Alcohol and Drug Regulations - Finland Driving Test

If a private driver has BAC of 0.5‰ or above in Finland

BAC ≥ 0.5‰ qualifies as a gross DUI under Finnish law, leading to heavier penalties.

When a driver has BAC exceeding 1.2‰

BAC over 1.2‰ is considered severely dangerous and triggers immediate legal consequences.

If you are a professional driver in Finland

Professional drivers are held to a lower BAC limit (often 0.2‰) to ensure higher safety.

If a driver refuses to take a breathalyzer test

Refusing an alcohol test is legally interpreted as non-cooperation and results in criminal charges.

If a driver refuses a police-requested breath test in Finland

Refusing a breathalyser when requested by police is treated as a serious violation and may lead to the same penalties as a confirmed DUI, including fines or licence suspension.

If drugs are detected in the system of a driver

Driving with even small traces of illicit drugs is punishable under the zero-tolerance law in Finland.

If a person has BAC under 0.02‰ but still drives dangerously

Even low BAC levels combined with unsafe behavior can meet the threshold for impaired driving.

When using prescribed medication that impairs driving ability

Prescription does not excuse impairment. Drivers are liable if their ability is affected.

If police suspect drug use at a traffic stop

Officers can use rapid testing tools to detect drug presence on the spot.

If alcohol is consumed after a traffic incident

Drinking after an accident does not erase the potential influence before or during the incident.

When a foreign driver commits a DUI in Finland

Local laws apply to all drivers, regardless of nationality or licence origin.

If a driver has BAC reaching 1.2‰ or higher

Finnish law classifies this level of intoxication as gross negligence requiring harsher penalties.

If a cyclist is suspected of impairment

Finnish road safety laws extend to cyclists in terms of sobriety requirements.

When a roadside test result is positive

A second official test, often at a station, confirms results before prosecution.

If alcohol has been recently consumed

Alcohol is typically detectable for 6 to 12 hours, depending on volume and metabolism.

If you sleep inside your car while drunk with keys accessible

If you have the intention or ability to drive while intoxicated, it can be interpreted as DUI.

When BAC is between 0.2‰ and 0.49‰ in Finland

This range falls under standard DUI, which still carries penalties like fines and licence points.

If the government enforces zero-tolerance for drugs and driving

Even trace amounts of illegal drugs are punishable.

If a person drinks alcohol but eats fatty food

Food may delay absorption, but it does not reduce the amount of alcohol processed by the liver.

If drugs are detected in your system during a traffic stop in Finland

Driving with any detectable illegal drug in your system is treated as driving under the influence in Finland, regardless of visible impairment.

If convicted of DUI in Finland

Fines are scaled to the daily income of the driver, ensuring fairness in financial penalties.

If you try to lower BAC by coffee or cold showers

Only time reduces BAC. Home remedies do not speed up the metabolic breakdown of alcohol.

When a drug-impaired driver causes an accident

Causing harm while under influence can lead to severe criminal liability.

If alcohol and prescription medication are combined while driving

Even legal drugs can impair driving, especially when mixed with alcohol.