Slippery roadFinland
Traffic rules
Finland
1. Slippery road
A slippery road has reduced tyre grip and can make steering, braking and acceleration less effective. Roads may become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances on the surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration. Extra caution is needed in bends, on bridges and wherever the road surface changes unexpectedly.
What can make roads slippery in Finland?
Be prepared for ice, packed snow and freezing road surfaces in winter. A surface can become slippery even if it looks clear, and different parts of the road may have very different grip.
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 3–5, 27, 29, 31–33; Annex 3.1 warnings
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex — corresponding current Finnish statutory text
How should you drive on a slippery road in Finland?
Reduce speed early, increase the gap to the vehicle ahead and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Do not rely on the posted maximum as a safe target when grip is poor.
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 3–5, 27, 29, 31–33; Annex 3.1 warnings
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex — corresponding current Finnish statutory text
Are special winter tyres or equipment required in Finland?
For ordinary cars up to 3.5 tonnes and vans in mainland Finland, winter tyres are required during November to March when the weather or road conditions require them. The main tread grooves must then be at least 3.0 mm deep. Section 105 also covers specified other vehicles and trailers, with different heavy-vehicle requirements and limited exceptions. Always adapt speed to the actual grip.
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act — section 105, conditional winter-tyre duty
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex — corresponding current Finnish statutory text
