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    What is the drink-driving limit in Finland?

    The legal limits, where they apply and what the police can do.

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    Short answer

    This topic is for adults aged 18 and over. The drink-driving limit in Finland is a blood alcohol content of 0.5 per mille, or 0.22 milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air. The same limit applies to all drivers. Above 1.2 per mille, or 0.53 mg/l, it is aggravated drink-driving. The rule applies anywhere you drive a motor vehicle, including off-road and on lake ice.

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    Why

    1. Liikenneturva says the limit is exceeded when the blood alcohol content is at least 0.05% or there is at least 0.22 mg of alcohol per litre of exhaled air.
    2. According to Liikenneturva, drink-driving is an offence whether it happens off road, on the ice of a lake or on the road.
    3. Liikenneturva says the police breathalyse 1.2 to 1.8 million drivers every year.

    Details

    Driving under the influence of drugs is also an offence, with zero tolerance. The rule covers snowmobiles and boats on lakes as well as cars.

    Tip

    Do not drive the morning after a late party. Alcohol can still be in your blood, and Liikenneturva warns that tiredness also impairs driving.

    What may differ

    Your home country may have a lower or higher limit. In Finland there is no separate lower limit for novice or professional drivers.

    Common misconception

    One beer before driving is always fine in Finland.

    What actually happens

    Even small amounts can impair driving, and the 0.5 per mille limit can be reached faster than expected.

    People also ask

    • Is drink-driving punished hard in Finland?
    • Can I drive a snowmobile after drinking?
    • Are there random breath tests in Finland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules can change, so check Liikenneturva and the Finnish police before you travel.

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