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    Can you park on the left side of the road in Finland?

    The 2020 rule and the five metre trap.

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    Short answer

    Moottori explains that since the Road Traffic Act took effect at the start of June 2020, you may stop or park on the left side of the road in a built-up area, also on two-way roads. When you set off from the left edge, you must give way to traffic from behind and from ahead. MTV Uutiset adds that you still may not park within five metres before a pedestrian crossing, a crossing cycle path or a cycle crossing. The five metres are measured from the main direction of traffic.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. Moottori describes the left-side parking rule from June 2020.
    2. MTV Uutiset explains the five metre rule for left-side parking.
    3. Moottori says the driver leaving from the left must give way to everyone.

    Details

    Autoliitto says that when parking on the left, the five metres are left between the back of the car and the crossing.

    Tip

    Check the signs first. Local parking bans and paid zones still apply on both sides.

    What may differ

    MTV Uutiset reported that misreading this rule has led to hundreds of parking fines.

    Common misconception

    Parking on the left is always against the rules in Finland.

    What actually happens

    In built-up areas it has been allowed since June 2020.

    People also ask

    • How far from a pedestrian crossing can you park?
    • Do you have to use a parking disc in Finland?
    • How much is a parking fine in Helsinki?

    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

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      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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      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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      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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