Although the speed limits for winter and dark season are still in force in all parts of Finland, the spring-like driving conditions allow some motorways to use speed limits of 120 km/h for a transition period. The transition period for speed limits has started on Wednesday 4 March, and it applies to the E18 motorway between Turku and Vaalimaa.
Road sections under the speed limit transition period in 2026:
- Main Road 1 between Turku and Lohja
- Main Road 7 between Ring Road III and Vaalimaa
As the speeds now increase, Fintraffic’s Road Traffic Centre emphasises the importance of defensive driving, in which safe following distances and appropriate situational speed play a key role.
“Spring can catch drivers off guard with rapidly changing road conditions, so it is a good idea to stay alert behind the wheel. In addition to traffic signs, the driver must pay attention to the weather, road conditions, visibility and other traffic. Keeping safe following distances and appropriate speed are now particularly important,” says Sanna Piilinen, Head of Fintraffic’s Road Traffic Centre.
During the transition period, speed limits can be increased to 120 km/h during daylight and very good weather and road conditions. However, during night-time or wintry conditions, the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h also for transition period road sections. Transition period speed limits will apply until the summer speed limits enter into force.
