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    What is the zipper merge rule in Finland?

    How taking turns works and where it does not apply.

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    Short answer

    Finland's Road Traffic Act, in force since 1 June 2020, introduced sign E30 for merging lanes. The sign shows that two lanes join and vehicles move into the continuing lane in turns. Before the reform, a driver coming from the ending lane usually had to give way. The sign does not cancel other rules, so a car joining a motorway from a slip road still has to give way.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. MTV Uutiset quotes the Road Traffic Act annex on sign E30.
    2. Verkkouutiset explains that drivers now move forward in turns at the merge point.
    3. The new Road Traffic Act came into force on 1 June 2020.

    Details

    The sign is often used at roadworks and where a two-lane road narrows to one lane.

    Tip

    Use both lanes up to the merge point and keep enough distance so one car can fit in.

    What may differ

    Without sign E30 the normal give-way rules apply.

    Common misconception

    The zipper rule applies on motorway slip roads.

    What actually happens

    A car joining from a slip road must still give way.

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    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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