🚗 Talvirenkaat and winter driving in Finland: rules and practice

If you want to spend the winter behind the wheel without stress, start with the basics: understand the logic of Finnish law and get into "calm mode". The main thing here is not the month on the calendar, but the weather conditions. And yes, in this country, people know how to drive slowly and confidently on white roads. Below is my complete, "live" guide to talvirenkaat and winter driving: from the letter of the law to the micro-practices that determine the outcome of a trip.

What the law says: "under certain conditions", deadlines, markings, depth

The Finnish logic is simple: we put on winter tyres when the weather or road conditions require it. Legally, the period is from 1 November to 31 March, but the key phrase is "if conditions require it". This means that in autumn, when it is icy, you can change them earlier, and in spring, you can keep your winter tyres on longer. Studded tyres are permitted during this period and outside of it if the roads are slippery. For non-studded (friction) tyres, the most important thing is the marking: look for the 3PMSF symbol (a mountain peak with a snowflake) — a benchmark for the 2025–2026 season.

The minimum tread depth for winter tyres is 3 mm (for passenger cars/up to 3.5 tonnes). In summer, the basic minimum is 1.6 mm, but in winter, on snow and slush, it is more comfortable when you actually have 4–5 mm. The same principle applies to trailers in winter: if you are towing a trailer, make sure that it also has winter tyres.

Tyre selection: studded vs friction (city, highway, Lapland)

Studded tyres are for ice and rutted roads, friction tyres are for snow, wet conditions, quietness and a smooth ride. Finns often choose based on context:

● City (Helsinki, Turku, Tampere) — mostly wet sub-zero temperatures and slush: friction Kitkat tyres provide predictability and quietness, and produce less dust.

● Highways and the north — more clean ice in the mornings, "glass" bridges: studs win in extreme conditions, especially on "black ice".

● Mixed routes — choose what gives you more confidence. In Finland, a calm manner is more important than "maximum aggression" of the tread.

A small but useful tip: if you don't want to go on the snow at all, think about whether you need a steering wheel. The night train VR to Lapland offers a scenario of "falling asleep in Helsinki and waking up in the snow".

Tread depth and pressure: simple traction maths

3 mm is the legal minimum in winter. The minimum for safety is 4–5 mm, especially if you are heading for the motorway, the north and black ice. Check the date of manufacture and uneven wear (often indicative of pressure/wheel alignment). Pressure drops with temperature — keep to the standard on the sticker on the door pillar and check in cold weather. Underinflated tyres increase braking distance and "float" on slush.

Winter driving: city and motorway, black ice, ruts, bridges

The Finnish style is "no sudden movements". Smooth acceleration, early braking, long distances. On bridges and overpasses, the temperature is lower, and black ice is more common there; in ruts, the shine is also ice, not "visible asphalt".

Disengage cruise control on slippery roads, use engine braking, and plan your manoeuvres in advance: "slow down → turn → accelerate". Keep your distance on the motorway, and in the city, watch out for windscreen wipers and buses — they push snow to the side of the road, making it slippery.

Winter rental: what's included, scraper/cables, what to ask for when picking up the car

In Finland, winter rentals are immediately issued with cars on winter tyres (during the season or when conditions require it). There is almost always a scraper and brush in the passenger compartment; many also have a cable for the block heater (useful when parking on the street at night). Snow chains are rarely used in the country: roads are cleared, and chains are only allowed on snow and ice and in specific locations.

What to ask at the counter:
— tyre type (studded or friction), mileage and age of the rubber;
— where in the city there are sockets for heating (the cable is often in the boot);
— winter "package": brush/scraper, trolley for charging electric cars, jumper cables (if provided), safety vest;
— insurance for glass/headlights (gravel on winter roads).

It is also useful to remember about car rental in Finland in winter — we analyse classes, prices and scenarios (family, city, north).

Liability and fines: how it works in practice

If you drive without winter tyres in winter conditions or with insufficient tread depth, the police may issue a fixed penalty — "liikennevirhemaksu" (administrative, usually tens to hundreds of euros depending on the violation). The point is not to hunt down drivers, but to use common sense: the inspector assesses the actual conditions and the condition of the tyres. In serious cases (real danger), they may prohibit further movement until the violation is rectified.

A separate issue is studded tyres outside the permitted period without weather-related reasons. They are formally permissible if it is really slippery; if not, this is already a reason for a fine.

Field life hacks: from brushes to block heaters

— Clean the car thoroughly: not only the windows, but also the headlights/turn signals and the roof (snow can fly off when braking).
— Washer fluid down to −25 °C, brushes working, no frozen nozzles.
— Reflectors on clothing — you can be seen further away and sooner.
— EVs consume more power in winter — plan to charge more often. An engine block heater is useful for internal combustion engines: quieter start, less wear and tear.
— If in doubt, take a break on the road: pull into a petrol station, warm up, assess the situation. Finland is all about getting there safely.

Warning stickers (common mistakes)

Driver's checklist for winter

If you found this material useful, share it with your friends, save it for the season, and write in the comments which tyres you chose and why. I will add your tips (city/highway/north) to the checklist to make it easier for the next reader.