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MotorwayFinland

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.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Finland

2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

National road 5 motorway in Kuopio. (Kuopio, Finland)
Wikimedia.org • Dalibor Z. Chvatal • CC BY
How do people refer to a motorway in Finland?

In mainland Finland, the Finnish term is moottoritie; the Swedish term used in Finland is motorväg. Follow the road’s motorway designation rather than treating every major highway as a motorway.

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 5, 9, 37, 58–62, 184; Annex 3 E15–E18 and D10–D11

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

🔗 palautevayla.fi • Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency customer guidance — seasonal and variable motorway limits

What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in Finland?

Motorway limits are commonly up to 120 km/h in summer. Many limits are reduced for winter and the darker season. Follow the posted limit, including temporary restrictions, and drive more slowly when conditions require it.

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 5, 9, 37, 58–62, 184; Annex 3 E15–E18 and D10–D11

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

🔗 palautevayla.fi • Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency customer guidance — seasonal and variable motorway limits

Who may use a motorway in Finland?

Motorways are for eligible motor vehicles. Pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles whose maximum permitted or design speed is 70 km/h or less are excluded, subject to statutory service-vehicle exceptions.

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 5, 9, 37, 58–62, 184; Annex 3 E15–E18 and D10–D11

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

🔗 palautevayla.fi • Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency customer guidance — seasonal and variable motorway limits

Can I stop on a motorway in Finland?

In mainland Finland, use designated parking, rest or service areas for a normal stop. Do not stop on the carriageway or shoulder for a break. Stops forced by traffic or an emergency are different; a signed bus stop also has its specific passenger-stop exception.

🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 5, 9, 37, 58–62, 184; Annex 3 E15–E18 and D10–D11

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

🔗 palautevayla.fi • Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency customer guidance — seasonal and variable motorway limits

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 ...