Safe Summer Driving in Northern Finland - Essential tips

Learn the Road Rules
Peace of Mind with Protections
Get to know the Reindeer
Book your Trip

Summer in Northern Finland is a dream for road trippers – light-filled nights, quiet roads, and breathtaking scenery from lakes to fells.

By following these tips and staying prepared for the unique conditions of this region, you can enjoy your journey with confidence.

1. The sun never sets

In the far north of Lapland, the sun can shine all night. Beautiful? Absolutely. Confusing to your body clock? Also yes. Take regular breaks and consider adding an additional driver to your reservation, so you can share the driving and avoid tiredness.

☀️ Keep in mind that the sun stays rather low on the horizon. Use the sun visor to avoid being dazzled.

2. It's a Reindeer Country!

Reindeer roam freely in Lapland. They’re not in a hurry – and they don’t always look both ways before crossing. Slow down in marked areas and keep your eyes on the roadside, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. 🦌 If an oncoming driver flashes their high beams at you, you’ll know that there are likely reindeer or possibly elk ahead.

3. Respect speed limits even on empty roads

Speed limits are strictly enforced, and fines can be steep. In summer, typical limits are 80–100 km/h on main roads and 120 km/h on highways.

4. Use headlights – always

Yes, even under the Midnight Sun! Finnish law requires headlights to be on at all times. Many cars switch them on automatically, but it’s always good to check – especially in rain or fog.

5. Insects love your windshield

Driving through Finland in summer? Expect a lot of bugs. Europcar rental cars in Finland always come with a full tank of washer fluid. A clean windshield is especially important when facing low sunlight or night-time glare.

6. Make the most of our add-on services

Traveling with kids? Ensure their safety and comply with Finnish law by booking a child safety seat in advance. Children under 135 cm must use a child safety seat or booster, and we offer solutions for all ages.

🚗 Planning to explore beyond Finland? By choosing our cross-border fee, you can drive the same rental car smoothly across the border to Sweden or Norway.

Master the road rules and drive with confidence!

No phone use while driving

Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited in Finland. Stay focused on the road – if you need to make a call, use hands-free.

Reindeer

Be cautious when driving on roads marked with reindeer signs. Each year, over 4,000 reindeer-related accidents occur in the reindeer herding areas, which cover all of Lapland.

Seat belts are mandatory

Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt – front and back. It’s the law in Finland, and police carry out random checks.

Air circulation

Avoid using the air conditioner's circulation mode. The button is located on the car's dashboard. Using it can cause the windows to fog up, reducing visibility.

Safe distance

In Finland, we value personal space, and the same principle applies when driving. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to help avoid sudden accidents and the need for emergency braking.

Speed limit

Speed limit signs in Finland are circular with a red border and a yellow background, displaying the maximum permitted speed in kilometers per hour.

No drinking & driving

Don’t drink and drive. In Finland, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰. Remember, car insurance won’t cover you if an accident occurs and you have alcohol in your system.

Parking

When driving in the Northern Finland, parking to the side of the road is not allowed. If you need to stop, look for P-sign for rest area and stop the car there.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Add some Peace of Mind with Europcar extra services and protections

Make the most of your car rental experience by opting for our comprehensive protection services:

Medium Protection: Lower your excess amount to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Premium Protection: Eliminate your excess completely and focus on your journey without worrying about damage.
Windscreen and Tire Insurance: Small stones or debris can easily crack a windscreen—cover repair costs with this add-on.
Cross Border Fee: If you're driving into Sweden or Norway, this fee covers cross-border expenses.
Full Tank Option: Your rental car comes with a full tank. Return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel or use our refueling service (price communicated at pickup).

You can select these services during the booking process or at the desk.

BOOK NOW

ENCOUNTER WITH MAJESTIC REINDEER?

Reindeer - What you need to know when driving

In Northern Finland, reindeer are common on the roads, especially in rural and forested areas. To alert drivers, there are specific road signs depicting a reindeer, often placed at points where reindeer are frequently seen or where they cross the road.

Here’s what you need to know:

They move in groups. If you see one, more are likely nearby. Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Active at Dusk and Dawn. These are the most active times for reindeer, and also the most challenging times to spot them due to lower visibility.
They enjoy the road too. In summer, reindeer enjoy the open space of the road to escape insects. This increases the chances of encountering them.
Watch your speed. Keep your speed under control, especially when driving through signposted areas. Lower speeds give you more time to react if a reindeer suddenly appears on the road.