Driving a hire car in Finland
In Finland winter tyres are compulsory from November to March whenever the weather or road conditions require them, and studded tyres are allowed in the same months. Headlights or daytime running lights must be on whenever you drive, the drink-driving limit is 0.5 per mille, and wildlife warning signs should be taken seriously.
Official sources read on 30 October 2026.
Find a rental carWinter tyres and studded tyres
- Winter tyres must be used from 1 November to 31 March if the weather or road conditions require them. Studded tyres are allowed in the same period, and at other times too if conditions are demanding. Vehicles registered abroad must follow the same rules.Source: Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency) – "Auton kesä- ja talvirenkaat"
- Winter tyres need at least 3 mm of tread; in difficult conditions such as snow or slush, at least 5 mm is recommended. If you drive on studded tyres, all tyres should be studded.Source: Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency) – "Auton kesä- ja talvirenkaat"
- Since 1 December 2024 non-studded winter tyres on cars and vans must carry the snow-grip marking (a three-peak mountain with a snowflake).Source: Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency) – "Auton kesä- ja talvirenkaat"
Reindeer and other wildlife
- Wildlife warning signs are placed in areas with many animals: in signed areas stay extra alert and slow down. Animals are often active between dusk and dawn, and in the reindeer husbandry area you should watch out for reindeer.Source: Liikenneturva (Finnish Road Safety Council) – "Driving in Finland" (PDF)
- If you hit a reindeer or a wild animal, call 112.Source: Liikenneturva (Finnish Road Safety Council) – "Driving in Finland" (PDF)
Headlights, alcohol and speed
- A motor vehicle must use headlights or daytime running lights while driving, and headlights and rear lights in darkness or dusk or when visibility is poor.Source: Finlex – Tieliikennelaki (729/2018), section 49 "Valojen käyttö ajettaessa"
- Turn your headlights on rather than relying on the 'Auto' setting: with only daytime running lights on, the rear lights may be off.Source: Liikenneturva (Finnish Road Safety Council) – "Driving in Finland" (PDF)
- Drink-driving is an offence from 0.5 per mille of alcohol in the blood, or 0.22 mg per litre of exhaled air.Source: Finlex – Rikoslaki (39/1889), chapter 23, section 3 "Rattijuopumus"
- The general speed limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside them; road signs can set lower or higher limits.Source: Liikenneturva (Finnish Road Safety Council) – "Driving in Finland" (PDF)
Winter driving and remote roads
- Prefer main roads. Route planners can choose minor roads that in winter may be covered in snow and impassable, even with four-wheel drive. In rural areas service stations can be far apart, so check where to stop for fuel.Source: Liikenneturva (Finnish Road Safety Council) – "Driving in Finland" (PDF)
- Off-road driving is forbidden. Respect road closures and private areas: 'yksityinen' means private.Source: Liikenneturva (Finnish Road Safety Council) – "The key do's and don'ts of driving in Finland in winter" (PDF)
Frequently asked questions
When are winter tyres compulsory in Finland?
From 1 November to 31 March whenever the weather or road conditions require them, with at least 3 mm of tread. The rule also applies to cars registered abroad.
Can I use studded tyres in Finland in April?
Studded tyres are allowed from November to March, and at other times as well if conditions are demanding.
Do I need headlights on during the day in Finland?
Yes. You must drive with headlights or daytime running lights on at all times, and with headlights and rear lights in darkness or poor visibility.
What is the drink-driving limit in Finland?
0.5 per mille of alcohol in the blood, or 0.22 mg per litre of exhaled air.
What should I do if I hit a reindeer or a moose?
Call 112. The Finnish Road Safety Council's advice is to call 112 if you hit a reindeer or a wild animal, and to slow down in areas with wildlife warning signs.