Driving in Finland
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in Finland.
Can You Drive in Finland?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: EU/EEA licenses: valid indefinitely while resident. Non-EU: up to 1 year.
Important Note
EU/EEA licenses are valid. Non-EU licenses are valid for up to 1 year; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Latin script licenses.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest
- Winter tires (Dec 1–Feb 28)
- Vehicle registration document
- Insurance certificate
Recommended Items
- Parking disc (required in blue zones)
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Tow rope
- Flashlight
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- Always carry a parking disc — it is mandatory in blue-zone areas
- Use the EasyPark or Moovy app for convenient meter payments in Helsinki
- In winter, allow extra time for finding cleared parking spaces
Average Cost: €1–€4 per hour in city centers; free in rural areas
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Forgetting to use a parking disc in blue-zone areas, resulting in a fine
- 2Not keeping headlights on at all times — dipped headlights are mandatory day and night, year-round
- 3Underestimating winter road conditions and failing to adjust speed for ice and snow
- 4Speeding — income-based day-fine system can result in enormous fines
- 5Not using headlights at all times (mandatory)
Traffic Fines
Speeding
€100–€200 for up to 20 km/h over; day fines (income-based) for exceeding by more than 20 km/h
No Seatbelt
€70
Phone Use
€100
Red Light
Day fines (income-based)
Illegal Parking
€20–€80 depending on city and zone
Ready to Drive in Finland?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
112
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Roadside Assistance
Autoliitto (Finnish motoring association): 0200 8080
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master Finland Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
