VergeFinland

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Traffic rules

Finland

39. Verge

A verge is the strip of land alongside a roadway, situated between the roadway and features such as a ditch, embankment, property boundary or other roadside area. A verge may be level with the roadway or raised above it and may consist of grass, gravel, soil or another surface.

A verge is normally separate from the roadway, pavement and cycle path. Depending on local traffic law, pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles may be permitted to use a verge in particular circumstances, and specific rules may apply to stopping and parking on it.

Warning for soft verge, dangerous shoulder. (Finland)
Wikimedia.org • Santeri Viinamäki • CC BY-SA

What is a verge?

A verge is an area alongside a roadway, generally between the roadway and a ditch, embankment, property boundary or other roadside feature.

Is a verge part of the roadway?

No. A verge is normally a separate part of the road environment alongside the roadway.

Is a verge the same as a pavement?

No. A pavement or sidewalk is specifically intended for pedestrians, while a verge may primarily form the roadside margin and may not be paved or comfortably walkable.

Is a verge the same as a cycle path?

No. A cycle path is specifically designated for cyclists and other permitted users. A verge has a different function and legal status.

Can a verge be level with the roadway?

Yes. A level verge lies approximately at the same height as the roadway and may consist of grass, gravel, soil or another surface.

Can a verge be raised?

Yes. A raised verge lies above the level of the roadway and is normally clearly distinguishable from it.

Can pedestrians walk on a verge?

Yes, where local rules permit or require it. A verge may provide a walking route where no suitable pavement or dedicated pedestrian facility is available.

Can cyclists ride on a verge?

This depends on the country, type of verge and available cycling facilities. Local traffic law may permit cyclists to use a suitable verge in particular circumstances.

Can vehicles drive on a verge?

Normally vehicles use the roadway, but local rules may permit temporary use of a suitable verge for purposes such as passing, meeting oncoming traffic or accessing property.

Can vehicles park on a verge?

This depends on local traffic law, the type of verge and the location. Where verge parking is permitted, sufficient space may have to remain available for pedestrians and other road users.

Should you drive onto a soft verge at high speed?

No. A soft or uneven verge can provide significantly less grip than the roadway and may affect steering or vehicle stability. Reduce speed and return to the roadway safely when possible.

Can a verge contain roadside signs or other equipment?

Yes. Verges commonly provide space for traffic signs, lighting, drainage, utility equipment, vegetation and other roadside infrastructure.

Uncontrolled crossroad

City limit

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 ...