Height limitFinland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Finland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


24. Height limit

A height limit prohibits vehicles whose total height exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other structure. The vehicle’s height includes its load and any equipment attached above it.

Drivers of high vehicles must know their exact height, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never rely only on visual judgement or attempt to pass beneath a structure when safe clearance is uncertain.

Height limit
Height limit of 3.40 metres. Pedestrians and cyclists prohibited. No stopping. (Oulu, Finland)
Wikimedia.org • Apalsola • CC BY-SA
How should you read a low-bridge height restriction in Finland?

Look for the locally prescribed height restriction or clearance warning near bridges and urban underpasses. The displayed clearance is normally in metres. A warning may describe a hazard ahead; a prohibitory sign indicates a route you cannot enter if your vehicle exceeds the limit.

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 8; Annex 3 C21–C27

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex — corresponding current Finnish statutory text

Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited. Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

English • Traffic sign C22 • Maximum vehicle height. The figure gives the maximum permitted height in metres, including the load. May be placed solely on a carriageway island, to the left of the carriageway or above it.

Suomi • Liikennemerkki C22 • Ajoneuvon suurin sallittu korkeus. Merkissä oleva luku osoittaa ajoneuvon suurimman sallitun korkeuden metreissä. Korkeutta mitattaessa otetaan myös kuorma huomioon. Merkki voidaan sijoittaa myös yksinomaan ajoradalla olevalle korokkeelle, ajoradan vasemmalle puolelle tai sen yläpuolelle.

Svenska • Vägmärke C22 • Fordons största tillåtna höjd. Talet på märket anger ett fordons största tillåtna höjd i meter. När höjden uppmäts beaktas även lasten. Märket får också placeras enbart på en refug på körbanan, på vänstra sidan av körbanan eller ovanför körbanan.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Finlex.fi • Tieliikennelaki 729/2018 • liite 3.3 (FI)

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Finlex.fi • Vägtrafiklag 729/2018 • bilaga 3.3 (SV)

SVG source: Unknown authorUnknown author • Public domain • Original revision 2006-04-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Does a roof load count when checking vehicle height in Finland?

Yes for practical clearance: measure the vehicle at its highest point with its load and fitted accessories, such as a roof box, bicycle or roof rack. Check the local legal measurement rules as well; an empty vehicle’s registered height is not enough when equipment has been added.

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 8; Annex 3 C21–C27

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex — corresponding current Finnish statutory text

What should you do if your vehicle is too high for a bridge or tunnel in Finland?

Do not try to squeeze under the structure. Use the signed alternative route and, if you are already close to the obstruction, stop where safe and seek traffic-control assistance rather than reversing unpredictably into moving traffic.

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 8; Annex 3 C21–C27

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex — corresponding current Finnish statutory text

1 Finland 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Footpath 7 Shared-use path 8 Pedestrian warning 9 Pedestrian zone 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Priority road 19 Railway crossing 20 School area 21 Crossing animals 22 Wrong-way driving 23 Roadworks 24 Height limit 25 Weight limit 26 Radar speed sign 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Driving licence 30 Countdown markers 31 International border 32 Cycling route 33 Parking 34 No parking 35 Parallel parking 36 Parking disc 37 Reversing 38 Uncontrolled crossroad 39 Verge 40 City limit 41 Licence plate 42 Charging station 43 Dangers 44 Pedestrian 45 Cyclist 46 Moped 47 Bus 48 Police 49 Ambulance 50 Tram lights 51 European emission standard 52 Pothole 53 Path 54 Particulates 55 Air pollution 56 Rush hour 57 Road code 58 Two-way traffic 59 Street gutter 60 Cargo bike 61 Forestry vehicle 62 Construction vehicle 63 Semi-trailer truck 64 Trolleybus 65 Speed pedelec 66 Delivery vehicle 67 Idling 68 Tow truck 69 Four-wheel drive 70 No vehicles 71 Bicycle 72 Motorcycle equipment 73 Rail track 74 Caravan 75 Trailer 76 Tow hitch 77 Fire truck 78 Siren 79 Convoy 80 Emergency vehicle lighting 81 Agricultural machinery 82 Electric bicycle 83 Electric vehicle 84 Pedelec 85 Quadricycle 86 Microcar 87 All-terrain vehicle 88 Van 89 Recreational vehicle 90 Scooter 91 Trikke 92 Personal mobility device 93 Skateboard 94 Segway 95 Kick scooter 96 Roller skates 97 Mailman 98 Hitchhiker 99 Toddler 100 Child ...