Traveling through Finland by car is one of the best ways to experience its stunning landscapes, from the archipelagos of the Baltic to the midnight sun of Lapland. If you plan to rent a car using your International Driving License (IDL) or foreign driver’s license, it’s crucial to understand Finland’s rules, requirements, and practical tips to ensure a smooth journey. This guide covers everything you need to know licensing, rentals, driving regulations, and seasonal considerations so you can focus on the adventure, not red tape.

Requirements to Drive in Finland

Validity Period for Foreign Licenses

• Tourist Status: If you’re visiting Finland on a tourist visa or visa waiver, you may drive with your foreign license (plus International Driving License if required) for up to 12 months from the date of entry.

• Moving Permanently: If you establish permanent residence (register with the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency), you have two years (from the date of registration) to exchange your foreign driving license for a Finnish one. After two years, your foreign license is no longer valid.

Age and Health Requirements

• Minimum Age:

  • Car (Category B): 18 years old.

  • Motorcycles, Mopeds: Varies by category (16–18 years).

• Health Criteria:

  • Vision: Must meet Finnish standards if your license was issued under comparable EU/EEA rules, no extra testing is typically needed.

  • Medical Conditions: Certain conditions (e.g., epilepsy, severe asthma, insulin dependent diabetes) may require a doctor’s clearance.

License Conditions for Temporary Stays

• Original Issue Date: Your license must have been issued before you moved to Finland. If you first received your license after establishing residence in Finland, it is not valid.

• Proof of Validity: Always carry your original license (and International Driving License) when driving; photocopies are not accepted.
  

Renting a Car in Finland

Basic Renter Requirements

• Age:

  • Standard minimum is 21 years, though some agencies increase it to 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories.

  • A “young driver surcharge” may apply under 25.

• Driving Experience:

  • Typically at least 1–2 years of continuous driving experience on your valid license.

• Payment:

  • Major credit card under the renter’s name for deposit and payment.

  • Debit cards are often not accepted, or may incur higher fees.

• Documents:

  • Valid foreign driver’s license plus International Driving License.

  • Passport.

  • International credit card with sufficient available credit.

Types of Vehicles and Seasonal Considerations

• Compactand and Economy Cars:

  • Fuel efficient, ideal for city driving (Helsinki, Tampere, Turku).
    

• SUVs and 4×4: 

  • Recommended for Lapland or remote areas in winter when roads can be snowy/icy.

• Winter Tires (Talvirenkaat):

  • Mandatory: From November 1 to the first Monday after Easter Sunday, all cars must have winter tires (either studded or non-studded winter tires). Rental cars automatically come equipped.

• Summer Tires (Kesärenkaat):

  • Typically run from April to October; gravel roads may still be prevalent in rural regions.

Booking Tips for Maximum Savings

• Advance Reservations: Secure cars 2–3 months ahead (May/September and December/March are peak seasons).

• One Way vs. Round Trip: One way rentals can incur extra drop off fees; compare total costs.

• Fuel Policy: Fuel to full is common; fill up near drop off to avoid high refueling fees.

Finnish Driving Rules and Regulations

General Traffic Rules

• Drive on the Right: Standard right hand traffic; overtake on the left.

• Speed Limits (km/h):

  • Urban areas: 50 km/h (often 30 km/h near schools).

  • Rural roads: 80–100 km/h.

  • Motorways: 100–120 km/h (varies by sign).

• Seat Belts and Child Seats:

  • Mandatory for all occupants.

  • Children under 135 cm must use an approved child restraint.

• Headlight Requirements

  • Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): Required 24/7 year-round, even on bright summer days.

Road Signs and Language Considerations

• Bilingual Signs: Finnish and Swedish in some regions.

• Common Nordic/European Symbols: Familiar if you’ve driven elsewhere in Europe.

  • Give way triangle, roundabout circle, speed limit in a red circle.

  • Wildlife crossing signs (moose/reindeer).

• Distance Markers: Kilometers only (not miles).

Road Conditions and Seasonal Driving

Winter Driving (November/April)

• Snow and Ice:

  • Black ice is common, especially on bridges and shaded areas.

  • Drive slowly; increase following distance to 50–100 m on highways.
    

• Winter Tires:

  • Studded (nastarenkaat) or non studded winter tires (kitkarengas).

  • Rental cars come with compliant winter tires automatically.

• Limited Daylight:

  • In northern Finland (Lapland), daylight can be only a few hours in December. Headlights and high beams are essential.

• Ice Roads:

  • In Lapland, some routes cross frozen lakes (e.g., a 33 km ice road near Kemi). Follow posted speed limits (often 20–60 km/h) and weight restrictions.

Summer Driving (May/October)

• Midnight Sun:

  • In June/July, northern areas see almost 24 hours of daylightideal for long drives but watch for driver fatigue.

• Wildlife Hazards:

  • Moose and reindeer often cross roads at dawn/dusk. Reduce speed in forested regions and heed wildlife crossing signs.

• Gravel Roads:

  • Many rural roads are gravel (hiekkatie). Drive at 60 km/h or slower to avoid skidding or flying stones.

Insurance and Roadside Assistance

Car Rental Insurance Options

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW):

  • Covers damage to the rental car up to a deductible.
    

• Theft Protection (TP):

  • Covers loss if the car is stolen. Check exclusions (e.g., luggage).
    

• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW):

  • Reduces or eliminates the deductible; significantly reduces your financial liability.

Finnish Third Party Liability

• Liikennevakuutus: Mandatory third-party liability insurance is included with every rental by law. Covers bodily injury and property damage to others.

Recommended Optional Coverages

• Windshield/Glass Protection: Covers stone chips or cracks.

• Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical costs for driver/passengers.

• Roadside Assistance Extension:

  • Helsinki roadside coverage is usually included, but if traveling remote, consider an extension for towing, battery jumps, or tire changes.

Emergency Numbers and Assistance

• Emergency (112): Police, ambulance, fire. English is widely spoken by dispatchers.

• Autoliitto (Finnish Automobile Club): Member service for breakdowns, towing call +358 20 115 115.

• Rental Agency Hotline: Most agencies have a 24/7 support number printed on rental agreement.
  

Exchanging a Foreign License for a Finnish License

When to Exchange

• Permanent Residents and Long-Term Stays: Within two years after registering your residence, you must exchange your foreign license for a Finnish one.
  

• Accepted Countries:

  • Direct Exchange (No Theory/Practical Test): EU/EEA Member States, certain bilateral agreements (e.g., Switzerland, Japan, South Korea).

  • Requires Test: Many non-EEA countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia) may require you to pass a theory and/or driving test.

Steps to Exchange

• 1. Gather Documentation:

  • Valid foreign license (original).

  • Residence permit card or certificate.

  • International Driving License (if license not in Latin script).

  • Passport style photo (passport standards).

• 2. Medical/ Vision Check: 

  • Complete a medical certificate form (apteekki or authorized doctor).

  • Vision test at a local optometrist or Traficom office.

• 3. Submit Application:

  • Visit a Traficom service point or authorized license office.

  • Pay exchange fee (approx. EUR 150–200).

  • Processing takes 4–6 weeks. Temporary license issued immediately.

Tips for a Smooth Driving Experience

Fuel Stations and Payment Methods

• Fuel Types:

  • 95 E10 (common unleaded) and diesel.

  • 98 octane available at major stations.

• Self Service Stations:

  • Many rural stations are unmanned; pay with a credit/debit card at the pump (chip and PIN or tap).

  • Some accept cash only for payment at a kiosk verify signage.

Tolls and Ferry Crossings

• No Highway Tolls: Finland does not have toll roads for cars, but bridges like the Kvarken Bridge (planned for 2028) are not current concerns.

• Ferry Fees:

  • Archipelago routes (Åland Islands, Turku-Mary Harbour) and Lapland lake crossings (Helsinki-Tallinn car ferry) have fees. Book in advance during peak season.

Parking Rules in Cities

• Blue Zone Parking Discs (Liikenneympyrä):

  • Free but time-limited (often 1–2 hours). Display your arrival time on the disc.
    

• Pay by Phone Apps:

  • “ParkMan” and “E-Parkki” are common. Download ahead of time, register with your credit card, and pay zone-specific fees.
    

• Parking Fines:

  • Unpaid parking or exceeding time limits can result in fines (€40–€80). Enforcement is strict in Helsinki and major cities.

Environmental (Low Emission) Zones

• As of June 2025, Finland has no low emission zones for standard cars. However, some city centers restrict heavy diesel trucks; passenger cars are unaffected.

Common Fines and Enforcement

• Speeding: Radar checks are frequent on motorways. Fines scale with speed over limit.

• Seat Belt/Child Seat Violations: €70–€120 fine per violation.

How to Obtain an IDL

Applying for an International Driver's License (IDL) is a straightforward process that allows you to legally drive in foreign countries. Here's how you can obtain one:

• Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining an International Driver's License. Requirements may but the most important one is that you must have your national or local driver's license issued by your county or state of origin, and it should be valid.

• Complete Application: Obtain the necessary application form from following the next link: https://www.international-license.com/pages/apply-now

• Pay Fees: Pay the required fees for processing your IDL application. Fees may vary depending on the issuing authority and processing time.

• Submit Application: Submit your completed application form along with any supporting documents following their specific instructions.

• Receive IDL: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your International Driver's License.

Remember to carry both your international driving permit and your original driver's license whenever you're behind the wheel. Double-check that your details match those on your valid driver's license to avoid any discrepancies. Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, submit them to the licensing authority along with any applicable fees.

APPLY HERE!

Cost of an International Driver's License

The costs of obtaining an International Driver's License are the following:

1 YEAR VALIDITY: USD 39,99
2 YEARS VALIDITY: USD 54,99
3 YEARS VALIDITY: USD 69,99

USA SHIPPING
USPS 6-10 DAYS: FREE
EXPRESS 3-4 DAYS : USD 15
OVERNIGHT 2-3 DAYS: USD 35

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL 4-8 DAYS : USD 29.99

As of 2025

Before applying for an IDL, it's essential to check the fee schedule on the official website https://www.international-license.com/pages/pricing-for-the-international-drivers-document

Conclusion

Driving in Finland as an international traveler can be an incredibly rewarding experience offering access to pristine forests, coastal highways, and the fabled Northern Lights. By securing the correct documentation (International Driving License), understanding local licensing rules, and following Finland’s traffic regulations, you’ll ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Remember to factor in seasonal considerations winter tires in snow and ice, or extended daylight in summer and choose the right rental vehicle for your itinerary. Keep important numbers (112, Autoliitto) handy, and don’t forget to check fuel station payment options and parking rules, especially in urban areas. With careful planning and adherence to Finnish law, you’ll be free to explore all that this beautiful Nordic country has to offer. Safe travels and happy driving!.