Ohituskaistat

Ohituskaistat are dedicated overtaking lanes on Finnish roads that allow faster vehicles to pass slower ones safely. They are typically found on two-lane sections of rural highways or on uphill stretches and other sections where sight distance or road geometry makes passing in the regular lane dangerous or impractical. The aim is to improve traffic flow and reduce hazardous overtaking in oncoming traffic.

These lanes are provided to facilitate overtaking, not to enable sustained high-speed driving. Drivers using an ohituskaista should overtake only when the way is clear, signal appropriately, and return to the ordinary driving lane as soon as the faster vehicle has passed. In general, slower vehicles should use the right-hand lane for normal driving, and overtaking should occur in the dedicated lane only. After overtaking, motorists must move back to the right as soon as it is safe. Overtaking in other ways or staying in the ohituskaista longer than necessary is discouraged and can be dangerous.

Signage and road markings indicate the presence and boundaries of a passing lane. Finland uses explicit signs to mark the start and end of an ohituskaista, along with standard speed and overtaking rules that apply to the surrounding road. Drivers should remain mindful of oncoming traffic, curvature, and junctions when approaching an overtaking lane.

The concept is subject to ongoing evaluation for safety and efficiency. While ohituskaistat can reduce risky overtaking on constrained roads, they require disciplined use by all drivers and clear signaling to be effective.