Parking a car in Finland is only permitted where there is a parking sign. Parking in Finland is free and paid.
Paid parking lots are ground and underground, they are paid either through special automatic machines-computers or through a machine at the exit from the parking lot. There are also parking lots with ticket machines that issue a ticket indicating the paid time, which must be attached to the windshield on the driver's side.
Free parking is also divided into regular and mandatory parking hours. The need to use a parking clock can be found on the corresponding plate on which they are depicted. (Decoding of road signs in Finland)
The parking clock is a 10x15 cm blue plastic panel with a rotating dial. On one side of the clock it says "Parking start" in Finnish or Swedish or both, the other describes the terms of use parking clock... When entering a parking lot with a corresponding sign, it is necessary to set the time of arrival, rounded to the nearest half hour. For example, you drove into the parking lot at 7 hours 17 minutes, you need to set the time to 7 hours 30 minutes, or, for example, you stopped at 7 hours 53 minutes, you need to set the time to 8 hours.
Place the parking clock underneath windshield so that they can be seen through the glass of the car. Only one parking clock is allowed under the windshield during parking. The time of arrival at the parking lot cannot be changed. At the end of the parking period, you must either leave or rearrange the car.
The driver will be fined for the absence of a parking clock or incorrectly set time, the amount of the fine is up to 50 euros. The fine must be paid within two weeks, counting from the date on the penalty receipt. At the same time, even if you think that you were fined unfairly, it is better to pay the fine, otherwise, after the payment deadline, the amount will increase by one and a half times. Later, if you are sure that you are right, you can challenge the fine, and if your arguments are convincing, then you will be refunded. As practice shows, such complaints are rarely satisfied.
Buy parking clock
Our company produces parking clocks. You can buy a parking clock from us - the cost is 100 rubles.
Parking in Finland is one of the most common offenses among our motorists. In this article, we will tell you how to properly park your car and when you need to use a special parking clock. You will also learn what some road signs mean and what penalties are imposed for incorrect parking. Since Russian rules road traffic slightly different from Traffic rules of Finland, then we recommend that Russian motorists familiarize themselves with them carefully.
Parking in Finland has a number of small features that you need to know and try to always comply with. Note that there are both free and paid parking in this country. If you are going to visit the city of Imatra, then in this city they are all absolutely free. But Helsinki cannot boast of such things, so on weekdays and Saturdays you will have to pay for most of them. Always pay attention to the road signs before entering the parking lot.
On some of them, you can leave the car only for 1 - 2 hours, that is, there are special time restrictions. In such cases, it is necessary to use a special parking clock. I must say that many large hypermarkets such as or have their own free parking, and if possible, cars can be parked near them. But quite often these shops are located not in the central part, but outside the city. But there are also such shopping centers, near which you almost always have to park your car for money, for example, the Stockmann department store in the city of Helsinki.
Paid parking
Paid parking lots have special road signs and times when it is necessary to pay for a place. Payment is made through a special machine. Further, the received receipt must be placed under the windshield. Let's take a look at one of the examples, what these signs mean. This road sign says that on weekdays (Monday-Friday) the paid time is valid from 8 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm. The rest of the time, no payment is required. If you see the numbers on road sign are indicated in red, it means that parking in this place, at this time is allowed on weekends and holidays... Note that most parking on Sundays is free.
Free parking
As we mentioned earlier, you can find free parking near large supermarkets, various shopping centers or major attractions. It is necessary to clarify that they are of several types. This may be a regular parking lot, which will be indicated by a blue square marked with the letter “P”. It can also be parking, but limited in time. For example, it is often indicated that the time is equal to two hours (2h), at which you can leave your car. This time is quite enough to do all your business. For example, go to a restaurant, shop in nearby stores, or explore some of the attractions. Speaking of which, the situation with parking in the central part of the city is not important.
Wherever you see time limits, you must use a dedicated parking clock. This is one of the main rules that must be followed. Otherwise, with a high degree of probability, you will find a fine written out under your glass. But first, you need to purchase them. They cost about 2 Euros and can be bought at almost any store or gas station.
They are very easy to use. You drive up to the parking lot, if you see any time limit, then find a free space and park your car. Next, you need to install on the parking clock and put it under the car windshield. Just don't forget about the time difference between our countries. After you return, put them away and drive away. Everything is quite simple, understandable and practical.
Parking penalty
Let's say you come back and find a receipt for payment of the fine. This means that you have violated the traffic rules. Parking fines start at 50 Euros and increase in big cities. You need to pay the receipt within two weeks and you can do this at any of the Finnish banks. Penalties will be charged for late payments.
In Finland, there are spaces for disabled people in all parking lots and parking lots. They are marked with a special sign and a healthy person is not allowed to put the car in this place. It should be noted that parking in the central part of Helsinki is the most expensive. The conclusion is quite simple, the closer to the city center, the higher the price. In our next article, we will tell you where you will find out the prices and the location of free parking.
It is forbidden to park
- within the validity of a parking sign;
- if a yellow line is drawn along the right side of the road;
- in places for disabled people (if the motorist is not disabled) - the car can be evacuated;
- if there are no signs (that is, the principle “what is not allowed is prohibited” works);
- near an intersection, including near a traffic light;
- at the crossroads;
- on a carriageway with two lanes in one direction (next to another car);
- in places where a parked vehicle will impede the movement or evacuation of another vehicle;
- at the edge of the carriageway, if up to pedestrian crossing less than 5 meters;
- at a pedestrian crossing;
- On Pavement;
- at the entrance to the building or at the gate;
- in the tunnel;
- on tram tracks;
- in places where route vehicles stop;
- closer than 30 meters to the railway crossing;
- at an angle to the carriageway (except for two-wheeled bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles without a sidecar);
- outside settlements on roads marked with traffic preference signs (main road);
- in designated parking areas so that part of the vehicle remains outside the designated area.
Signs may contain instructions:
- Kielletty - prohibited;
- Pysakointi kielletty - no stopping;
- Vain talon asukkaille - only for residents of the building.
Allowed to park
in specially equipped parking lots near attractions, entertainment centers, museums, etc .;
within a parking permit sign.
Free parking
In small towns, it is easy to find free parking without time limits. The easiest way is to go to the center (in Finnish KESKUSTA), to the main attractions or to the popular supermarkets Citymarket, Anttila, Prisma, etc. Expensive shops like Stockmann have a paid parking lot! Free unlimited time is indicated by a parking sign - a white letter P on a blue square.
ULOS - exit
Free parking with time limit
This parking sign is a blue background, a parking clock sign and white numbers, for example 2h or 30 min. Parking hours are required!
Example
In this parking lot, you can park for free for 2 hours on weekdays from 8 to 18 (Saturday from 9 to 15). At other times, the duration of the stay is not limited.
Parking clocks, in Finnish parkkikiekko, (blue plastic with a dial in the middle) can be bought at gas stations, spare parts stores, INFO points of large department stores, R-kiosks for 1-2 euros.
What to do with a parking clock
Having parked, you need to set the parking clock on the parking clock, rounded up to the next even hour or half an hour, and put the clock under the windshield in a conspicuous place. If you do not use your watch, stay longer in the parking lot or change the time, you can "earn" a fine - at least 40 euros.
Time limit
Many parking lots have a time limit, indicated by an additional sign under the parking sign:
Such a sign (together with a parking permit sign) means that free parking is allowed for 30 minutes with the obligatory use of a parking clock.
The time of validity of parking signs is often indicated:
On weekdays
On Saturdays
Sundays and holidays
The vast majority of parking lots in Finland are paid. They are equipped with a sign with a picture of a parking machine.
Parking is paid through a machine installed here, in coins of 20-50 cents or 1 euro (he does not give change). The machine issues a receipt, which must be placed under the windshield, otherwise a fine is threatened.
On Sundays, as a rule, all parking in Finland, including in Helsinki, is free (but watch the signs!). If you try to pay the machine, say, on Sunday, it may return the money, or it may issue a check to the parking lot by Monday.
Sometimes there are numbers on the sign, for example 9-18 (8-15). This means that parking is paid from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday, and is free the rest of the time.
Example
You have to pay for machines with such pictures from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday, you do not need to pay at other times. The received receipt should be placed so that it can be seen through the windshield.
What is written on the parking meter
Parking machines in Helsinki display the following information:
- parking cost per hour;
- zone number;
- the number of hours for which you can pay for parking at a time.
On the side panel of the machine, the same information is duplicated, and you can determine the maximum parking time by the color of the panel on which the zone number is written:
- yellow corresponds to one hour
- gray - two
- green - four
Parking machines accept 20 and 50 cents, 1 and 2 euros, as well as 5, 10 and 20 euros, or only coins. Get some change!
Private parking
Private parking spaces can only be used by the owners or with their permission. Usually, opposite each parking space, the number of the car or the number of the apartment for which it is allocated is indicated.
Most of the houses have special parking spaces for guests, marked with a "vieraspaikka" sign.
Underground car parks
In Finland, the problem of parking is being successfully solved with the help of underground car parks, marked with an electronic sign "P". Above the entrance to the parking lot, there is always an indicator of availability (TILAA - "There are places", TÄYNNÄ - "No places"). If you see the word TILAA, drive up to the barrier and press a button on the machine - it gives you a ticket and raises the barrier. You enter the parking lot, leave the car and, most importantly, remember the parking lot (floor, letter and number of the place), otherwise you will have to look for it for a long time - there are many entrances to the parking lot.
Before leaving, pay for the parking time at the automatic cash register with banknotes of any denomination (the machine will issue change, a coupon with a payment time stamp and a check) or at the cash desk with an operator (he will make a mark on your coupon and, if necessary, will also write a check). Then you drive up to the barrier, insert the ticket into the machine, and the barrier rises automatically.
You must leave within 10 minutes. If you are a guest of one of the central hotels, then, most likely, you will park in the underground garage. Do not forget to pick up a special coupon at the reception, which gives the right to parking at a discount to all guests of the hotel.
Penalties
A fine for incorrect parking is issued either by the police or by the parking attendants.
Typically, such fines are imposed for non-observance of parking rules in cities and towns, non-use of a parking disc, improper parking, as well as for leaving the engine on unnecessarily (maximum 2 minutes, when the air temperature is below -15 degrees Celsius).
The usual amount of a fine for incorrect parking regardless of the nature of the violation is 10 euro, however, it can be increased (according to the decree of the Ministry of the Interior of Finland) up to 40 euro if incorrect parking impedes the movement of other vehicles. In 97 municipalities in Finland, an increased amount of fines has been established, for example in Kotka - 30 euros, in Lappeenranta - 35 euros, in Espoo, Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Lahti, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Tampere, Turku, Vantaa - up to 40-50 euros.
The fine must be paid through the bank within two weeks (counting from the date indicated on the penalty receipt). If the fine is not paid on time, a penalty of half the amount of the fine is charged. In case of non-payment of the fine and interest, the case is referred to the debt collection agency. The Russians are in danger of being denied a visa.
If the owner or driver of the car considers the fine to be unjustified, he can appeal the decision to the authority that issued the fine. The complaint must be filed within 2 weeks of the date the fine was received. Filing a complaint does not exempt you from paying a fine. If the written fine is found to be unjustified, the money will be returned. In some cities (for example, Oulu), the case of improper parking is filmed on camera in case of a possible appeal.
You need to know how to park in Finland. And we tell you about it. You can't tell everything at once.
We talked about the parking clock. It is not difficult to use them. If a sign is as clear as this
Parking signs in Finland using a parking clock
However, the parking sign is not always that simple in Finland. Very often this is a whole set of signs. For example, it might look like this:
The parking time limit depends on the time of day and day of the week
As you can see, in the pictures above, in addition to the plate with the "30 min" limitation, there is also a plate with the numbers "8-17" and "(8-15)". These signs mean that the 30 minute time limit is only valid from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on a weekday, and from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday (Saturday limit is shown in parentheses). At this time, one must use. The rest of the time, for example, at 18:00 pm on a weekday or Sunday at 12:00 pm, you can park for free and indefinitely without a parking clock.
Here you can read about
We would like to tell you about the intricacies of parking in Finland. After reading this article, you will learn how to read parking signs and distinguish paid parking from free, as well as how to use a Finnish parking clock. In the second half of the article, we will introduce you to free, paid and long-term parking in Rovaniemi.
Parking clock. Parking rules.
Parking in the city center is free and paid. As a rule, free parking lots in the center are located close to shopping centers or large shops, but the time for free parking is often limited.
Parking time control is carried out using a universal parking clock. They can (and even should!) Be purchased at the nearest supermarket or kiosk of the R-kioski chain for a couple of euros. If you park in a parking lot with a time limit, you should set the arrival time on the clock. In Finnish - Saapumisaika, and in Swedish (there are two official languages in Finland) - Ankomsttid.
Free parking is usually for 1-4 hours. Less often - 30 minutes or, for example, 6 hours. You can determine the type of parking by looking at the pictogram on the sign next to the parking lot. In this case, the sign has a parking clock pictogram and the duration of free parking is 2 hours.
The watch with the set arrival time should be left in a conspicuous place under the windshield. This ritual must be treated with all Scandinavian responsibility, because these parking lots are regularly patrolled by controllers collecting tribute to the city treasury. Do not cheat and set the time "forward", for example, half an hour or 20 minutes, because if the controller notices this, you will receive a fine. Rounding in 5-10 minutes is in the order of things.
Good. We parked. They set the clock. Let's go shopping. The parking time is coming to an end. What to do?
First, you should set a reminder on your phone 15 minutes before the end of the time. It's very easy to forget. The author of these lines remembers that he received fines for this reason more than once.
Next is the surest option - is to move the car to a neighboring place and set a "new" arrival time. You can, of course, just change the time without rearranging the car. This usually works, but there is some risk involved. According to the rules, this cannot be done, and a meticulous inspector may notice a "forgery" and issue a fine.
Previously, it was believed that municipal fines could not be paid, since "no one would know about them." However, with the introduction of the Schengen Information System-2 in Europe, data on arrears became readily available to both border guards and other authorities. In extreme cases, a minor but overdue fine can serve as a refusal to issue a Schengen visa, even if you apply for a visa at a consulate of another European country. A single database implies that a border guard in Finland may see an unpaid fine received by you in another Schengen country and ask you to pay it (possibly with a penny) or take other actions.
By the way, usually a penalty for incorrect parking 40 €. (already 50 €). This is what the fine looks like. In fact - this is a bank receipt. The fine must be paid within 30 days. This can be done in a Finnish bank or through Eurofine. By the way, here is a fresh fine received by the author of the article :) Controllers (and rules) are so severe that they require perfect behavior.
When paying, it is important to indicate not only the invoice number, but also the receipt (incident) number. Finnish - viitenumero (over the amount of 40.00). The paid receipt should be kept for 5 years and taken with you to Europe in order to avoid misunderstandings.
Paid parking
When choosing a parking place, you should be careful, as in the same parking lot there may be a sector for free parking (foreground of the photo) and paid (near the wall).
How to know if parking is paid?
Paid parking is usually located in the city center, although there are exceptions (airports, other places of traffic). A parking meter icon is often drawn under the parking sign. It is also often written with the text "parking machine" - in Finnish lippuautomaatti.
Usually, you have to pay for parking in municipal parking lots (on the street) on weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm, and on Saturdays from 8 am to 16. At other times, you can park cars in these places for free. However, the time of paid parking may vary in different cities, which is why the hours are indicated. Weekdays are written without brackets, and Saturday in brackets. Sunday is most often a free day. At least that's the case in most cities. In Helsinki, everything is a little different and parking in the center of the capital is almost always paid and expensive.
Another option - simple text "paid parking", in Finnish- maksullinen.
Signs often provide other useful information. This sign indicates its action (arrow to the right at the very bottom) and how to put the cars.
And here, in fact, is the parking itself. The photo above is from the left sign. A small area where parking is allowed is controlled by two signs with arrows. Put the car out of space - get a fine.
It is worth paying close attention to the markings in paid parking lots and in free parking lots with parking hours. Even if everything is done correctly, but the car is not delivered according to the markings - get a fine. The author of the article bit his elbows when he was fined for this very reason. Parking was paid.
Paid parallel parking is actually convenient and quick to use. Pay attention to the sign on the right on the pillar.
This is what an ordinary parking machine looks like. The required amount of coins is thrown into the receiver and the green button is pressed. The machine will give out two spines, one of which (larger) must be placed under the windshield.
Municipal parking prices in Rovaniemi - 20 € cents for every 10 minutes or somewhere between 1.20-1.40 € per hour. Parking prices in other cities may vary. The closer to the center, the more expensive.
Another option for a parking meter. Municipal parking checks are valid at all municipal parking lots in Rovaniemi. If you are running out of time, you can park with the same check in another municipal parking lot (but not in a private one, as in the Sampo shopping center).
In the center of Rovaniemi, there are both parallel parking lots and a two-storey paid municipal parking lot.
The most popular paid parking on Rovakatu Street. Here are all shops and. Again, pay attention to the sign.
Do not forget that there are also private commercial parking lots in large cities, not just municipal ones. Usually Are separate car parks. They have their own rules (often around the clock) and their own rates.
No parking signs.
In some places, parking is prohibited either at all or partially. Usually they write "busy" at such parking lots. - varattu and often accompanying text. Alternative option
- indicate the registration number of the car (even without the text varattu).
The presence of an empty box on the post at the parking lot also indicates that the parking lot is busy. These boxes have a built-in socket, which the Finns use in winter to connect the electric heating of the engine oil. Naturally, this privilege is not reserved for those who park for free, but only for residents or employees. Exception - parking for clients of hotels (and other establishments), although in this case parking may be paid.
Another interesting option - special parking permit, in Finnish P-lupa (short for Pysäköintilupa). Since the word is conjugated, the sign is often written P-luvan ...
In this case, the sign says - you cannot park, but those who have a permit (P-luvan) can.
This is what it looks like.
You should always be careful with the signs. Here is the parking lot at the Rovaniemi library. On the left, you can park from 8 am to 4 pm only with a parking clock for a maximum of 2 hours. On the right, from 7 to 20, only those who have a permit can park - we find the coveted word P-luvan in the text.
And here is the parking "for staff" - Henkilökunta.
In no case should you park in wheelchair spaces (without permission), despite the fact that they are often empty and are the closest.
Firstly, it is simply uncivilized, and secondly - for this you can get a fine.
If you are going to visit someone, for example, to a multi-storey building, then look for a parking lot with the inscription Vieras - guest. It's better not to park in such places just like that, especially for a long time in a car with Russian license plates. Residents will quickly understand what's what and can take action. In the worst case, the car will be taken out somewhere on a tow truck, and you will pay for the removal later.
Free parking in Rovaniemi
As a rule, large and small shops outside the center offer free parking for their customers.
There are times when the number of free places for customers is limited, and the rest of the places may be paid (or not at all). In parking lots for customers, they write Asiakas.
The shopping center and Revontuli offer convenient free parking in the center of Rovaniemi. There are about 800 parking spaces here. In the photo, the entrance closest to the center.
The parking lot can be accessed from the E75 road from any direction, just remember that the parking ramps go in both directions.
Parking hours here must be used from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. Most of the spaces are designed for two hours of parking ...
… Except for a small section of "fast" parking at the entrance to the Revontuli shopping center, where there is parking for an hour.
Most of the parking spaces are outdoors, but under the Revontuli shopping center there is a heated garage with free parking for two hours. In winter - this parking is the most popular! However, there is a small drawback. Parking is open only during the opening hours of the Revontuli shopping center- Mon-Fri 8-21, Sat 8-18, Sun 12-18. That is, you can pick up the car at any other time, but you cannot deliver it. The garage door opens automatically when you stop one and a half meters in front of the door.
The main thing - do not confuse entry and exit!
The underground garage can also be accessed from the entrance farthest from the center at the Revontuli shopping center, but it is very narrow and there are many pedestrians who need to be allowed through during rush hour.
The underground garage is located on a tier below and you need to go down the chute to reach it.
In the very center of the city is located, which also offers warm garage... The first hour of parking here is free, but then you have to pay. In prinitsy - this is not so bad, as fines are usually not given here- you only need to pay for the running time. Plus, parking is available 24/7.
We go down the chute down.
At the barrier, click on the green button and get a cardboard parking card. It serves to control time. After that, the barrier will open.
When the parking is over, you need to run the map to one of the parking meters and the entrance to the shopping center (near the elevator). If you parked for more than an hour - please pay the time. This can be done in cash or with Visa and Mastercard credit cards. After a free hour, parking costs 1 € per hour, day- 20 €. It is cheaper than municipal parking around the mall.
At the exit, launch the demagnetized card into the receiver and the barrier opens.
There is another free parking in front of the Sampo shopping center. It is located above the Coffee House and the Rosso restaurant.
Be careful here! Traffic in both directions, and in winter the entrance becomes slippery and you have to drive in from acceleration. You just need to first wait for the passage to clear.
Upstairs you will find a free two-hour parking with a parking clock. Watch usage time "standard" - from 8 to 18 on weekdays and from 8 to 16 on Saturday. The rest of the time you can park for free, you just need to have time to pick up the car in the evening (22.00), as the parking lot may be closed. However, there is parking here not only for customers, but also for residents and employees. In the photo there are two rows where you can park.
And where the familiar signs of Varattu or P-luvan are not possible.
For example, you can't.
Or here. Pay attention to the blue signs.
Long-term parking. An airport.
Sometimes you need to leave the car for a long time, for example, during a trip. In this case, it is better to leave the car at the departure points - in paid parking lots at the airport or railway station. Of course, you can try to leave your car at the free parking lots of the Prisma or Citymarket hypermarkets (closer to the airport), and from there take a taxi, but a one-way taxi will cost 15-20 €, so there is little savings in terms of money, but a lot of hassle. If you really cheat, you can leave the car in the village of Santa Claus, two kilometers from the airport, but from there a taxi will cost at least € 10-12.
Immediately at the entrance to the airport, there is a short-term paid parking lot. It is convenient for meeting someone.
The parking meter is located right there on the street (not to be confused with the parking meters inside the airport for long-term parking). The minimum fee is 0.50 €.
In order to unload someone, the lane directly at the airport is suitable, but you cannot park here.
When entering such a parking lot, you need to take a parking card, which will open the barrier. You can leave the card in the car during the trip so as not to lose it.
Payment is made upon return from the trip to the parking meter inside the airport. This must be done immediately before leaving the parking lot, since after payment you have about 15 minutes to leave the parking lot.
Long-term parking at the airport costs 8 € per day for the first 3 days, and then 2 € per day. A week will cost 32 €. Month 78 €. Here is a link to a quote. Launch your parking card and pay with cash or credit card.
If there is a problem with the machine, you can pay for the parking "in person" at the Finavia airport service.
If you need to leave a larger vehicle at the airport, for example, a small bus, then you need to go through the entrance to the "regular" parking lot and head straight.
Here you will find such a parking lot. Payment must be agreed at the Finavia office as soon as you leave the car.
Railway station
If you are going to travel by train, the railway station has its own long-term parking. The cost is 14 € per week, the payment is made in advance at the ticket office, after which you will be given a parking ticket, which must be left under the glass so that the controllers do not issue a fine. This is one of the paid long-term parking lots. There is one more, but this needs to be clarified at the ticket office of the railway station.
It should be noted that the aforementioned paid parking lots are not guarded. In principle, there are no guarded parking lots in Finland (except for surveillance cameras). But in some long-term parking lots (as in the photo above), it is possible for an additional fee to connect the electric heating of the engine and recharge the battery (if you have them built in). Then in winter, after a long trip, you can definitely start :)
Good luck at the parking lots!
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