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Car Hire in Finland: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Finland's speed limits, winter tyres, changing road conditions, Lapland driving, reindeer and elk, Helsinki parking and the practical rules that matter on a Finnish road trip.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Finnish roads are generally well maintained, but conditions can change quickly, particularly during the long winter and on more remote northern routes.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel or electricity.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and heated-window controls.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Winter rental: check the tyres and make sure the vehicle has the equipment you may need for the journey.
  • Long northern journey: plan fuel or charging stops before leaving a major town.
  • Set navigation while parked: enter your destination before joining traffic.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right in Finland and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

  • Keep right: stay on the right-hand side after turns and junctions.
  • Overtaking: normally overtake on the left.
  • Motorways: return to the right lane after overtaking.
  • Visitors used to left-hand traffic: take extra care when leaving service stations and car parks.
  • Rural roads: watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife.

Speed limits in Finland

Unless signs indicate otherwise, Finland's general speed limits are:

  • Built-up areas: 50 km/h.
  • Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h.
  • Motorways: signed limits can reach 120 km/h during summer.
  • Winter: many higher road limits are reduced during the darker winter period.

A speed limit is a maximum rather than a target. Snow, ice, rain, darkness or wildlife may require a substantially lower speed.

Finland reduces many speed limits for winter

Seasonal speed limits are introduced on many main roads during the darker winter months.

  • A road that carries a 100 km/h summer limit may be reduced to 80 km/h.
  • Motorway sections that permit 120 km/h in summer commonly operate at 100 km/h during winter.
  • Variable electronic signs may impose still lower limits when road or weather conditions require them.
  • Always follow the sign in front of you rather than relying on a remembered seasonal limit.

Finland has no road tolls or motorway vignette

Finland does not currently use time-based road vignettes, distance-based road tolls or vehicle emission stickers.

  • There is no passenger-car motorway vignette to buy.
  • There are no normal motorway toll booths.
  • There is no low-emission sticker required simply to drive into a Finnish city.
  • Parking, ferries and other individual services can still involve separate charges.

Keep your lights on throughout the day

Daytime running lights or appropriate headlights are required when driving in Finland, including during daylight.

  • Most modern rental cars operate daytime running lights automatically.
  • Use dipped headlights when visibility is reduced.
  • In snow, fog or darkness, make sure both front and rear lighting are appropriate for the conditions.
  • Do not assume illuminated dashboard instruments mean that all exterior lights are on.

Winter tyres depend on the weather and road conditions

From 1 November to 31 March, winter tyres must be used when the weather or road conditions require them.

  • Minimum tread: passenger-car winter tyres must have at least 3 mm of tread in the principal grooves.
  • Non-studded winter tyres: qualifying winter tyres use the three-peak mountain snowflake marking.
  • Studded tyres: these may be used during the winter period and at other times when conditions require them.
  • Rental cars: vehicles rented in winter should normally be appropriately equipped, but check before leaving.
  • Do not assume that winter tyres make normal summer speeds safe on ice or packed snow.

Snow and ice require much longer braking distances

  • Reduce speed before bends and junctions.
  • Increase the distance from the vehicle ahead.
  • Brake and steer smoothly.
  • Watch for ice even when the road surface looks clear.
  • Bridges and shaded sections can freeze before surrounding roads.

Prepare for a winter breakdown

A breakdown that would be inconvenient in summer can become much more serious during extreme cold.

  • Carry warm clothing and suitable footwear.
  • Keep your phone charged.
  • Carry a torch or flashlight.
  • Keep a reflective vest or reflector accessible.
  • On longer northern journeys, carry water and basic emergency supplies.

Check Fintraffic before a long winter journey

Fintraffic provides current information about Finnish roads, including weather, surface conditions, roadworks, incidents and road-condition cameras.

  • Check conditions shortly before departure.
  • Prefer main roads during difficult winter weather.
  • Do not rely only on a navigation app when snow has affected minor roads.
  • Allow additional journey time during snowfall or freezing conditions.
  • Consider postponing a journey if official warnings indicate dangerous driving conditions.

Lapland journeys can involve long distances and extreme conditions

Northern Finland combines long distances, winter darkness, very low temperatures and relatively sparse services.

  • Plan fuel or charging stops before leaving larger towns.
  • Keep a comfortable fuel reserve rather than running close to empty.
  • Check both the weather and road conditions before setting off.
  • Allow for much slower driving during snow or ice.
  • Mobile coverage can be less reliable in remote areas.
  • Tell someone your intended route when travelling into a remote area during severe winter weather.

Expect reindeer on roads in northern Finland

Around one third of Finland lies within the reindeer husbandry area, covering Lapland and parts of northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu.

  • Reindeer can be on or immediately beside the road.
  • If you see one reindeer, expect others nearby.
  • Reduce speed and be prepared to stop completely.
  • Do not swerve dangerously to avoid an animal.
  • Call 112 if you collide with a reindeer or other large animal.

Elk and deer are serious road hazards

Elk and deer can enter roads across Finland, with the risk often increasing around dawn and dusk.

  • Take wildlife warning signs seriously.
  • Scan both sides of the road, not just the carriageway ahead.
  • Reduce speed in areas where animals are likely.
  • Be particularly alert during autumn and low-light conditions.

Do not stop on the road to photograph the Northern Lights

Northern Lights viewing can tempt drivers to stop suddenly on dark rural roads. Finnish road-safety guidance specifically advises against this.

  • Keep your attention on the road while driving.
  • Use a recognised lay-by, car park or other safe stopping place.
  • Never leave the car unlit on the carriageway.
  • Do not use hazard lights simply because you have stopped for a photograph; they are for emergencies.

Driving in Helsinki

Helsinki has trams, pedestrians, cyclists, one-way streets and extensive public transport, so a car is often most useful when travelling beyond the central area.

  • Watch carefully for trams and cycle lanes.
  • Check mirrors and blind spots before turning.
  • Follow local signs rather than relying only on navigation.
  • Winter street maintenance can temporarily affect parking.
  • For central sightseeing, parking once and continuing on foot or public transport may be easier.

Helsinki street parking

Much of Helsinki's inner city uses paid street parking, with different zones and operating hours.

  • Always check the traffic sign where you park.
  • Charges and operating hours depend on the location.
  • Parking can be paid through supported mobile applications and other available payment methods.
  • Temporary signs can require vehicles to be moved for snow clearing, street cleaning or works.
  • Parking halls can be simpler than searching for an on-street space in the centre.

Finland's drink-driving limit is 0.05%

The threshold for drink-driving is a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.05%, equivalent to 0.5‰.

  • Alcohol can impair driving before the legal threshold is reached.
  • Police carry out roadside breath testing.
  • Serious drink-driving offences can lead to substantial penalties.
  • Do not treat the legal limit as a safe drinking target.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is not to drink before driving.

Mobile phones

  • Do not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
  • Use an appropriate hands-free arrangement if necessary.
  • Set navigation before moving.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere safe and legal if you need to make complicated route changes.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Seat belts must be used in fitted seating positions.
  • Children must use an appropriate restraint where required.
  • Arrange any child seat when booking the rental car.
  • Check that the restraint is correctly fitted before leaving the rental location.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Finland recognises a wide range of foreign driving licences, but the documentation required depends on where the licence was issued.

  • EU and EEA licences: a valid licence can be used in Finland for its period of validity.
  • UK licences: the UK is among the states whose valid licences are recognised under Finland's international arrangements.
  • Other recognised licences: an International Driving Permit or an official Finnish, Swedish or English translation may be required if the national licence does not clearly show the categories and validity.
  • Carry the original: an International Driving Permit supplements rather than replaces the national licence.
  • Rental provider: age, documentation and minimum licence-holding requirements can be stricter than the legal minimum.

Check before taking a Finnish rental car across a border

Finland has road connections with Sweden and Norway, while travel towards other neighbouring regions requires particularly careful checking of current border and travel arrangements.

  • Confirm that the rental provider permits every country on your itinerary.
  • Check whether a cross-border fee applies.
  • Confirm that insurance and roadside assistance remain valid.
  • Check the road and winter-equipment laws of the country you are entering.
  • Carry any rental-company authorisation required for international travel.

Finnish trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Helsinki and southern Finland

A car gives flexibility for destinations outside the capital, including smaller coastal towns, lakes and countryside.

Finnish Lakeland

The lakes region is particularly suited to a road trip because towns, cottages and natural attractions are spread over a wide area.

Turku and the south-west

Driving makes it easier to combine Turku with smaller towns, coastal areas and destinations away from the principal rail routes.

Rovaniemi and Lapland

A rental car offers considerable flexibility in Lapland, but winter conditions, reindeer and long distances require careful planning.

Northern Finland

Driving can be particularly useful for remote destinations, national parks and routes where public transport is limited.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
  • Use a warning triangle where appropriate and safe.
  • Call 112 if urgent assistance is required.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant details and photograph the vehicles and scene where it is safe to do so.
  • Follow the accident-reporting procedure in the rental agreement.

Emergency assistance in Finland

  • Emergency services: 112

Call 112 when urgent police, ambulance, fire or rescue assistance is required.

For a normal mechanical breakdown, contact the roadside-assistance service supplied by the rental provider.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact return location and opening arrangements.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow additional time when returning during heavy snow or poor road conditions.
  • Clear snow sufficiently to inspect the vehicle before return.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork and return confirmation until the security deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Finland

Which side of the road do you drive on in Finland?

Traffic drives on the right and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

What are the speed limits in Finland?

The general limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside built-up areas unless signs indicate otherwise. Motorways can have limits up to 120 km/h in summer, while lower limits commonly apply during winter.

Are winter tyres compulsory in Finland?

From 1 November to 31 March, winter tyres must be used when the weather or road conditions require them. Passenger-car winter tyres must have at least 3 mm of tread.

Does Finland have toll roads?

No. Finland does not currently use passenger-car road tolls, motorway vignettes or emission stickers.

Do I need headlights during the day?

Yes. Appropriate daytime running lights or headlights must be used while driving, including during daylight.

What should I do if I hit a reindeer or elk?

Stop safely, warn other traffic and call 112. Follow the instructions given by the emergency response centre.

Official and reliable driving information for Finland

Winter requirements, road conditions and parking arrangements can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026.