tieliikennelakiin

The tieliikennelaki, commonly translated as the Road Traffic Act, is Finland’s primary statute governing road traffic. It provides the legal framework for safe and efficient movement on public roads and defines the duties and rights of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

The act covers licensing, medical fitness, age requirements, and training for drivers. It also regulates vehicle conditions, equipment, and registration, establishing the standards that motor vehicles and their operators must meet to circulate on public roads.

It lays down core traffic rules, including speed limits, signals, right of way, following distances, overtaking, and turning, with provisions that address pedestrians and cyclists. The act also mandates safety measures such as the use of seat belts and child restraints where applicable.

Provisions on impairment relate to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with corresponding penalties for offences. The act also outlines enforcement mechanisms and procedures, including how offences are handled by police and the courts, and the range of sanctions such as fines, driving bans, or license suspensions.

Administration and enforcement are carried out primarily by Traficom, which handles licensing, vehicle approvals, and regulatory compliance, in cooperation with the police. The road traffic act interacts with broader legislation and European Union directives and is frequently amended to reflect new safety standards, technologies, and enforcement practices, including automated enforcement and digital licensing approaches.