On this page you can find information on the rules that apply to snowmobiling.
Snowmobiling is a popular hobby but to ride safely, it is important to know the rules. When driving on snowmobile routes, follow the provisions of the Road Traffic Act and drive on the right. A predictive driving technique and speed appropriate to each situation will improve your safety. Avoid causing damage and harm to nature and the environment when you go out on your snowmobile.
Who is allowed to drive a snowmobile?
You may drive a snowmobile if you are aged 15 or over.
To drive on official snowmobile routes and to cross roads, you need a category T driving licence.
Where can you drive a snowmobile?
You can ride a snowmobile on official snowmobiling routes. You can also use snowmobile tracks maintained by Metsähallitus and municipalities if you have the relevant permit. Contact Metsähallitus for more information. To ride off routes and trails, you need the landowner’s or landholder's permission.
Driving snowmobiles on roads is prohibited in principle. This prohibition also applies to the road area, footpaths, pedestrian crossings, cycle paths and road shoulders. Driving on a road is only permitted in exceptional cases, such as when crossing a road or to avoid difficult terrain. If a sled is attached to the snowmobile, you may not transport passengers in the sled when driving on the road.
What are the speed limits?
- The maximum speed in the terrain is 60 km/h in land areas.
- In exceptional cases, such when crossing a road or using a bridge, the maximum speed is 40 km/h.
- The maximum speed in ice-covered water areas is 80 km/h, however only 60 km/h on snowmobile routes running across ice.
- When transporting passengers in a sled attached to the snowmobile, the maximum speed is 40 km/h.
Are you allowed to carry a passenger?
You may carry at most one passenger on a snowmobile if it has a seat and foot rests for the passenger and the registration certificate permits the transport of passengers. The passenger must wear a helmet.
If the registration certificate makes no reference to the number of passengers, the decisive factor is the whether or not the snowmobile has a seat and foot rests. If a sled is attached to the snowmobile, passengers travelling in a covered sled do not need to have helmets. Anyone travelling in an uncovered sled must wear a helmet. Note the lower speed limit if you are carrying passengers in a sled attached to the snowmobile.
What equipment do you need?
Having appropriate equipment improves safety and makes snowmobiling more comfortable.
- Both the driver and the passenger must wear helmets.
- A snowmobile driving suit with reflectors protects the rider from wind and cold.
- Snowmobiling boots reduce the risk of injuries.
- Suitable gloves keep your hands warm and make it easier to handle the controls.
- Goggles protect your eyes from wind and whirling snow.
Drink driving regulations also apply to snowmobile drivers
The limit for drink driving is 0.5 per mille, and the limit for aggravated drink driving 1.2 per mille.
Register and insure your snowmobile
You must register your snowmobile and have a licence plate as well as valid motor liability insurance for it.