Traffic in Finland
For many people from other European countries, traffic in Finland on car-free roads is a holiday in itself. traffic jams are an exception. In Lapland you sometimes have to stop for other road users, namely reindeer.
The traffic rules in Finland are generally the same as in the UK.
Traffic lights
Before a traffic light turns green, you see it first turn orange and then green. Traffic lights are almost everywhere on the other side of the road, very handy.
Parking
The blue parking disc is widely used in Finland, make sure you have one with you.
Alcohol and drugs
The maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille. Traces of drugs in the blood are not allowed.
Maximum speed
In general, the maximum speed is 80 km/h and 50 km/h in cities and towns.
There are quite a few fixed speed cameras in Finland, so pay attention. Any speed above + 20 km/h gives a fine based on your income. A Swede has been fined €80,000 for driving at 77 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. A Nokia boss was awarded €116,000 after he was caught exceeding the speed limit on his Harley by 75 km/h in a 50 km/h zone!
Mobile phone
Drivers of motor vehicles are prohibited from holding a mobile phone while driving. Hands-free calling is allowed.
Winter
In the winter months, all vehicles must have winter tires, preferably with studs. Roads are generally not sprinkled. Instead, they are maintained by snow plows. In winter, the general speed limit is lowered to 80 km/h everywhere.
Headlights on
If an oncoming vehicle flashes at you with high beams, it could mean one of these things: there’s a moose on the road, or there’s been an accident, or you don’t have your headlights on. It is a legal requirement to have your headlights on, both in summer and winter and during the day and at night.
Transport
Finland has an extensive road network that is generally well maintained. Even the most remote areas are easily accessible, here and there there are gravel roads in wooded areas. In the middle and north of Finland you have to take crossing moose and reindeer into account. Finland also has an extensive rail network. The Finnish trains are clean and comfortable and may transport you to the most beautiful areas by car. The prices for traveling by train are very reasonable. Finland has approximately 25 airports. The main airports are: Helsinki, Kuopio, Oulo, Rovaniemi, Tampere, Turku and Vaasa.
