DRIVING IN FINLAND

Finland has a well-maintained system of main roads including a small motorway network. There are no road tolls, and many of the numerous ferries are free of charge too.

Winter driving

Winter conditions are harsh and snow tyres are compulsory from December to the end of February. Visiting motorists can hire these locally. Care should be taken on the gravel roads, common in less populated areas, which can be in poor condition after the winter. Dipped headlamps are compulsory day and night throughout the year.

Give way to the right at intersections, and always give priority to trams and buses pulling out. Elk and reindeer crossing the road are a serious hazard and a collision with one must be reported to the police. Accidents involving another road user should be reported to the Finnish Motor Insurers' Centre

(tel: 9-680-401).

Fuel availability

Most filling stations close at night and LPG is not available. Fuel can be significantly more expensive in the north and filling stations few and far between. There are parking meters in some towns and infringements are treated seriously.

Finland is a country of lakes and forests; car ferries are numerous but most are toll-free

Speed limits	Urban	Open road	Motorway
Car	50 kph	80-100 kph	120 kph
Towing	50 kph	80 kph	80 kph
Traffic regulations
Essential equipment	Warning triangle
Minimum driving age	18 years
Drink-drive limit	50mg alcohol per 100ml blood
Child in front seat	No age restriction but must use seatbelt or child restraint
Seat Belt	Compulsory in front and rear seats
Motorcyclists	Must wear crash helmet and use headlamp at all times
Emergency telephone numbers
Police	10022
Fire	112
Ambulance	112

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad.

Order from www.haynes.co.uk