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Driving Differences: Finland vs. Germany Explained

When venturing abroad, understanding the nuances of driving regulations is crucial for ensuring your safety on the road. This comparison between Finland and Germany reveals distinct contrasts, from lane markings and speed limits to alcohol limits and vehicle documentation. Familiarizing yourself with these driving practices will enhance your confidence while navigating foreign streets.

RIGHT

Driving Side

The driving side in finland is the Right Side of the road

88

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in finland is 88

1.77 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for finland is 1.77 US Dollars

While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.

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Lanes

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Markings: Solid Yellow Line
finland:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
germany:
Not commonly used; white lines are standard.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
finland:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
germany:
Marks temporary lanes or roadworks.
Overtaking: On Right
finland:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
germany:
Generally prohibited, except in traffic jams or on multi-lane roads when the left lane is moving slower.
Bus Lanes: Usage
finland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
germany:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. Bicycles may be allowed.
Bus Lanes: Markings
finland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
germany:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
finland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
germany:
Bicycle symbols and colored lane.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
finland:
N/A
germany:
N/A
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Speeds Limits

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Urban Areas: Residential Zones
finland:
30-40 km/h
germany:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
finland:
80 km/h
germany:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
finland:
80 km/h
germany:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
finland:
100-120 km/h
germany:
Recommended 130 km/h, no fixed maximum
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
finland:
Yes
germany:
Common
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
finland:
Not commonly used
germany:
Indicates the light is about to change to green
Traffic Signs: Language
finland:
Finnish and Swedish; symbols are standard
germany:
German; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
finland:
Triangular-shaped with a yellow background
germany:
Triangle-shaped with red border
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Turns

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Right Turn On Red
finland:
Not generally allowed
germany:
Not allowed unless a green arrow sign is present
U- Turns Allowed
finland:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
germany:
Prohibited in many areas; check for signs
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Documentation

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Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
finland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit, or official translation
germany:
Accepted for up to 6 months; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
finland:
Mandatory; must display valid inspection sticker
germany:
Mandatory, every 2 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
finland:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
germany:
Displayed on rear license plate
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
finland:
Mandatory for certain situations
germany:
Mandatory
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Road Etiquette

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Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
finland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
germany:
Move to the side and stop if necessary

When venturing abroad, understanding the nuances of driving regulations is crucial for ensuring your safety on the road. This comparison between Finland and Germany reveals distinct contrasts, from lane markings and speed limits to alcohol limits and vehicle documentation. Familiarizing yourself with these driving practices will enhance your confidence while navigating foreign streets.

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Alcohol

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Limits: Professional Drivers
finland:
0.02%
germany:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
finland:
0.00%; zero tolerance
germany:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
finland:
Common; checkpoints used
germany:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
finland:
Can be substantial
germany:
Can be substantial, varies by offense
Test Refusal
finland:
Results in license suspension
germany:
Can result in license suspension
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Emergency Services

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Contact: Traffic Police
finland:
Contact through 112
germany:
110
Contact: Roadside Assistance
finland:
Check with your insurance provider or Autoliitto
germany:
Check with your insurance provider or ADAC
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
finland:
Mandatory, recommended
germany:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
finland:
Mandatory, recommended
germany:
Mandatory
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
finland:
Varies; fines based on income
germany:
Varies; €10 to over €600, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
finland:
Fines apply, typically €85
germany:
€30 to €60
Common Fines: Phone Use
finland:
Fines apply, typically €100
germany:
€100, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
finland:
Fines apply
germany:
€90 to €200, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
finland:
Possible; usually drive must pay later
germany:
Common
Payment: Deadline
finland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
germany:
Varies; typically 1 to 4 weeks to pay