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    When are winter tyres required in Finland?

    The winter tyre rule based on the weather, not only the calendar.

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    Short answer

    Winter tyres must be used from the beginning of November to the end of March whenever the weather or road conditions require them. Outside that period they must also be used if conditions call for winter tyres, for example in an early snowfall in October. The rule is about conditions, so in practice most cars in Finland run on winter tyres for the whole winter.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. STT Info carried the reminder that winter tyres are needed from 1 November to 31 March when conditions require.
    2. Taloustaito notes that the rule follows the weather and road conditions.
    3. Winter tyres must also be used outside these dates if conditions require.

    Details

    Rental cars hired in Finland in winter come with winter tyres. If you drive a car from another country, check its tyres before entering Finland.

    Tip

    Follow the road weather forecast. The first slippery days of autumn often come in northern Finland in October.

    What may differ

    Rules for heavy vehicles and trailers differ. This answer covers passenger cars and vans.

    Common misconception

    Winter tyres are only required in December, January and February.

    What actually happens

    The period is 1 November to 31 March, and beyond that when conditions require.

    People also ask

    • When can you use studded tyres in Finland?
    • What is the minimum tread depth for winter tyres?
    • What are the winter speed limits 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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