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    Can you drive through a red light to make way for an ambulance in Finland?

    Clearing the way without causing a new accident.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    If it is necessary, yes, but only safely. Liikenneturva explains that you may give way to an approaching emergency vehicle even against traffic control in an exceptional situation, as long as you do it safely and do not endanger others. For example, you may stop on a pavement or a pedestrian crossing. Helsinki Rescue Department adds that if you move through a red light and damage occurs, you are responsible for the consequences.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. Moottori, citing Liikenneturva, says giving way against traffic control is allowed in exceptional cases if safe.
    2. Stopping on a pavement or crossing to make way is allowed.
    3. Helsinki Rescue Department says the driver is responsible if damage occurs.

    Details

    MTV Uutiset reports that if an emergency vehicle comes from behind at a red light, the first cars in line can carefully move over the crossing and turn towards the junction to make room.

    Tip

    Look around before moving. Other drivers may react differently, and a second emergency vehicle may follow.

    What may differ

    If there is no safe space, drive on calmly until there is, as Helsinki Rescue Department advises.

    Common misconception

    You must stay put at a red light whatever happens.

    What actually happens

    In an exceptional case you may move against the lights to give way, if you do it safely.

    People also ask

    • What should you do when an emergency vehicle comes up behind you in Finland?
    • Who has priority at junctions in Finland?
    • Who gives way at a pedestrian crossing in Finland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    • Do foreign cars need a country sticker in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland says a nationality sign is required on foreign cars in Finland, unless the vehicle is registered in a country that is party to the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention and carries EU number plates with the country code.

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    • What colour are motorway and main road signs in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland (Autoliitto) says main roads in Finland have blue direction signs with white text, while motorways have green signs with white text.

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    • Does E10 petrol increase fuel consumption?

      VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland tested six used E10-compatible cars from model years 1999–2010 in laboratory conditions in 2011.

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    • Which petrol should you use in Finland, 95E10 or 98E5?

      Finnish pumps sell two main petrol grades: 95E10, with an octane rating of at least 95 and up to 10% ethanol, and 98E5, with at least 98 octane and up to 5% ethanol.

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