Finland summary
Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
Finnish and Swedish
Euro
5,338,123
GMT + 2
358
Right
Yes
Local weather
Helsinki
-
Wed13° | 17° - Thu14° | 16°
- Fri13° | 17°
-
Sat13° | 15°
Speed limits
- Motorways:
- 100kmh (74 mph) in the winter, 120kmh (75 mph) in the summer
- Open roads:
- 80 – 100kmh (50 – 62 mph)
- Towns:
- 30 – 50kmh (18-31mph)
Road Safety
-
Alcohol limit:
- 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
- Police strictly enforce all traffic laws and institute random roadside breathalyser tests
- Drivers who register above the legal alcohol content are subject to immediate arrest
-
Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
- It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving
- Mobile phones can only be used hands-free
-
Seat belts:
- The use of seat belts is compulsory for all passengers
- Children too small to be secure in seatbelts must use child car seat
-
Traffic lights regulations:
- No right/left turn on red
Costs
- Road tolls:
- There are no toll roads in Finland
- On the spot fines:
- Fines can be very high and are based on an individual’s income level
- The minimum fine is €35 but there is no maximum limit
- Police are not empowered to collect fines on the spot
- Fines can be paid at a bank or post office
General motoring advice
- Rush hour in built up areas:
- The most common rush hour times are around 0800 hrs and between 1600-1700hrs
- Fuel:
- Some stations are open 24hrs and almost all have automatic pumps that accept cash and major credit cards
- Leaded petrol is unavailable, however an unleaded substitute with a special additive can be purchased
- Parking advice:
- Parking lights must be on if the vehicle is parked in a dimly lit public spot
- Wheel clamps are not used, but illegally parked vehicles may be towed away
- Vehicles should park in the direction of the traffic and at least 5 metres from any pedestrian crossings or intersections
- Parking discs are required when the parking area has a parking disc sign
- Most cities have metered parking areas
- Where parking vouchers are needed there is always a parking meter.
- Parking vouchers cannot be bought from Service stations.