Finland on an Australian Licence — The Side Switch, Winter Tyres & Reindeer

Finland is one of Europe’s great self-drive countries — empty roads, forests, lakes and the far north — but for an Australian two specifics shape the whole trip, and neither is the paperwork.

You’re switching sides

Australia drives on the left; Finland drives on the right. This is the change most likely to catch you out, and the risky moments are the small ones: pulling out of a fuel station, taking a roundabout that now flows the other way, or a reflex glance in the wrong direction at a junction. Spend your first hour on quiet roads rather than central Helsinki, and stay deliberate at every turn until right-hand driving stops feeling backwards. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your Australian licence — not always demanded, but it smooths things at rental desks and roadside checks, and your licence is good for stays of up to 12 months.

Winter tyres aren’t optional

This is the rule Australians most often overlook. In the cold months — broadly December through February, longer when conditions demand — winter tyres are a legal requirement, not a recommendation. Rental cars come fitted with them in season, but confirm it before you pull away, because the fine and the liability fall on the driver. Coming from a country where most people have never fitted a winter tyre, give yourself extra room: braking distances on snow and ice are far longer than the dry roads you know.

Reindeer, speeds and alcohol

Drive north of the cities and reindeer become a real hazard, drifting onto unfenced roads especially at dawn and dusk; hit one and you’re legally required to report it. Speeds are 50 km/h in town, 80 rural, and 120 km/h on motorways, with cameras everywhere — Finland’s fines scale to income, but a routine over-limit ticket is around €200. The alcohol limit is 0.05, the same as home, but random testing is common, so don’t lean on the margin.

Before you set off

Fuel is pricey at roughly $1.98/litre, so factor that into long northern routes. The car should carry a warning triangle and reflective vest. Save 112 for emergencies, and read the full picture on our Finland driving guide. Confirm your paperwork with the Driving Permit Checker and estimate any penalty with the Speeding Fine Calculator.