Driving Tips in Helsinki, Finland

Car Hire Depot information in Helsinki

DriveAway Holidays offer unbeatable rates and a wide range of vehicle with our supplier in Helsinki. The suppliers are conveniently located at the Helsinki Vantaa Airport terminal. Helsinki Vantaa Airport is located 22 kilometres from the city, approximately 30 minutes drive.

Car Hire Driving Distances in Helsinki

• Rauma – 255 kms (3 hrs/ 15 mins)
• Turku – 165 kms (2 hrs)
• Vantaa – 20kms (25mins)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 1 years. An International licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules and Regulations

General driving rules and regulations in Helsinki, Finland;

• Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Overtaking is on the left hand side of the road.
• Selt belts are mandatory by all.
• Dipped headlights are compulsory at all times.
• Radar detectors are prohibited.
• Mobile phones cannot be used while driving, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• Unnecessary engine idle is prohibited.
• If you have hit a large animal contact the police.

Equipment

Vehicles are required to be fitted with winter/snow tyres during the months of 1 Dec - 3Mar.

Child Safety Seats

Young children are to be fasted in an appropriate child restraint.

Speed Limits

Finland maintains a low rate in accidents and deaths from the implemention of Speed Camera's and Speed Traps. With this in place, if your speeding your twice as likely to be caught and penelties are strict. Below are the speed limits in Finland, unless posted otherwise.

• Urban Roads (built up areas): 20-50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 80 km/h
• Motorways: 100-120km/h

Drink Driving

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in Finland is 0.05mg/100ml. The laws on driving under the influence is quite tough in Finland and you may want to make sure that you are well sobered up before driving. Police can randomly stop drivers and undertake a random breath test on drivers and if your over the limit police can arrest and fine you.

Tolls

It's safe to say there are no highways tolls in Finland.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Helsinki, Finland adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which many European countries now utilize, but with slight variance. Signs in Helsinki, Finland are commonly found in the countries local language however English is also used on city roads and state highways. The signs are very easy to understand as the vast majority of them are posted with symbols. Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or yellow and a symbol in the middle. Prohibitory Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs are indicated with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information.

Parking

Street parking is generally timed up to 2 hours and are fee's determined depending on the zone parked in. Public parking lots are perfect for those extended stays without effort but can be fairly more expensive.

Visa Information

Visa, Passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Finland;

• Australian passport holders do not require a visa for visits to Finland provided that their stay does not exceed 90 days within a period of 6 months. Contact the Consulate of Finland in your local state for stays longer than 90 days or for special visa's.
• A valid passport is required by all.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.

Last Updated 28 May 2010