liikennekäytössä

Liikennekäytössä is a Finnish term that translates to "in use for traffic" or "roadworthy." It refers to the condition of a vehicle that meets all legal requirements to be operated on public roads. This includes possessing a valid registration, a current inspection certificate (katsastus), and being insured. A vehicle that is liikennekäytössä is deemed safe and legal for driving.

The designation of a vehicle as liikennekäytössä is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that vehicles on the road are safe for drivers, passengers, and other road users. Regular inspections check critical components like brakes, lights, tires, and emissions. Secondly, it is a legal requirement. Operating a vehicle that is not liikennekäytössä can result in fines, penalties, and even impoundment of the vehicle. Insurance policies are also typically conditional on the vehicle being in a liikennekäytössä state.

When a vehicle is taken out of traffic, for example, for repairs, storage, or permanent de-registration, it is no longer considered liikennekäytössä. This status must be actively declared to the relevant authorities, typically Traficom in Finland. Re-registering a vehicle for traffic use requires it to pass an inspection and meet all current regulations. The concept emphasizes that a vehicle is not simply present, but actively complies with the standards set for public road operation.