The Finland night-time driving ban for 17-year-olds has become a major public topic after the government revealed plans to tighten road safety rules for young drivers. The proposal, released by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, aims to reduce accidents involving new and inexperienced motorists.
According to the draft law, 17-year-olds holding provisional passenger car licences would be barred from driving between midnight and 5.00. Police would have the power to issue fines and temporary driving bans to anyone caught breaking the rule. Cars driven by 17-year-olds would also need a visible sign for easier identification and enforcement.
The Ministry published the proposal on 27 October and opened a public consultation period lasting until 14 December. The measure is part of Finland’s broader effort to cut road accidents involving teenagers, who remain among the most at-risk age groups on Finnish roads.
Currently, 17-year-olds can drive under an exemption process that allows early licences when the applicant has a clear and essential need for mobility. Under the new law, this exemption system would become more selective and more demanding.
Applicants would need to prove that their travel takes place at least four times each week, compared to the current loose rule of regular need. The distance would need to be at least seven kilometres on foot or take over 90 minutes by public transport. The existing limits are five kilometres or 60 minutes.
Those applying would be required to show solid documentation such as attendance certificates or job contracts lasting at least two months. For young athletes or arts students, verification would have to come directly from an official institution or federation. Parents or guardians would also have to confirm that the applicant’s travel needs are genuine.
Anyone who has ever received a driving ban or suspension would no longer be eligible for an exemption. This closes a loophole in the current system that allows applications even after previous disqualifications, provided the ban period has already ended.
The Finland night-time driving ban for 17-year-olds fits into a wider national safety strategy. The government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has committed to reducing road deaths to zero by the year 2050. Although Finland’s traffic safety has improved over the years, young drivers continue to represent a disproportionate share of serious accidents.
The proposal also calls for more risk recognition training. New licence holders would complete three extra theory classes and one additional driving session. These expanded lessons would apply to all new passenger car licence holders, not only to those under 18.
Training requirements would also increase for drivers who have been disqualified or temporarily suspended. The new standards would include users of mopeds, light quadricycles, and tractors. These steps are designed to improve road awareness and accountability among all young motorists.
The draft law adds further updates to Finland’s driving test system. Interpreters would be officially allowed to assist in theory exams under the new regulation, rather than relying on internal agency practices. At the same time, anyone found cheating during a test, whether a candidate or an interpreter, could face a six-month ban from retaking it.
The proposal also simplifies licence administration. Expired driving licences would no longer have to be returned to authorities. Instead, holders could destroy them on their own, saving both time and administrative costs. Future systems may also permit digital licences that can be shown electronically when needed.
The draft clarifies that anyone currently disqualified may still retake a driving test if ordered by the police. This ensures that training and testing remain available to drivers working toward reinstatement.
The Ministry has confirmed that this proposal is only one part of a larger reform effort. Later this year, Finland will begin updating the entire Driving Licence Act to align with the new EU Driving Licence Directive. The EU rules introduce digital permits and harmonize disqualification policies across member states.
The European Parliament approved the directive on 21 October, and member states have four years to bring their laws into line with the new framework. Finland’s upcoming reform will therefore include digital features, safety rules, and enforcement measures that match EU standards.
