Finland’s winter speed limits will take effect on main roads this week, with most limits reduced to 80 km/h and motorway speeds lowered to 100 km/h as darker conditions increase the risks for drivers.
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency said Wednesday is the main day for the changeover, although the new limits will be in place across the affected roads by Friday at the latest.
On most main roads, drivers will need to adjust to a maximum speed of 80 km/h. Some sections will have lower limits of 70 km/h, depending on the road. Motorways will generally move from their summer limits to 100 km/h for the winter season.
The changes are part of Finland’s seasonal road safety measures, introduced as daylight hours shorten and more journeys take place in darkness. Reduced visibility and changing weather conditions make it important for drivers to adapt their speed to the road and conditions ahead.
Regional Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment are responsible for deciding where winter speed restrictions apply. As a result, the exact limits can vary between road sections rather than following one uniform rule across every route.
There will also be some flexibility on motorways. As in previous years, Fintraffic can raise variable speed limits to 120 km/h until the end of November, provided the weather, road conditions and the specific road’s permitted speed limit allow it. The higher limit is therefore not automatic and depends on conditions at the time.
The seasonal change takes place at the end of October, following the return to standard time and the resulting reduction in evening daylight. Drivers travelling on familiar routes should check the posted signs rather than assume that summer speed limits remain in force.
