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Driving in Finland – Recommendations, Tips and Tricks

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27. The speed limit in Finland is checked by radars and cameras that are installed literally everywhere. According to local regulations, it is prohibited to use and even carry anti-radar equipment and other similar devices. The violation of this rule will result in a heavy fine.
28. The fine for exceeding the speed depends on how much you exceed it. For example, if the maximum allowed speed was exceeded by at least 20 km/h and this was the first violation of this kind for a driver, he can get only a warning. If the driver is caught for the second time, he shouldn’t hope for one more warning. In case of a serious violation, the amount of the fine depends on the level of income of the offender.
29. Wrong overtaking is considered one of the most serious violations. In addition to a large fine, your driving license can be suspended. It is prohibited to make the maneuver when there are cars moving in the opposite direction nearby. It is also not permitted to overtake if this maneuver will make cars nearby or cars moving in the opposite direction drive to the roadside.
30. All traffic violations are recorded in one register. If a driver has made more than three violations in a year, his driving license will be cancelled. The delayed payment of the fine is also considered a violation. All fines must be paid in time.
31. Foreign drivers must remember that all the cars must have the national identification. Its absence is also likely to result in a large fine.
32. Inexperienced drivers and drivers who are used to driving not fast will be certainly pleased with slow and unhurried traffic on the roads of Finland. Not all local residents have a private car; drivers are also traditionally amazed by the high level of Finnish roads.
33. Local drivers are very cautious. They know the local traffic regulations very well. Of course, there are also fans of fast speed on local roads, as well as fans of cool maneuvers, but you will not see them often.

Hints on Car Hire in Finland

When choosing a car for your Finland trip, don’t forget to check and compare the franchise amount (indicated in the rental conditions) for all cars considered in your selection. The franchise may vary from 200 to 2000 euro/dollars even for cars of the same class. A thorough comparison will allow you to choose the option with the lowest franchise.

During your booking, we will offer you to take a full coverage of the franchise ('No Risk' or 'No Excess' package). If you book a car without full coverage, it is recommended to take it at the pick-up time - this will substantially reduce your financial liability in Finland for the whole rental period.

During your car pick-up in Finland, do not forget to check what to do in breakdown-, accident- or theft-cases. Most of our offers include 'Breakdown Assistance' package. Besides this, every rental office would be happy to assist you with this package.

Prior to the car return, please check your voucher for the fuel conditions. If it is indicated that a driver shall return the car with a full tank, do not forget to refuel it on the way back, this will save you from additional charges at the rental office.

If you are looking for a car hire in Finland, we advise you to check OrangeSmile.com actual rental offers. Just use the orange search form at the top. We guarantee that you would not be able to find better rates anywhere else!
34. The driver should always carry a standard set of documents – the driving license, the vehicle certificate, and the green card. The absence of the latter is considered a serious violation.
35. In spite of the fact that all kinds of roads have different speed mode, drivers still need to pay attention to road signs. On some roads, there may be a very severe speed restriction - 20-30 km/h.
36. Despite the fact that there is no such thing as the minimum speed limit in Finland, it is still not recommended to drive very slowly. Of course, you will not get a fine for that, but the resentment of other motorists is guaranteed.
37. Enters to all kinds of settlements always have special road signs that indicate the speed limits for all types of roads. You may not see these signs in the city, so such signs are valid not till the first intersection (just like many other road signs), but till the next road sign of this type.
38. Many foreign drivers can be misled by the «Pysakointi kielletty» and «Vain talon asukkaille» signs. The first sign means that parking is prohibited in this place, and the second sign means that only locals are allowed to park in the parking lot.
39. Drivers, who prefer to save on parking, will find no problem finding a free parking lot. There are free parking lots next to all supermarkets, but there may be no free spaces in the “rush hour”.
40. Local drivers have much respect for pedestrians. Foreign visitors should also follow their example. It is important to stop in front of a pedestrian crossing and wait until the road is free. Given that in some cities pedestrian crossings can be made every 50 meters, drivers really have to show a lot of patience.
41. The majority of Finnish cities have rather narrow roads, but there are not only many cars on them, but also large buses. While driving, in no way should car drivers try to overtake buses. It the bus has stopped, all the cars behind it also need to stop.
42. Animals have become a serious danger on country roads. Wild animals often appear on the road, so many highways are equipped with special fences, but there are not many of them on small country roads.
43. According to the statistics, a significant part of accidents that occur on country roads happens because of wild animals. If you become a “lucky” person who meets a moose on the road, then you need to stop and wait until the road is free. Having overcome such an unusual "obstacle", do not hurry up to gain high speed. Quite often the moose cross roads in teams.
44. Drivers, who visit Finland for the first time, are recommended to think of the route in advance and install a GPS-navigator in the car. The network of roads in the country is very dense, so drivers will often see numerous turns and junctions. Because of this peculiarity, it is very easy to get lost.
45. Drivers, who plan to stay in the country less than a year, will need the international driving license only. However, if you expect to stay in the country for a longer period, you should go to the police and ask them how you can get the local driving license.
46. The maximum permitted blood alcohol content in the country is 0.5 parts per million. Driving while intoxicated is considered a serious violation with a severe punishment in the form of a heavy fine and the suspension of the driving license. Moreover, this violation has a prison sentence as one of the forms of punishment.
47. The total length of roads in Finland is only 80 thousand kilometers. This figure is relatively modest for such a large country. However, traffic in Finland is organized in an optimal way, so all main highways are distinguished by the high quality asphalt.
48. There are also dirt roads in the country. They are the ones, where drivers see wild animals most often. There are even special road signs that warn drivers of this danger on such roads.
49. The territory of the country is home to seven international highways and 29 highways that connect major cities. These roads are distinguished by the quality surface. There are also many camping zones and recreation areas for motorists next to such roads.
50. Bicycle remains a popular form of transport in Finland. There are even special lanes for them in all major cities of the country. If there are no special lanes, cyclists can ride their bikes directly on the road together with cars. Drivers of the environment friendly vehicles are well respected in the country.
51. The majority of roads in the country are very loaded on weekends and during holidays. Many citizens prefer to leave cities on weekends and move to their country houses, so the possibility of getting stuck in a traffic jam is very high.
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