What you need to know when driving a car in Finland
With Finnish rules traffic can be found in Russian in the Finnish "Organization for education in the field of road safety "Liikenneturva" .
MEMO Finnish authorities on the Rules of the road in Russian
Low beam headlights must be on at any time of the day.
In Russia, motorists blink their headlights to warn of traffic cops on the highway, in Finland - to warn of deer and elk on the roads. “If you see a deer near the road, warn other motorists by flashing your headlights and taillights. Slow down immediately and try to keep the car in your lane. If the animal is moving along the road, try to avoid it. At the same time, it is worth remembering that after a deer, its cubs can follow, ”advises the Transport Security Agency.
The possibility of running into an animal on the road at night is especially great. Spotting deer becomes more difficult in poor visibility conditions during rain or low sun. In areas where deer are found, drivers are advised to be especially careful. When driving, you should concentrate and take into account the weather conditions and time of day when adjusting the speed.
Permitted speed in settlements- 50 km/h, outside - 80 km/h. The speed can be limited to 40 or 30 km/h (sign on a square yellow plate). The restriction is valid throughout the entire territory of the settlement until another sign that cancels it (and not until the intersection).
It is necessary to give way to a bus departing from a stop, cyclists and pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing.
On the highway you can not occupy the left lane with a free right.
When entering a roundabout, you must give way to traffic moving along the ring.
The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts. The fine is 35 euros. The child must sit in a special child seat.
Can't use mobile phone without hands free and listen to music with headphones.
The tread height for tires should be at least 1.6 mm in summer and at least 3 mm in winter. It is forbidden to use winter and summer tires at the same time. Winter tires (studded or non-studded) - only after November 1, summer - after April 1.
According to the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic, every motor vehicle in international traffic must have the distinctive sign of the state in which it is registered. For Russia, this is RUS in an oval. In fact, it is very rare in Finland to require this sticker. It is most convenient to buy it and carry it in the glove compartment, so that in the case of a particularly vigilant check, stick it on the hood next to the number.
alcohol test shouldn't show anymore 0.5 ppm blood alcohol content (punishment - withdrawal of rights, a fine, possibly imprisonment), or 0.225 mg/l.
Conversion table ppm to mg \ l in ppm
0.1 ppm - 0.045 mg/l
0.2 ppm - 0.09 mg/l and so on
This formula is useful for independent recalculation, because different breathalyzers give readings in different values.
If the car breaks down, you must immediately install an emergency stop sign (“red triangle”) 100-200 m from the hood and take measures to ensure that the car does not interfere with the movement of other vehicles, especially on the highway. Be sure to turn on the dipped headlights and emergency light. On the sides of motorways, repairs are prohibited, it is necessary to remove the car from the roadway as soon as possible (call a tow truck, since towing is prohibited on the motorway).
Violations
Traffic police are rare, but traffic violations can be recorded by cameras installed along the highways (the sign is a camera on a yellow square), speed measurements are made automatically in some places. For self-control along the tracks, there are also electronic scoreboards: if the speed is higher than allowed, a red light will flash. In addition, conscious Finnish drivers, having noticed a violation, can call the police and report it.
- Tip: mobile app "Speed cameras"(Phi) (running on the Windows Phone OS platform) will help you learn about speed cameras in Finland. It is also possible to receive alerts about approaching cameras within a range of 20 km. The application does not require an internet connection. Available in a demo version for 15 minutes, after which you will have to pay 69 rubles if you still decide to use it. (read about other mobile applications that you may need while traveling)
- The application will not be superfluous HERE Drive+. Navigator. Works without internet connection and roaming. Offers offline voice navigation guidance in 97 countries. For the application to work, you must first download the necessary maps.
All traffic violations are recorded in the register, and a driver fined three times within one year may be banned from driving in Finland. A gross and systematic violation of traffic rules, unpaid fines, a driving ban - all this can serve as a basis for refusing a visa.
Driver's license
A Russian driver's license can be used for one year after moving to Finland.
Application for Finnish driver's license must be submitted six months after the move (category "B", cars); the application is accompanied by a medical report and a certificate stating that the applicant has been driving a car in Finland for 6 months.
A Finnish driving license must be obtained within 1.5 years of moving to the country. Otherwise, you will have to contact the driving school.
Additional information can be obtained from the Motor Vehicles Authority (AKE) and vehicle inspection stations.
AKE address:
Fabianinkatu 32, 00100 Helsinki,
tel. 020 696300,
www.ake.fi
Finnish driving style surprises Russians with its regularity. And he gives the result: the death rate on the roads of Finland is three times lower than in Russia.
In addition, Finnish fines for traffic violations are very high. A Russian runs the risk of losing his visa or not getting a new one.
Network length highways Finland's public area is 78.162 km, of which 51.016 km are paved roads. The length of highways is 863 km.
Toll roads
There is no toll for using roads in Finland for cars registered in another state.
Parking in Finland
Most small towns in Finland have free parking for cars. Most often, it is located near the main attractions and large supermarkets (Anttila, Citymarket, Prisma).
The exception here is the capital of Finland - Helsinki. Parking in central Helsinki can be as high as €3 per hour.
Some areas do not allow parking without a parking clock. The need for such watches is always displayed on separate signs. It also indicates the maximum time allotted for parking. The parking clock, with a marked time of arrival, is placed under the windshield of the car.
You can buy parking clocks in auto parts stores, at stations Maintenance, at R-kiosks or at gas stations.
No need to use parking clocks in paid parking lots. Paid parking lots are marked with a separate sign.
Fine for incorrect parking from € 10 to 40.
Buy a road map of Finland from the Amazon online store with delivery .
Basic traffic rules in Finland
Speed limit
Standard speed limits in Finland (unless otherwise indicated on signs).
Cars and motorcycles:- in built-up area - 50 km/h
- on the motorway - 120 km/h
- in built-up area - 50 km/h
- outside the settlement - 80 km/h
- on the motorway - 80 km/h
During the winter months, from October to March, speed limits may be reduced by up to 20 km/h from the standard values.
There are many speed cameras in Finland. There is always a warning sign in front of each camera. Moreover, several more cameras can be located behind the first camera, at a distance of several kilometers.
Alcohol
Maximum legal blood alcohol level 0.5‰.
If the level of alcohol in the blood is from 0.5 ‰ to 1.2 ‰, then the fine will be from 15 and deprivation of a driver's license.
Exceeding a blood alcohol level of 1.2‰ is considered an aggravated violation. Punishment, in addition to a large fine (not less than 60), provides for imprisonment.
The movement of the vehicle, the driver of which is convicted of drinking alcohol, is prohibited. The breathalyzer data is the basis for taking the driver to the police station for a more detailed analysis. The driver has no right to refuse a detailed blood test.
A driver residing outside of Finland may be detained and placed in a police facility pending trial.
dipped beam
Dipped beam is required 24 hours a day all year round. The fine for driving without dipped headlights during daylight hours is € 100.
For ignoring this requirement in the dark, the fine will be from 8.
Transportation of children
Children under 135 cm tall are not allowed to ride in the front seats. They can only travel rear seats car.
Children under the age three years may be transported in a vehicle only in a special child restraint appropriate for their weight.
It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that all children under 15 are properly buckled up. vehicle.
Seat belts
Use of seat belts necessarily for front and rear passengers.
Fine - € 70.
Talking on the phone
It is forbidden to use, while the vehicle is in motion, a telephone communication device that is not equipped with technical device allowing hands-free negotiation.
Fine - € 100.
fines
A police officer cannot collect fines on the spot. He must issue a receipt, and the fine is payable at any bank (ATM, payment terminal or via the Internet) within two weeks.
For minor traffic violations in Finland, the police issue a fixed fine. For more serious violations, the system is applied daily rates, in which the size of the fine depends not only on the severity of the violation, but also on the income of the violator, as well as the presence of taxable property and the number of dependents.
If the fine is not paid voluntarily, the district court may convert the fine into imprisonment in such a way that one day of imprisonment corresponds to three daily rates.
Fixed fine
A fixed fine is given for minor infractions. The amount of the fixed fine from September 1, 2015 can be 20, 40, 70, 100, 120, 140, 170, or 200 euros.
If a fixed penalty is imposed simultaneously for two or more violations, then the amount of the fixed penalty is calculated based on the highest.
Penalty based on daily rate
For serious violations, the fine is calculated based on the daily rate. The maximum fine for one violation can be 120 daily rates.
The daily rate is calculated as follows: € 255 is deducted from the net income, which is the amount of monthly income remaining after deducting taxes. The result is divided by 60. In addition, the presence of each minor child in the care reduces the amount of the daily rate by € 3.
The minimum daily rate is € 6.
For example, the penalty amount is 8 daily rates. The daily rate is €21 (with an income of €1,500). If there are no minor children in the care of the driver, then the amount of the fine will be: 8 x € 21 = € 168; if there is 1 child in care, then the amount of the fine will be: 8 x € (21 - 3) = € 144, if there are two children, then the amount of the fine will be: 8 x € (21 - 6) = € 120
Daily rate calculator
You can use the calculator to calculate an estimated daily rate based on your income.
Table of fines for traffic violations:For exceeding the speed limit up to 20 km/h, a fixed fine is imposed. The fine for exceeding 20 km/h is calculated based on the daily rate.
Table of fines for speeding in Finland:| Over speed | ||
|---|---|---|
| up to 15 km/h | € 170 | € 140 |
| from 16 to 20 km/h | € 200 | € 200 |
| from 21 to 23 km/h | 12 d.t. | 10 d.t. |
| from 24 to 26 km/h | 14 d.t. | 12 d.t. |
| from 27 to 29 km/h | 16 d.t. | 14 d.t. |
| from 30 to 32 km/h | 18 d.t. | 16 d.t. |
| from 33 to 35 km/h | 20 d.t. | 18 d.t. |
| from 36 to 38 km/h | 22 d.t. | 20 d.t. |
| from 39 to 41 km/h | 24 d.t. | 22 d.t. |
| from 42 to 44 km/h | 26 d.t. | 24 d.t. |
| from 45 to 47 km/h | 28 d.t. | 26 d.t. |
| from 48 to 50 km/h | court | 28 d.t. |
| from 51 km/h and more | court | court |
If the speed limit exceeds 33 km/h in a built-up area and exceeds 36 km/h outside a built-up area, in addition to a fine, a driver's license is withdrawn for a period of 1 to 6 months.
According to the Finnish Border Guard, these rules will soon be introduced at other checkpoints.
Introduction of "electronic queue" at the Vaalimaa border crossing
From January 19, 2015, all light vehicles traveling from Finland to Russia through the Vaalimaa border crossing point can pre-register in the electronic queue for crossing the border. It was planned that the service would be mandatory, but due to a decrease in tourist flow, this decision was postponed indefinitely.
For cargo vehicles, this service (GoSwift) has already been in place since December 15, 2014 and is mandatory.
According to the organizers of the project, this will reduce "live" queues and increase the throughput of customs points.
main motto this service- PLAN > BOOK > GO. It is understood that at home, in a calm environment, you can plan the time for crossing the border. After that, book this time by phone or via the Internet. And then, at the appointed time, arrive at the border control zone and calmly cross the border.
It will also be possible to cross the border in the old way, without booking. But it may take longer because Preference will be given to those who have booked time in advance.
This system has been operating in Estonia on the border with Russia for several years. But unlike Estonia, where you have to pay for using this system, in Finland it will be free.
The experiment for passenger transport was terminated due to low passenger traffic. More information can be found on the website www.evpa.fi .
emergency numbers
- European emergency number - 112
Required equipment
The equipment that necessary have in the car:
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest Pedestrians are required to wear reflective vests at night. The driver or passenger who exits the vehicle becomes a pedestrian and must therefore wear a reflective vest.
Winter equipment
Winter tires
The use of winter tires in Finland is mandatory from 1 December to 1 March. Recommended from November 1 to April 15. The tread depth is at least 3 mm.
Studded tires
The use of studded tires is allowed from 1 November to 1 Monday after Easter. Studded tires must be installed on all wheels.
For the use of worn or out of season tires, a fine of 8 is imposed, followed by a prohibition to operate the car.
Anti-skid chains
Snow chains may be used on all vehicles if required by road and weather conditions. Drivers must be careful not to damage pavement.
Use and storage of radar detectors forbidden. By storage is meant even the presence of the device in the car in the off state. Violation of this rule is punishable by a fine of € 120 (20) and confiscation of the device.
Finnish traffic rules are not too different from those in the Russian Federation. However, there are significant fines for violations. Therefore, if you decide to travel by your own car, it is better to familiarize yourself with the traffic rules in Finland in advance in order to avoid unnecessary problems. Both the driver and the vehicle must be ready for the trip.
Requirements for the car and driver
If we talk about the driver of the vehicle, then he, first of all, must have a valid driver's license. In addition, it is mandatory to have documents for the car and, possibly, additional papers - for example, a power of attorney to drive a car if the driver is not its owner. If there are children or animals in the car, they must also have the appropriate papers on them.
Take care of the necessary equipment: there must be an emergency stop sign and a reflective vest. Children must be seated in special seats according to their age, and all passengers and the driver must wear seat belts.
When examining a foreigner's car before entering the country, Finns will not pay attention to rust, scratches and even dents on the car, they will not be interested in the year of its manufacture and in which country it was produced. However, if scratches or cracks are found on windshield, such a car will not be allowed to be used on Finnish roads until the defect is eliminated.
But most importantly, your vehicle should not pose a threat to people and the environment. For this reason, it is necessary to check in advance that it does not leak fuel, that the headlights, brakes, and steering are in good order.
Package of documents
When setting out on the road, the driver must take the following documents with him:
- Foreign passport with a valid visa. The document must be valid for at least 90 days after the end of the trip in Finland.
- Driver's license. It should be noted that Finnish border guards are quite satisfied with Russian rights. However, a temporary driving permit, which is issued in exchange for confiscated rights, is not valid in Finland.
- Registration certificate technical means. You don't need an inspection pass.
- "Green Card" - a policy of civil liability of the driver in the event of a road trip in the Schengen area. Without this document, you will not be able to enter the Schengen area. It is better to buy a policy in advance, but this can also be done on the way to the border in one of the offices of insurance companies, of which there are plenty. The most unprofitable option is to purchase a Green Card from a border guard: if you do not have a policy, in this case, buying it will cost you about 100 euros.
- Power of attorney for a car (for those who travel on someone else's vehicle).
If you are traveling to Finland with children, young travelers must also have passports and valid visas. If you are not the parent of the child, you must have a notarized power of attorney from his parents, allowing you to take the minor out of the Russian Federation.
To bring a pet into Finland, you need to have a veterinary passport with vaccinations and a certificate of breeding value.
Vehicle equipment
As noted above, the mandatory equipment of the car includes an emergency stop sign and a reflective vest. The driver or passenger must wear a vest if they get out of the car for carriageway during the dark hours of the day. The absence of these items does not mean that you will not be allowed into the country, but a fine may be imposed for this.
It is forbidden to use or even store a radar detector in a car. Storage means the presence of a radar detector in the vehicle even when it is turned off. Violation of this rule will result in a fine and confiscation of the device.
Having a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher is not mandatory in Finland. However, for your own safety, it is advisable to have these items.
In addition to full tank duty-free import of another 10 liters of gasoline in a canister is allowed.
Requirements for the technical condition of the machine
If everything is in order with the documentation, the car has the necessary equipment, you can proceed to the analysis of the vehicle itself. Many car enthusiasts are interested in whether rear window tinting is allowed in Finland. Yes, rear windows can be tinted, but cars with completely darkened windows will not be allowed into the country.
The windshield and front side windows must be fully visible - the light transmission of the windshield should not be less than 75%, and the front side windows - 70%.
The Finnish traffic police strictly monitors the condition of tires. From December 1st to March 1st, only studded tires are allowed when driving in Finland, and non-studded tires during the rest of the year. The tread height on studded tires must be at least 3 mm.
Because studded tires are destructive to the road surface, they are only approved for use in winter and in extreme weather conditions. Note that a tire sign warning that a driver is using studded tires is not required in Finland. The use of studded and non-studded tires at the same time is prohibited.
Basic rules of the road in Finland
In order to travel around Finland by car, you need to cross the border correctly. The Imatra checkpoint is a great opportunity for Russian tourists to quickly find themselves on Finnish territory. The checkpoint is located 43 km from the city of Lappeenranta, the distance to Helsinki is 265 km.
If the driver is alone in the car, it is not necessary to get out of the car by driving up to the window of the checkpoint. It is only necessary to turn off the engine and open the rear passenger window. Then you should hand over the documents to the border guard officer, if necessary, fulfill all his requirements and answer questions. Sometimes the driver may be asked to breathe into a tube to test for alcohol.
The length of the public road network in Finland is 78,162 km, of which 51,016 km are paved. Dirt roads in the country are also of high quality and quite suitable for a comfortable and safe ride. The length of highways is 863 km.
There are no toll roads in Finland, but they are all in excellent condition and have a high-quality surface. Country roads are no different from city roads. In winter, the roadbed is sprinkled with granite chips, which completely prevents the appearance of puddles and dirt.
E-18 is the best highway in Finland, which is used by thousands of tourists from St. Petersburg every year. One of its names is Royal Road. It was fixed due to the fact that for a long time decrees of kings, dispatches of officials and taxes for the king were carried along it. Two of its sections are even included in the list of museums.
For 700 years, the narrow primer has turned into a modern highway, along which entire cities have grown. The history of this road can be traced in the Vellamo Museum in Kotka. Today the route connects the east and west of Finland, and also runs through all of Norway and Sweden and continues even into Northern Ireland.
Road signs on Finnish roads are installed everywhere. You can get to the city you need even without a navigator, since there are signs on the roads with the road number, direction of movement, turns, names of various settlements and even objects located inside them.
There are practically no police on the roads, only sometimes its employees conduct anti-alcohol raids.
Webcams are installed on all roads, so when a violation is recorded, traffic police officers arrive at the scene immediately.
Photos taken in digital format are stored in the device's memory. In the picture you can see the vehicle, license plates, date, time and the driver, the passenger is darkened. If the violator's car is registered in another state, the picture is sent to the border, where the driver will have to pay the issued fine when leaving the country.
The main rules of the road in Finland include:
- the obligation to wear seat belts;
- use of dipped beam at any time of the day;
- usage fog lights only during fog, rain or snow;
- features of driving at a roundabout: drivers who enter a roundabout are required to let those who are already moving in a circle pass. When leaving a roundabout, you need to turn on the turn signal;
- a ban on using a mobile phone while driving (you can use a hands-free headset).
In addition, the driver is required to let buses that leave from the stop.
The allowed blood alcohol content is 0.5 ppm.
Finland has a special road sign"Careful, moose." These large animals often appear on the roadway. It is quite difficult to predict their behavior: moose walk in groups, and if you overtake one animal, several more may appear behind it.
To avoid a collision, you need to be careful, slow down in places where moose can appear, which is what the road sign warns about. If the animal has entered the road, it is impossible to signal - it is better to wait until the elk clears the way, or carefully go around it. In the event of a collision, be sure to call emergency assistance – 112.
There are quite a few in Finland free parking. However, you can park on many of them for a strictly limited time - there is always a sign next to it indicating the allowed number of minutes or hours. In this case, you will have to purchase a parking clock (their cost ranges from 1 to 3 euros), set the parking start time on it and place it under the windshield of your car. Return to the car should be no later than the designated time.
What can you get fined for?
If you break traffic rules, you can be fined in Finland just like in any other country. Car fines are quite high here, so it is better to travel around the country without violations. However, it is not always possible to foresee everything, so you should know what to expect if you violated the rules:
- For a radar detector installed on a car - 120 euros + confiscation of the device.
- If the seat belt is not fastened - 35 euros per person
- We drove through a red traffic light - 60 euros.
- Fines for speed violations are the most significant - the minimum amount is 120 euros. If you speed too much and do it too often, the next time you may be denied a visa or lose your driver's license.
- For the dipped beam not included - 50 euros.
- For ignoring the instructions of the road sign - 70 euros.
- Using a mobile phone while driving without a headset will cost 50 euros.
- For incorrect parking, they charge from 15 to 50 euros (the amount depends on the region).
- For wrong and dangerous overtaking - 85 euros.
- Not included turn signal - 50 euros.
- The child is not sitting in a special chair - 120 euros.
There are two types of fines in Finland: fixed (Rikesakko) and daily (Päiväsakko). In the second case, their number is determined by the severity of the violation, and the size is determined by the income level of the offender. For example, you can get up to 32 daily fines for speeding.
Payment of the fine must be made within a month and only through the bank.
What are the speed limits
Unless road signs show otherwise, the permitted speed of the vehicle in built-up areas is no more than 50 km/h, outside - 80 km/h.
In winter, a lower speed limit is set. The maximum speed is reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h.
On motorways where the speed limit is 120 km/h, in winter you can only accelerate to 100 km/h. On some sections of the road there are electronic light displays, which indicate changes in the speed limit, depending on weather conditions.
What to do in case of an accident
Any motorist can become a participant in a traffic accident. Therefore, every tourist who plans a trip to Finland by car should find out the rules for registering accidents in this country and learn how to behave in such a situation.
- Stop the vehicle and turn on the hazard warning lights. If necessary, evacuate passengers. Install an emergency stop sign.
- If there are victims, provide first aid call an ambulance.
- Be sure to return to the scene of the accident. Do not move items related to the incident.
- Write down the names and phone numbers of witnesses and eyewitnesses to the accident.
- Record the make and number of the car with which the collision occurred.
- Call the police. You are required to present documents only to police officers.
- If this is your car, report the accident to the phone number indicated in the Green Card, if it is a rented car, call the numbers written in the rental agreement.
- Before the police arrive, exchange insurance details with the co-driver.
- Be sure to take part in drawing up a diagram and protocol of a traffic accident with a police officer.
- Write down the details of the police officer.
- Obtain a certificate from the police officer about participation in an accident. Be sure to check that your vehicle's damage record is correct.
If the car was rented, be sure to present at the rental point a certificate of participation in an accident and a completed notice of a traffic accident.
Results
The quality of the road surface in Finland makes it possible to comfortably travel around the country by car. Finnish traffic rules are very similar to Russian ones, and the biggest difference is the integrity of local traffic police officers: if you violate traffic rules, you won’t be able to avoid fines, but they are very significant here. However, such rules as fixing with a seat belt, using a mobile headset while driving and low beam during the day, as well as many others, are not difficult to implement. The main thing is to carefully follow the road signs, of which there are a lot in Finland, observe the speed limit, do not forget about moose that can jump out onto the road, and do everything possible to prevent accidents.
Speeding in Finland. And why the rich don't violate. Parking.: Video
If you want your car trips in Finland to be extremely positive, you must, among other things, follow the rules of the road in Finland. For strict observance of traffic rules will save you, for example, from unexpected communication with the traffic police, unexpected questions and misunderstandings at customs, or, worse, refusal to issue a Schengen visa when the Consulate of Finland considers your next visa application.
Finland has excellent roads and very calm, measured and comfortable traffic. In addition, the roads between cities and towns are quite free and it is not uncommon for you to travel completely alone. Especially in the evening or at night. And no, no, yes, and there is a temptation to drown a little, for example, the gas pedal ...
But no. I advise you to control yourself and not give in. In addition to the fact that, in principle, it is undesirable to break the rules anywhere, the sizes of fines in Finland are seriously different from Russian ones and can significantly shake up your vacation budget.
The rules of the road in Finland and the basic requirements that must be observed when traveling in Finland, I will give below.
The use of anti-radar is strictly prohibited
Even before the trip and crossing the Finnish border, turn off, remove from the car and hide the radar detector far away. This device is quite widespread in its native Fatherland, in Finland it is strictly forbidden to exist as a class and does not have the right to lie even in the glove compartment or in the trunk as a piece of luggage.
If they find it, they will take it away forever, and in return you will receive a fine. According to some poor fellows, for the right to bring and donate a radar detector to the Finnish customs officers, they contributed from 80 to 120 euros to the Finnish budget. If you believe the data indicated on the website of the Finnish police, at present the fine for anti-radar is at least 120 euros. In addition, the police use radar detectors and, in order to detect this prohibited device, they have the right to search not only your car, but also your personal search directly.
Speed limits on Finnish roads
Traffic in Finland is right-hand, restriction top speed on motorways up to 120 km/h.
The maximum speed limit in settlements and cities is 50 km/h. In some areas, you can find a speed limit of up to 30-40 km / h. In built-up areas, a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h is mandatory.
After the sign that cancels the effect of the sign "Settlement", if there are no other speed limits, the maximum permitted speed is 80 km / h.
But in general, there are a lot of signs that show the permitted permissible speed, so just be more careful.
Also remember that in Finland there are summer and winter speed limits (for example, on highways in winter, the speed limit is reduced from 120 km/h to 100 km/h and from 100 km/h to 80 km/h).
Speed control on Finnish roads
Speed control is carried out, among other things, with the help of automatic stationary road video recording systems, which in Finnish road network about a thousand pieces. About 3,350 kilometers of the road network are covered with video recording complexes.
Given that, as of 2019, the total length of paved roads in Finland is about 51,000 km, it turns out that speed control is carried out on less than 7% of the road network. In this regard, according to information on the Finnish police website (poliisi.fi), a significant increase in the number and length of control zones is planned in the coming years.
The zone of video control and automatic fixation of violations of the speed limit is indicated by the following road signs:
In 2017, 289,000 speeding violations were recorded on the roads of our northern neighbor, and 9 out of 10 fines were imposed according to data recorded specifically by road video recording systems.
The average fine in 2017 was EUR 172.50.
What data is recorded by a traffic camera in Finland
The violation recorded by the video fixation complex is transmitted via a wireless communication channel. The photo captures your car, its state registration plate and driver's data. The picture is processed in such a way that the passenger sitting next to the driver is covered with a special filter.
In addition to road video recording systems and the police (the police measure speed without hiding at all), unremarkable cars without identification marks ply on the roads of Finland, in which unremarkable employees of the same police are sitting. So if you are suddenly overcome by the native spirit of drive, and a car with Finnish numbers accidentally attaches behind you, then it is very possible that this is not a "hot-brother-Finnish-guy" at all, but a stern servant of the law.
The traffic police controls the speed limit on the main roads. In settlements, this function is mainly assigned to the local police.
Speeding in Finland
When fixing the speed, a discount of 3 km / h is always made (i.e. they are subtracted from the speed recorded by the radar, since a discount is given for the possible error of the device). Whether you get a warning or a fine also depends on which section of the speed limit was violated.
Also remember that since October 2016, the speed limit has been lowered in Suomi. If the permitted speed is exceeded by 1-6 km/h, a warning is given. Exceeding the speed limit by 7 km / h entails a penalty in the form of a fine.
For example:
- if you are driving at a speed of 69 km/h in a speed limit zone 60 km/h, then the speed value will be 66km/h, the speed limit will be 6km/h and you will receive a warning
- if you are driving at a speed of 70 km/h in a speed limit zone 60 km/h, then the speed value will be 67 km/h, speeding will be 7 km/h and you will receive a fine
Fines for speeding in Finland
The structure of fines in Finland also differs from the Russian one. There is a so-called fixed penalty Rikesakko. This is a monetary fine in a fixed amount (in euros) for various offences. Depending on the violation, its size ranges from 20 euros to 200 euros.
In case of violation of the speed limit, a fixed fine Rikesakko applies only to violations not exceeding 20 km / h.
An example of fixed penalties:
- Violations related to vehicle documents - a fine of 40 euros
- Faulty equipment, improper technical condition of the vehicle - a fine of 70 euros
- If the driver or passengers are not wearing seat belts - a fine of 70 euros
- Speeding in an area with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less:
- Exceeding the speed limit up to 15 km / h - a fine of 170 euros
- Exceeding the speed limit in an area with a speed limit over 60 km/h:
- Exceeding the speed limit up to 15 km/h - a fine of 140 euros
- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 km / h, but not more than 20 km / h - a fine of 200 euros
- Exceeding the speed limit by 15 km/h (for a moped driver) - a fine of 100 euros
The fixed fine for a pedestrian for violating traffic rules is 20 euros.
If a fixed fine is charged for two or more violations at the same time, the amount payable is the amount of the fixed fine for the most serious violation plus 40 euros.
In case of serious violations for Finnish citizens, monthly income is taken into account when calculating the fine, the number of dependents on maintenance and the amount of the fine increases very significantly. You can calculate the fine on the official website of the Finnish police.
In April 2013, Minister for the Environment Ville Niinistö (Member of the Finnish Parliament from the Green Union Party) received a large fine for speeding. Niinistö reports that he was driving at a speed of 139 km/h on a section of the road where you can drive at a speed of 100 km/h. The incident occurred in the town of Paimio on the Helsinki-Turku highway. The police gave Niinistö a fine of 1566 euros.
As it was also reported: "Ninistö is sorry about what happened..." (Source YLE.fi)
Of course, the minister's salary is apparently quite good, which was the reason for the above amount. But there is one more nuance - the minister was fined, which once again confirms to us the fair supremacy of the law over positions and privileges.
Fines for speeding for citizens of Russia
Unfortunately, there is an opinion that problems with speed violations should only concern the inhabitants of Finland. In this regard, I inform you that since May 2, 2012, police automatic photo radars that control speed compliance on the roads of Finland began to photograph foreign cars, the drivers of which, apparently, due to some of their own, purely internal convictions, exceed the speed limit.
Further, information from photoradar is transmitted to the border service and the Customs Department, and therefore penalties will be applied to Russian, in particular, violators of the speed limit in Finland, at the eastern border crossing point.
The fine will be kindly issued to you by the border guard on the basis of a police request for official assistance.
In addition, if you received a fine in Finland and did not pay it, then this fact may be taken into account by the employees of the Consulate of Finland, who will consider your (future) application for a Schengen visa in Finland. According to statistics, about half of the refusals in the subsequent receipt of a Schengen visa is associated precisely with gross violations of traffic rules by the applicant (of which the main one is speeding and overtaking in the wrong place)
Safe traffic in tunnels
When driving in tunnels, the following rules must be observed:
1. When driving in a tunnel, the dipped headlights must be turned on. Keep your distance, especially if the speed of the traffic slows down.
2. If suddenly the car's engine has stalled, then it is necessary to turn on the "emergency gang" and try to move the car to an emergency or technical pocket (or to the edge of the roadway) so as not to interfere with traffic. If necessary, you need to call the rescue service or the technical service using the emergency telephone, which are always installed in the tunnels.
Remember that it is forbidden to turn and move in the tunnels in reverse. It is also forbidden to run the engine in "idle" mode.
Seat belts
In cities and towns always give way to pedestrians who are either already at the pedestrian crossing or are just about to step on it. The Finns are always in full confidence that when approaching a pedestrian crossing, you have already slowed down in advance and will pass them without a doubt. The same applies to cyclists. Skip these two-wheeled mustang tamers. Of course, give way to both when turning left or right, including cyclists moving in the same direction as you.
if you are moving at a speed of 60 km/h (or less), always skip bus leaving the bus stop
You must not enter the lane reserved for public transport. You can occupy it only before making a maneuver (turn). The sign indicating the dedicated lane:
Cell phone use while driving is prohibited. Only through a hands-free headset.
Do not try to "negotiate within reason" with the police. If the latter does not make allowances for the "Russian mentality", then it is quite likely that a criminal case will be initiated, which ends with a large fine (according to the law, imprisonment of up to 2 years is also possible).
I think it’s not worth making a separate item, but still: before the trip, check the availability of rights, registration documents for the car, a power of attorney (if necessary), a Green Card.
Everyone must wear a seat belt
In cars and pickups, the driver and all passengers must wear seat belts in both the front and rear seats. Children must either wear a suitable seat belt or be seated in a child safety seat. According to studies, wearing a seat belt could prevent the death of more than half of the deaths of drivers and passengers of cars and pickups in road accidents.
Using a mobile phone while driving
In Finland, it is not illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, as long as the driver remains alert enough. When dialing a phone number, your eyes are taken off the road, and you need to remember that a car moving at a speed of 80 km / h runs more than 20 meters in one second. Therefore, every driver needs to monitor how talking on the phone while driving affects driving. If this distracts from driving, you should stop the car for the duration of the conversation.
Driving only when sober
The driver of a power-driven vehicle is considered guilty of driving while intoxicated if the alcohol content in his blood is not less than 0.5 ppm. The limit of strong alcohol intoxication is 1.2 ppm. Police identify drunk drivers by forcing drivers passing by the checkpoint to blow into their pipes. A driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol is taken to a medical examination or to a police station to have his blood alcohol level checked with a high-resolution breathalyzer. Possible drug intoxication is controlled by a medical examination
The violator's driver's license is subject to seizure and the offender is punished with imprisonment or a fine. Possible damage to the car while driving while intoxicated is not covered by the transport insurance.
Stopping and parking features
Mandatory use of individual parking hours.
Skip a bus leaving from a stop
Within the territory where the speed limit is not more than 60 km / h, the motorist is obliged to give way to the bus departing from the designated stop. Traffic rules oblige a bus leaving a stop to turn on a turn signal, but not always city buses do this.
Do not use the lane reserved for public transport
Within the city limits, driving on the public transport lane (buses and trams) marked with road signs is only allowed when the driver changes lanes for the turn.
Trams should be passed at intersections.
Slow down before crossing
The motorist is obliged to give way to pedestrians or cyclists who have entered the pedestrian crossing, as well as to give way to pedestrians and cyclists when turning right or left. In Finland, pedestrians cross the street at a crosswalk, believing that any motorist slows down and let them pass.
At checkpoints across the border, the presence of a Green Card in foreign vehicles (an insurance certificate of compulsory insurance of civil liability of the owner) is checked. motor vehicle) or supplementary insurance purchased at the Finnish border. Such insurance can be issued when crossing the border and it is valid for a certain period
Compulsory insurance of civil liability of the owner of the vehicle compensates for damage caused to persons and property of an innocent party, as well as injuries caused to passengers of the insured vehicle. But the damage caused to your car from this insurance is not reimbursed. The Green Card does not cover injuries to the driver and the owner of the insured car. In Finland, Sweden and Norway, insurance purchased at the border covers injuries to the driver or owner of the vehicle when he is the at-fault party.
Insurance does not cover damage caused by a drunk driver or a stolen car.
An application for compensation for damage caused by a foreign car is submitted to the Transport Insurance Center (the national bureau of the system of international auto insurance contracts). If the damage is caused by a Finnish motorist, the issue of compensation is resolved with his insurance company.
Driving without a license plate is prohibited
In Finland it is illegal to drive a car without a license plate. The national identification must also be visible in a foreign vehicle. A vehicle exported from Finland abroad must have transport insurance issued in Finland, a driving permit and one-time driving signs that are not subject to return. A green card (auto insurance certificate) issued outside of Finland is not valid in this case.
Permission to haul can be obtained from customs and inspection stations. In this case, if necessary, you can also take out transport insurance. The data of a vehicle in temporary operation is recorded in the vehicle register.
License plates for the haul must be clearly visible.
Public transport in Helsinki
The Helsinki public transport ticket you bought gives you the right to travel by bus, tram, metro, short-distance train, and also by boat to Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) within the city for one hour. On a regional ticket ("seutulippu"), you can additionally travel to Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa.
In large cities, a ticket can be bought in advance at bus or railway stations or kiosks marked with the letter R. Tickets are also sold by bus and tram drivers and train conductors. There are no ticket sales in the subway.
Validate your ticket at the start of your first trip on it.
From the moment of the first composting, your ticket is valid for one, three or five days.
Almost every motorist at least once thought about making a trip to Finland by car. However, does everyone think about what are the traffic rules and fines for their violation in Finland, as well as how not to become a participant in an accident in Finland. This article will focus on just that.
Naturally, you will not find significant differences with Russian traffic rules, but minor ones are quite common. Any Russian citizen who decides to travel to Finland by car must take into account such minor differences.
For a better understanding of the traffic rules in Finland, it is worth concentrating on several points:
1. Finnish motorists are very careful on the roads, so you can feel calm, because no one will cut you off.
2. The structure and operation of the traffic rules of Finland has been worked out at the highest level. Firstly, when entering the country, you must definitely purchase a green card, the so-called international certificate of motor third party liability insurance. Secondly, the traffic rules of Finland do not allow any tinting of the windshield and front glass, and it is also assumed that the dipped beam will always be on. In principle, there are such rules in Russian standards, but not every driver complies with them. Thirdly, the speed limit depends on the road surface, the presence of a settlement, as well as the time of year. In particular, the speed limit in different places varies from 20 to 120 km / h, in the presence of a settlement it is allowed to move at a speed of 50 km / h, and in its absence - 80 km / h. If the road surface is good, then in winter the limit is up to 110 km/h, and in summer - 120 km/h. Special traffic signs will notify you where the limit will be 40 km/h. True, do not overdo it, do not move too slowly. Otherwise, you will get too much attention from the police. Please note that at the entrance to the city you will be met by a road sign with a speed limit, which will be valid until the next such sign, and not until the intersection. Fourthly, there are peculiar parking rules in the country. There are two signs you can see: Pysakointi kielletty (no parking), Vain talon asukkaille (only residents of the houses are allowed to park). as a rule, parking is paid or you can park at certain hours. You can pay for a place for your iron horse using special machines nearby. Free places can be found, as a rule, near supermarkets. Fifth, very strict traffic rules in Finland regarding pedestrians. Every person who crosses the road knows for sure that they will let him through. In case of violation of such a covenant, a significant fine for the driver is threatened. It can be called absurd that in settlements pedestrian crossings are located at a distance of 50 meters from each other.
3. If a motorist has violated the rules of the road, then he should know that the fines in Finland are very high. In this country it is better not to break the established rules, since you cannot get away from the fine. There are traffic cameras almost everywhere, besides, it is impossible to “persuade” a policeman - all fines are paid through the bank, the law enforcement officer only writes out a receipt or puts it under the wipers of your car. As for simple violations, then get ready to pay 35 euros if your seat belt is not fastened, 115 euros if you exceed the speed limit, and 50 euros if your car is parked in the wrong place. But serious violations "cost" much more, here almost all vital factors are taken into account - the severity of the offense, the offender's salary and much more. Two identical traffic violations in Finland can cost people with different incomes in different ways. Since there are no limits on fines in Finland, there was also a case when the offender had to pay 100 thousand euros. In fact, a fine can be obtained for many seemingly minor violations. For example - the presence of a radar detector in a car, ignoring the requirements of a policeman and much more. Calculating the amount of the fine is very simple, there is a special counter on the website of the Finnish Police. You should not delay paying the fine, otherwise you will face serious consequences, including the refusal to issue a visa to a country that is a member of the Schengen Agreement. By the way, the fine can be paid at the bank, consulate, as well as in Russia. It is best to do this in Finland, here the commission is smaller, and it is easier to do it.
In conclusion, I would like to note that you should not violate the traffic rules of Finland, since the consequences are too severe. If you follow all the rules established by the rules of the country, the likelihood that you will become a participant in an accident is very low. Agree that you should not run into problems such as an accident in a foreign country, and even with such serious fines. Practice shows that an increasing number of Russians are becoming participants in an accident in Finland, on the eve of even a decision was made to issue a special memo to travelers.
13.02.11
www.o-dtp.ru
On the New Year we are going to Finland, is it allowed to drive on winter tires with spikes and toned side front windows, how strict it is. Thank you in advance.
25.11.09
Oksana
Good afternoon. Please tell me, is it allowed in Finland to drive with non-factory xenon installed on a car?
27.01.09
Anya