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    Do studded tyres need approval in Finland?

    Checking that winter tyres are legal.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    Yes. Under the Vehicle Act, a studded tyre may not be used in traffic if it has not been properly approved, Traficom reminds. A tyre model without the required approval may not be imported for sale, sold or otherwise supplied, and a car fitted with such tyres is not roadworthy. Traficom has found several studded tyre models on sale without approval. Moottori counted about 130 studded tyre models on the Finnish market.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. MTV Uutiset reports Traficom's reminder that unapproved studded tyres may not be used.
    2. Verkkouutiset reports that a car on unapproved tyres is not roadworthy.
    3. About 1.3 million studded tyres are sold in Finland each year, according to the Finnish tyre association.

    Details

    Buying from an established dealer and asking for the approval information is the easiest way to avoid illegal tyres.

    Tip

    If you bring your own car from abroad with studded tyres, check that they meet Finnish requirements.

    What may differ

    Traficom publishes notices when it bans a tyre model. Some decisions may be under appeal.

    Common misconception

    Any studded tyre bought online is legal in Finland.

    What actually happens

    Studded tyres need approval. Unapproved models make the car unroadworthy.

    People also ask

    • When can you use studded tyres in Finland?
    • Minimum tread depth for winter tyres in Finland
    • Are snow chains allowed on cars 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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