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    Do you need headlights on during the day in Finland?

    The light rule that surprises many visitors.

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    Short answer

    Yes. Under section 49 of the Road Traffic Act, a motor vehicle on the move must always have dipped headlights or daytime running lights on. In darkness, at dusk and in poor visibility you must use headlights, and the tail lights must be lit as well. Some cars light only the front lights in daytime mode, so check that the rear lights are on in dim conditions.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. Moottori explains the light rules in section 49 of the Road Traffic Act.
    2. Dipped headlights or daytime running lights are required at all times.
    3. In darkness or poor visibility, the tail lights must also be lit, according to Moottori.

    Details

    Finnish winter days are short and often grey. Automatic light settings may not switch on the rear lights early enough.

    Tip

    Set the light switch to dipped headlights, not automatic, when you drive in a Finnish winter.

    What may differ

    Fees for driving without lights depend on the situation. The police decide.

    Common misconception

    In Finland lights are only needed after dark.

    What actually happens

    Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on at all times.

    People also ask

    • What are the speed limits in Finland?
    • Do you need a warning triangle in Finland?
    • Do pedestrians need a reflector 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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