Can I use my phone while driving in Finland?
In a cradle yes, in your hand no. The Road Traffic Act bans holding a mobile device while driving — including at red lights with the engine running. The penalty is a €100 traffic penalty fee. Handsfree calls, a mounted navigator and brief taps on a cradled phone are allowed as long as your attention stays on traffic.
📋 The rules
- Drivers may not hold a mobile device in hand while driving — the ban covers calls, messages and browsing.
- It applies whenever you're in traffic — including at lights and in queues with the engine on.
- Using a cradle-mounted phone for navigation or music is allowed if it doesn't distract from driving.
- Handsfree calls are legal — but responsibility for attentiveness stays with the driver.
- Other distractions (make-up, eating, typing) can be judged as careless driving if they create danger.
🔓 Exceptions
- Emergency calls to 112 are allowed even handheld when the situation demands.
- Parked (engine off, safe location) you may use the phone freely — stopping on a motorway shoulder doesn't count.
⚠️ Penalties
Holding a device while driving brings a €100 traffic penalty fee. If use causes danger, it can be investigated as endangering traffic safety — then day-fines apply.
📎 Sources
- Police of Finland · Traffic penalty fee →
- Finlex · Road Traffic Act 729/2018 →
- Liikenneturva · Distraction in traffic →
❓ Frequently asked questions
What's the fine for phone use while driving?
€100 for holding it. If danger arises, the charge can harden to endangering traffic safety with income-based day-fines.
Can I check my phone at a red light?
Not in your hand — the ban applies while you're the driver in traffic, including at lights.
Is phone navigation legal?
Yes, cradle-mounted, with the route set before moving off or while safely stopped.
Does the ban cover cyclists?
The in-hand ban targets motor-vehicle drivers. A cyclist can still face consequences if phone use causes danger.
🔎 What people search
Searches that lead to this question.
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