Finland 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom)
Last Updated: 1 February 2026
Summary
Finland implements EU GSR2 Phase 3 safety requirements for all new vehicles in 2026, updates winter driving regulations, introduces environmental zone frameworks, and adjusts penalty structures for traffic violations.
Key Changes
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective 7 July 2026
Basic ADAS required
Since July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping assistance, and drowsiness detection based on driving patterns
Camera-based distraction monitoring mandatory
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with in-cabin camera detecting phone use, eating, or looking away from the road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based monitoring from July 2026. Your car will detect if you're distracted and issue warnings. Combined with existing ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance), AEB, and lane-keeping systems mandatory since 2024, modern vehicles now have comprehensive safety monitoring.”
Updated Winter Tire Requirements
Effective 1 November 2026
Winter tires Nov 1 - Mar 31
Winter tires mandatory from November 1 to March 31 with minimum 3mm tread depth
Extended period and stricter standards
Winter tires mandatory November 1 through April 15 with minimum 3mm tread depth; studded tires allowed November 1 to April 15; stricter enforcement on tread depth compliance
Official Source: Traficom Winter Driving
Instructor's Tip
“Finland's winter tire season has been extended by two weeks to April 15 to account for late-season ice and snow in northern regions. Always check tread depth before winter - the 3mm minimum is strictly enforced. Studded tires remain popular and are recommended for northern Finland.”
Expanded Alcohol Interlock Program
Effective 1 January 2026
0.05% BAC limit, income-based fines
Drunk driving penalized with day-fines based on income; license suspension of 1-5 years for aggravated offenses
Mandatory alcohol interlock for more offenders
Alcohol interlock program expanded to cover first-time offenders above 0.08% BAC; mandatory rehabilitation course for all DUI offenders; minimum 1-year license suspension for repeat offenders
Official Source: Traficom Driving Licenses
Instructor's Tip
“Finland's DUI penalties are getting tougher. The alcohol interlock program now covers more first-time offenders, not just repeat offenders. If caught above 0.08% BAC, you may need to install a breathalyzer device in your car. All DUI offenders must complete a rehabilitation course.”
Changes by Category
⚠️Penalties & Fines(1)
Expanded Alcohol Interlock Program
Effective 1 January 2026
0.05% BAC limit, income-based fines
Drunk driving penalized with day-fines based on income; license suspension of 1-5 years for aggravated offenses
Mandatory alcohol interlock for more offenders
Alcohol interlock program expanded to cover first-time offenders above 0.08% BAC; mandatory rehabilitation course for all DUI offenders; minimum 1-year license suspension for repeat offenders
Official Source: Traficom Driving Licenses
🔧Vehicle Equipment(1)
Updated Winter Tire Requirements
Effective 1 November 2026
Winter tires Nov 1 - Mar 31
Winter tires mandatory from November 1 to March 31 with minimum 3mm tread depth
Extended period and stricter standards
Winter tires mandatory November 1 through April 15 with minimum 3mm tread depth; studded tires allowed November 1 to April 15; stricter enforcement on tread depth compliance
Official Source: Traficom Winter Driving
🛡️Safety Rules(1)
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective 7 July 2026
Basic ADAS required
Since July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping assistance, and drowsiness detection based on driving patterns
Camera-based distraction monitoring mandatory
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with in-cabin camera detecting phone use, eating, or looking away from the road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
🌱Environmental Zones(1)
Environmental Zone Framework for Cities
Effective 1 June 2026
No environmental zones
Finland had no low-emission or environmental zone restrictions in cities
Municipal environmental zones enabled
Legislation enables Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku to establish environmental zones restricting the most polluting vehicles; municipalities decide implementation timeline
Official Source: Finnish Ministry of Transport
Instructor Tips
Re: EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based monitoring from July 2026. Your car will detect if you're distracted and issue warnings. Combined with existing ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance), AEB, and lane-keeping systems mandatory since 2024, modern vehicles now have comprehensive safety monitoring.”
Re: Updated Winter Tire Requirements
Instructor's Tip
“Finland's winter tire season has been extended by two weeks to April 15 to account for late-season ice and snow in northern regions. Always check tread depth before winter - the 3mm minimum is strictly enforced. Studded tires remain popular and are recommended for northern Finland.”
Re: Environmental Zone Framework for Cities
Instructor's Tip
“Finland is joining other EU countries in enabling environmental zones. Helsinki is expected to be first, potentially restricting older diesel vehicles in the city center. Watch for new signage indicating zone boundaries and check your vehicle's emission class before driving into major city centers.”
Re: Expanded Alcohol Interlock Program
Instructor's Tip
“Finland's DUI penalties are getting tougher. The alcohol interlock program now covers more first-time offenders, not just repeat offenders. If caught above 0.08% BAC, you may need to install a breathalyzer device in your car. All DUI offenders must complete a rehabilitation course.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What new safety features are required in Finnish cars from 2026?
When do I need winter tires in Finland?
Will Finland have low-emission zones like other EU countries?
What happens if I get caught drunk driving in Finland?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) — Official regulatory body
- EU General Safety Regulation 2 — EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
- Traficom Winter Driving — Updated Winter Tire Requirements
- Finnish Ministry of Transport — Environmental Zone Framework for Cities
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