In Finland driving is on the right with overtaking on the left. You can overtake on the right but only if it is a road with multiple lanes. You give way to vehicles on the right unless it is a tram, as trams always have priority. In other situations approaches to priority roads are denoted by a sign showing a red triangle on a yellow background.
Because it can be dark in Finland as it is so far north, headlights must be used at all times. You should not use the horn in the urban areas and you will be punished for doing so unless you can prove that it was a dangerous situation. However horns, along with headlights, can and should be used when poor visibility demands them. For this reason you should have reflective jackets in the car at all times. Winter tyres are required by law from December 1 to March 3. They can be studded or non-studded. If driving in the country you should be alert as large animals such as elk can run out into the road.
Never cross the white line which indicates the gap between the road and the bicycle and pedestrian lane. You should be aware that police are not allowed to collect fines on the spot. However given the egalitarian nature of Finland's Society the fines are based on the level of your income and can be very high. There is a minimum fine of 22 euros but no maximum limit, which means that you may be liable for extremely high fines if you earn a lot.
Call the police, as well as the emergency services if anyone is hurt. The direct police emergency phone number is 10022 and you can even ask for English-speaking staff.You should not move the car unless it is unsafe to leave it in the position where it is. Use the time while waiting for the police to arrive to swap insurance information with the other driver. If you have a camera to hand it won't hurt to take some pictures of the accident.
The use of seat belts is compulsory for the driver and the passenger. Children who are too small for seat belts must use a car seat.
Like many other European countries Finland signed up to the 1968 Vienna Convention on road signs and signals. Therefore all motorway signs are European signs - blue background with white letters.
You can always get fuel in Finland as even if you are not at one of the 24 petrol stations, there are automatic pumps which accept both cards and cash. The unusual thing about Finland is that leaded petrol is not available. Instead there is a substitute which is made with a special additive. Unleaded petrol comes in both 95 and 98 octane.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Imprisonment is likely if you are caught for exceeding this blood alcohol limit.
You should have your driving licence and passport, proof of vehicle registration and at least third party insurance.
You can use a European Union licence in Finland or an international driver's permit. However if you plan on staying for more than one year you will need to get a Finnish licence.
Unleaded petrol - lyijytön polttoaine
Where is ...?: Missä on ...?
Bus: Bussi
Passport: Passi
Airport: Lentokenttä
There are no toll roads or toll bridges In Finland.
Speed limits are 50 kph in built-up areas, 80 kph or 100 kph outside built-up areas according to the signs, and 120 kph on freeways.
The conversion from kilometres to miles per hour is one kilometre = 0.62 miles per hour. Therefore the speed in built-up areas is 30 miles per hour.
Drivers must be over 18 years old in Finland but your rental company may specify that you have to be older than 21 or 25 years of age.
The emergency services number is 112.
The British Embassy is at Itäinen Puistotie 17 in Helsinki and can be contacted on +358 (0)9 2286 5100. The website is http://ukinfinland.fco.gov.uk/en/
The American Embassy is at Itäinen Puistotie 14 B in Helsinki and can be contacted on +358-9-616 250. The website is http://finland.usembassy.gov/
Finland uses parking discs for parking and signs tell you when they are needed. There are also metered parking areas. Again an unusual rule applies because of how dark Finland can be. If your car is parked in an area where it is hard to see and could be hit then you must put your lights on. Obey all the local parking signs; Finland tows away vehicles even if it does not operate a wheel clamping system. Cars must park facing the traffic and at least five metres from any pedestrian crossings or intersections.
