What is a traffic penalty fee (liikennevirhemaksu) in Finland?
How the fixed fee works and how it differs from day-fines.
Short answer
The European e-Justice portal explains that minor traffic offences in Finland usually bring a fixed traffic penalty fee of 20 to 200 euros. It can be imposed by the police, the Border Guard or Customs. Moottori's 2026 table lists 100 euros for holding a phone while driving and 70 euros for not wearing a seat belt. If you commit several offences at once, you get one fee: the one for the most serious offence, raised by 40 euros.
Why
- The e-Justice portal gives the range of 20 to 200 euros.
- Moottori lists 100 euros for a hand-held phone and 70 euros for no seat belt.
- Moottori explains the 40 euro increase for several offences at once.
Details
A traffic penalty fee is an administrative sanction, not a criminal fine, and it does not depend on income.
Tip
If you think the fee is wrong, you can ask for a correction. Do it within the time stated in the decision.
What may differ
Moottori's example: no seat belt plus a 200 euro speeding fee gives one fee of 240 euros.
Common misconception
A traffic penalty fee is a fine based on your income.
What actually happens
It is a fixed sum. Income-based day-fines are for more serious offences.
People also ask
- How much are speeding fines in Finland?
- How are day-fines calculated in Finland?
- Can you use a phone while driving in Finland?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.
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