The Finnish government is set to impose a ban on 17-year-olds driving personal vehicles during nighttime hours, specifically between midnight and 5 AM. This initiative is a response to ongoing concerns over young drivers, who have been identified as disproportionately involved in traffic accidents. According to Transportation and Communications Minister Lulu Ranne, while road safety has improved in Finland, it still lags behind other Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway, prompting the need for stricter regulations.

In addition to the nighttime driving restriction, the government intends to revise the criteria for obtaining a personal driving permit for 17-year-olds. Under the proposed changes, young drivers will need to demonstrate a regular commuting necessity for activities such as education or hobbies on at least four occasions each week, moving away from the vague current definition of such needs. This adjustment aims to ensure that permits are granted only when there is a clear and consistent need for driving, thereby contributing to greater road safety.

The plan includes provisions for enforcing the driving ban, whereby 17-year-old drivers will be required to display a specific identifier on their vehicle as recognition of their youth. Violations of this proposed ban could result in fines or driving bans for the offenders. These measures underscore a serious commitment by the Finnish government to enhance traffic safety, especially concerning young drivers, whose safety has become a priority in light of alarming accident statistics involving this age group.