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Driving in Estonia vs. Finland: Key Differences Explained

When exploring the roads of Estonia and Finland, it's essential to understand their unique regulations and practices. Key distinctions arise in speed limits, traffic signals, and alcohol consumption rules, which can significantly impact your driving experience. Familiarizing yourself with these variations will enhance your travel safety and ensure a smoother journey in either country.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
estonia:
30 km/h
finland:
30-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
estonia:
90 km/h
finland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
estonia:
90 km/h
finland:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
estonia:
110 km/h (summer period: May to October)
finland:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
estonia:
110 km/h (summer period: May to October)
finland:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
estonia:
80-90 km/h
finland:
80-100 km/h

Signals

Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
estonia:
Yellow
finland:
Amber
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
estonia:
Not used in Estonia
finland:
Not commonly used
Traffic Signs: Language
estonia:
Estonian; symbols are standard
finland:
Finnish and Swedish; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
estonia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
finland:
Triangular-shaped with a yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
estonia:
Prohibited unless indicated by a sign
finland:
Not generally allowed

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
estonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
finland:
Accepted; no International Driving Permit needed
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
estonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
finland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit, or official translation
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
estonia:
Required every year; proof must be carried
finland:
Mandatory; must display valid inspection sticker
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
estonia:
Displayed on the windshield
finland:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
estonia:
Mandatory
finland:
Mandatory for certain situations

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
estonia:
0.02%
finland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
estonia:
0.00%
finland:
0.02%
Enforcement: Fines
estonia:
Varies; can be substantial
finland:
Can be substantial
Test Refusal
estonia:
Can result in license suspension
finland:
Results in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
estonia:
112
finland:
Contact through 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
estonia:
Check with your insurance provider
finland:
Check with your insurance provider or Autoliitto
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
estonia:
Mandatory
finland:
Mandatory, recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
estonia:
Mandatory
finland:
Mandatory, recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
estonia:
Varies; substantial fines apply
finland:
Varies; fines based on income
Common Fines: Seat Belts
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
finland:
Fines apply, typically €85
Common Fines: Phone Use
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
finland:
Fines apply, typically €100
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
finland:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
estonia:
Yes
finland:
Possible; usually drive must pay later
Payment: Deadline
estonia:
Varies; typically must pay within specified period to avoid additional penalties
finland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay