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Winter Tyres in Finland

Quick answer: Only in some conditions. In Finland winter tyres are required when weather requires, 1 Nov to 31 Mar. From 1 November to 31 March, cars and vans must use winter tyres if the weather or road conditions require it (Road Traffic Act 729/2018, in force since June 2020). Before June 2020, winter tyres were compulsory from 1 December to the end of February whatever the weather. Today: Season on: applies when weather requires (1 Nov to 31 Mar).

Required?
Conditional when weather requires
Right now
Season on: applies when weather requires (1 Nov to 31 Mar)
Dates
1 November to 31 March

The rule

From 1 November to 31 March, cars and vans must use winter tyres if the weather or road conditions require it (Road Traffic Act 729/2018, in force since June 2020). Before June 2020, winter tyres were compulsory from 1 December to the end of February whatever the weather.

What tyres count

Winter tyres can be studded or studless. Studless winter tyres must carry the 3PMSF symbol (M+S-only tyres were accepted until 30 November 2024). Main grooves at least 3.0 mm.

Snow chains

Not confirmed. Check the official source below.

Studded tyres

Allowed 1 November to 31 March, and at other times if the weather or road conditions require it.

Fine

Not confirmed. Check the official source below.

Tips for visiting drivers

Many websites still give the old 1 December to end of February period; the rule since 2020 is 1 November to 31 March, depending on conditions.

Notes: Changed in June 2020: the fixed December to February period became a conditions-based rule for 1 November to 31 March.

Source

Official source and last check

Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency): report on the new Road Traffic Act winter tyre rules · Official text, cited · last checked

Also checked: Traficom news, 17 October 2024: 3PMSF symbol, 3 mm tread · Your Europe: road rules in Finland

Not confirmed on an official page: chains, fine. We show "Not confirmed" rather than guess.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and local signs always apply; check the official source before you travel. "Right now" is worked out from today's date and the dates above; where the rule depends on snow, ice or signs, it applies only when those are present.

Before you drive

Check the road and the weather

Will the roads be icy? Hour-by-hour check for your townWeather warnings in force today in FinlandDriving laws in Finland: speed limits, drink-drive limitLive road accident reports: FinlandStopping distance on snow and ice
Questions

Winter tyres in Finland: FAQ

Are winter tyres compulsory in Finland?
Only in some conditions. In Finland winter tyres are required when weather requires, 1 Nov to 31 Mar. From 1 November to 31 March, cars and vans must use winter tyres if the weather or road conditions require it (Road Traffic Act 729/2018, in force since June 2020). Before June 2020, winter tyres were compulsory from 1 December to the end of February whatever the weather.
When do you need winter tyres in Finland?
1 November to 31 March. Today: Season on: applies when weather requires (1 Nov to 31 Mar).
What winter tyres are accepted in Finland?
Winter tyres can be studded or studless. Studless winter tyres must carry the 3PMSF symbol (M+S-only tyres were accepted until 30 November 2024). Main grooves at least 3.0 mm.
Do you need snow chains in Finland?
Not confirmed. Check the official source below.
What is the fine in Finland?
We could not confirm the fine on an official page. Changed in June 2020: the fixed December to February period became a conditions-based rule for 1 November to 31 March.
Are studded tyres allowed in Finland?
Allowed 1 November to 31 March, and at other times if the weather or road conditions require it.
Europe

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