Add organization

    Can you be fined for driving with snow on your car in Finland?

    Clearing snow and ice before driving.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    Liikenneturva reminds drivers that, at worst, a snow-covered car can lead to a fine if the vehicle is not safe enough as required by the Vehicles Act. Clear the windows, lights and number plates before you set off. If the windows fog up while you drive, Liikenneturva advises turning up the fan power and heat. Finavia also asks drivers to clear snow off number plates in car parks with automatic number plate recognition.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. A snow-covered car can lead to a fine.
    2. Clear windows, lights and plates.
    3. Raise fan power and heat if windows fog up.

    Details

    Liikenneturva says that in winter the road is most slippery when the air temperature is close to zero.

    Tip

    Keep a snow brush and an ice scraper in the car all winter.

    What may differ

    Liikenneturva says the accident risk in winter is highest at the start and end of the season.

    Common misconception

    A small peephole in the windscreen is enough in winter.

    What actually happens

    The car must be safe to drive, and that includes clear windows.

    People also ask

    • When are winter tyres required in Finland?
    • Which roads get icy first in Finland?
    • How long should you preheat a car engine 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.