driving Rules and Regulations in Finland

 

Before hitting the road in Finland, it's crucial to understand the country's driving rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Finland has strict traffic laws designed to protect drivers, pedestrians, and the environment. Here’s a breakdown of the most important rules every driver should know:

1. Driver’s License Requirements

Visitors from EU/EEA countries can use their valid national driver’s license in Finland. Travelers from non-EU/EEA countries may use their valid international driver’s license or their national license if it’s in English, Finnish, or Swedish. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for added convenience. The minimum age for driving a car in Finland is 18. However, most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 20–21 years old, and some may charge an extra fee for drivers under 25. Read more about our age limits here >>

2. Speed Limits

Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
Rural areas: 80 km/h (50 mph)
Highways (Moottoritie): 100–120 km/h (62–75 mph), depending on the season

Speed limits are strictly enforced, with automatic speed cameras in place. Always check for posted speed limit signs, especially during winter when limits may be lowered due to weather conditions.

3. Zero Tolerance for Drink-Driving

Finland has strict drink-driving laws. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. For novice drivers (with less than two years of driving experience), the limit is lower. Random breath tests are common, and penalties for driving under the influence are severe, including heavy fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment.

4. Headlights Must Be On at All Times

By law, headlights must be used 24/7 throughout the year, regardless of the weather or time of day. This increases visibility, especially during dark winter months or foggy conditions.

5. Seatbelt Laws and Child Safety

Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle, both in the front and back seats. Children under 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) must use a child safety seat appropriate for their size and weight.

6. Mobile Phone Use While Driving

Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you use a hands-free device. Distracted driving is taken seriously and can result in fines.

7. Priority and Right of Way

Vehicles coming from the right generally have the right of way at intersections unless indicated otherwise. Trams always have priority over other vehicles. Pedestrians at crosswalks and cyclists must be given the right of way.

8. Use of Winter Tires

Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to March 31, or whenever there are wintry road conditions. Studded tires are allowed but must be removed by the first Monday after Easter unless conditions require their use.

9. Wildlife on the Roads

Be alert for moose and reindeer, especially when driving in rural or northern areas. Warning signs will indicate high-risk zones.  

10. Parking Regulations

Always park in designated areas. Paid parking is common in cities, and some areas require the use of a parking disc to indicate your arrival time. Fines are issued for improper parking, and in some cases, vehicles may be towed.

Green Motion Car Rental Finland Kemi Railway Station 767x767

Road Types and Traffic Signs in Finland

Driving in Finland is a smooth and enjoyable experience, thanks to its well-maintained and organized road network. Understanding the different types of roads and becoming familiar with Finnish traffic signs is essential for a safe and comfortable journey, especially for first-time visitors.

Finland’s road system is divided into several categories that cater to different types of travel. Major cities and regions are connected by wide, high-speed motorways (Moottoritie), which are marked with green signs. These roads are designed for efficient long-distance travel and have speed limits ranging from 100 to 120 km/h, depending on the season. On these roads, slower vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists are prohibited to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.

Beyond the motorways, the country has main roads (Valtatie), which serve as primary routes linking cities and major towns. These roads are usually well-maintained, with speed limits between 80 and 100 km/h, offering a comfortable drive through both urban and rural areas. Regional roads (Seututie) connect smaller towns and villages, providing access to more remote areas of the country. These roads often pass through scenic landscapes, with varying speed limits that typically range from 60 to 80 km/h. For those venturing even deeper into Finland's countryside, local roads (Yhdystie) and private forest roads are narrower and less frequently maintained. While these roads offer a more intimate look at Finland’s natural beauty, they can also present challenges, especially in winter, when snow and ice are common.

Navigating Finnish roads is made easier by clear and internationally recognizable traffic signs. Speed limit signs are straightforward, with black numbers on a white background encircled in red. Temporary speed limits, often due to roadworks or adverse weather conditions, are highlighted with a yellow background to draw attention. Finland also follows the European standard for priority roads, using a yellow diamond with a white border to indicate roads where drivers have the right of way.

Roundabouts are common, especially in urban areas, and they are marked with blue circular signs featuring white arrows. Drivers approaching a roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating within it. At intersections without clear signage, the general rule is to give priority to traffic coming from the right. However, trams always have the right of way, and drivers must also yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and to cyclists when they cross the road.

Another unique aspect of driving in Finland is the prevalence of wildlife crossing signs. In rural and northern areas, yellow triangular signs featuring images of moose or reindeer warn drivers to remain vigilant. Collisions with large animals can be dangerous, so it’s important to stay alert when these signs appear, and keep watch at the edges of the road especially if you're driving while dark. 

Parking regulations are clearly marked with blue "P" signs, and in some zones, a parking disc must be used to indicate your arrival time. Areas where parking is prohibited are indicated by signs featuring a red circle with a blue background and a diagonal red line.

Whether you're cruising along the highways or winding through the forests on smaller country roads, Finland’s road network is designed for safe and enjoyable travel. Familiarizing yourself with the types of roads and traffic signs will ensure a smooth driving experience as you explore everything from bustling cities to tranquil natural landscapes.

Rent a car in Finland – See our locations

Green Motion Car Rental Finland Helsinki Vantaa Airport 767x767

Helsinki

Green Motion Car Rental Finland Rovaniemi Airport 767x767

Rovaniemi