Finland night driving ban is the new topic stirring concern across the country as the Ministry of Transport and Communications pushes to change laws affecting young drivers. Under the proposed amendment, 17-year-olds who hold a category B licence may soon face a driving ban from midnight to 5am.
The current legal driving age in Finland is 18. But a change in 2018 allowed 17-year-olds to get their licences more easily. Before the reform, a strong reason had to be proven. After the law changed, just an adequate reason was enough. This saw underage driver numbers grow fast. From less than ten per year to over 200.
But now, growing traffic safety concerns are forcing the government to step in again. Deadly crashes involving young drivers have prompted a reassessment of those earlier decisions.
Lulu Ranne, Minister of Transport and Communications, explained that the aim is not to limit freedom but to increase safety. In her words, young drivers will become more prepared, more alert, and safer behind the wheel. The law will also let them travel around the country safely.
This is not the only reform in the works. The night driving ban is part of a wider road safety package. The ministry wants to introduce new rules for driving learners. This includes mandatory risk recognition training and penalties for those caught cheating on theory exams. The plan is to roll out all new rules by summer 2026.
Pasi Anteroinen, head of the Finnish Road Safety Council, has voiced strong support for the changes. He pointed out that night hours are when most fatal crashes involving young drivers occur. Banning driving during these hours could help prevent such cases.
Still, he said this law would not take away a teen’s ability to move around for work, school, or hobbies in the daytime.
The draft bill will go to Parliament next. A public comment period is also expected, giving citizens a chance to weigh in. Despite the sharp rise in 17-year-old drivers since 2018, safety risks have climbed just as fast. The ministry believes this new step is key to reversing that trend.
