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Driving in Finland vs. Slovakia: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the diverse roadways of Finland and Slovakia, understanding the distinct regulations and practices is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, alcohol tolerance, and documentation requirements. By familiarizing yourself with these variations, you can navigate the unique driving landscapes of both countries with confidence and security.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
finland:
30-40 km/h
slovakia:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
finland:
80 km/h
slovakia:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
finland:
80 km/h
slovakia:
90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
finland:
100-120 km/h
slovakia:
130 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
finland:
80-100 km/h
slovakia:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
finland:
Electronic signs display current limits
slovakia:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
finland:
Not commonly used
slovakia:
Not used in Slovakia
Traffic Signs: Language
finland:
Finnish and Swedish; symbols are standard
slovakia:
Slovak; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
finland:
Triangular-shaped with a yellow background
slovakia:
Triangular-shaped with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
finland:
Not generally allowed
slovakia:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
finland:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
slovakia:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
finland:
Accepted; no International Driving Permit needed
slovakia:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
finland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit, or official translation
slovakia:
International Driving Permit required along with local license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
finland:
Mandatory; must display valid inspection sticker
slovakia:
Mandatory and regular inspections required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
finland:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
slovakia:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
finland:
Mandatory for certain situations
slovakia:
Mandatory

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
finland:
0.05%
slovakia:
0.00%
Limits: Professional Drivers
finland:
0.02%
slovakia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
finland:
0.00%; zero tolerance
slovakia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
finland:
Common; checkpoints used
slovakia:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Test Refusal
finland:
Results in license suspension
slovakia:
Can result in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
finland:
Contact through 112
slovakia:
158
Contact: Roadside Assistance
finland:
Check with your insurance provider or Autoliitto
slovakia:
Check with your insurance provider or Slovak Assistance Service
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
finland:
Mandatory, recommended
slovakia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
finland:
Mandatory, recommended
slovakia:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
finland:
Varies; fines based on income
slovakia:
Varies; €50 to €300, points on license possible
Common Fines: Seat Belts
finland:
Fines apply, typically €85
slovakia:
€50 to €150, points in some regions
Common Fines: Phone Use
finland:
Fines apply, typically €100
slovakia:
€100 to €200, points in some regions
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
finland:
Fines apply
slovakia:
€100 to €250, points on license possible
Payment: On The Spot
finland:
Possible; usually drive must pay later
slovakia:
Common
Payment: Deadline
finland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
slovakia:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay