Finland

Fines for speeding in Finland

In Finland, speeding fines are determined based on the driver’s income, ensuring that penalties are proportionate to an individual’s financial capacity.

Calculating the Fine:

The fine is calculated using a “day-fine” system, which considers the offender’s daily income:

  1. Determine Daily Income: Subtract the basic consumption credit (€255) from the net monthly income and divide the result by 60.
  2. Calculate Fine: Multiply the daily income by the number of days determined by the severity of the offense.

Note: The minimum fine for speeding is €200 for drivers of motor vehicles.

Example:

A multimillionaire businessman in Finland was fined €121,000 for driving 30 km/h over the speed limit.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Finland, there is no general vignette system, but there are specific tolls for certain roads and infrastructure. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • No vignette required for any vehicles in Finland.
  • Finland does not use a general vignette system for roads, highways, or motorways.

2. Where Are Tolls Needed?

  • Toll Roads: Finland has no tolls on motorways or public highways. You do not need a vignette or to pay for most roads in the country.
  • Toll Infrastructure:
    • Ferry Tolls: While there are no toll roads, there are ferry services in Finland that charge tolls for vehicle crossings, especially for travel to the Aland Islands and some smaller islands off the coast.
    • Bridges & Tunnels: Finland does not have tolls for most bridges or tunnels, although there are some tolls for certain private or smaller ferry routes.

3. Toll Prices

  • Ferry Tolls:
    • For instance, ferries between the mainland and the Åland Islands charge vehicle tolls, starting around €20 to €40 depending on the vehicle type.
    • Tolls for ferries to smaller islands may vary, but they are typically modest.
  • Bridge and Tunnel Tolls: No tolls apply for major infrastructure like bridges or tunnels.

4. Where to Pay Tolls

  • Ferry Tolls:
    • Tolls for ferries can be paid at the ferry terminals before boarding.
    • You can often pay using cash, credit cards, or in some cases, mobile payment options.
    • Some ferry routes allow you to book tickets online in advance.
  • Bridge/Tunnel Tolls: No tolls are currently applied for bridges or tunnels in Finland.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Ferry Tolls: If you do not pay the ferry toll, you may be refused boarding or required to pay a fine.
    • Fines may range from €50 to €100 or more if the toll is not paid before boarding.
  • General Tolls: Since most roads and highways do not require a toll, the main penalty concern is related to ferry tolls.

6. Additional Information

  • Environmental Zones: Finland does not have low-emission zones (LEZ) at the national level, though specific cities may impose restrictions on certain vehicles based on environmental factors.
  • Toll-Free Roads: The road network in Finland is mostly toll-free, with exceptions for ferry services.

7. Tips for Travelers

  • Check Ferry Schedules: If you’re traveling to the Åland Islands or other small islands, it’s best to check the ferry schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Carry Payment Methods: Be prepared to pay ferry tolls at terminals. Have cash or a card on hand to avoid delays.
  • No Vignette Needed: You don’t need to worry about purchasing a vignette for any road use in Finland.