Driving in Finland

Rules & Regulations

Please read our guide below before you start your journey in Finland.

Drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left.
The blood to alcohol limit in Finland is 0.05%.
The use of mobile phones whilst driving is not allowed unless you use a hands-free system.
Seat belts are compulsory for all occupants of the vehicle.
Children under 3 years of age must have a child restraint on them. It is compulsory to have infant child car seats determined by the child’s weight for children who are less than 135 cm. Children over 135 cm tall can use seat belts.
Winter tyres are required when driving in Finland from December to March and preferably studded tyres. Road conditions in the winter months can be icy and hazardous so drive with extra caution and care.
Engine heaters in the winter are recommended.
Headlights must be used at all times.
Drivers are not allowed to remain stationary for long periods. Unless you’re stuck in unavoidable traffic, you shouldn’t leave your engine running for more than two minutes, or four minutes if the temperature is below -15 degrees Celsius.
Trams and buses have right of way.
At many unregulated intersections, you should yield to traffic on-coming from the right, unless there is a “yield” or “give way” signposted for the right on-coming traffic.
Radar detector devices are prohibited.

Here are the speed limits to abide by when driving in Finland:

The following documents should be carried at all times when driving in Finland:

There are no toll roads in Finland.
If somebody flashes there headlights at you it could mean that there is an accident ahead, there is a moose on the road or that you haven’t got your headlights on.
Most cities have metered parking areas. However, sometimes parking is free, but others it’s time-limited. In this case, you need a parking disc, which can be obtained from petrol stations, kiosks and most shops.
Make sure you’re prepared to present necessary documents when stopped by a police officer.
To contact the emergency services call 112
Be aware of Moose, Elk and reindeer as they can sometimes wander onto roads and they are most active during dusk.

SIXT has a number of branches in the cities of Espoo, Turku, Rovaniemi, and Vantaa. We also have 7 branches in the Capital city of Helsinki including one at Helsinki Airport.