The Finnish government has proposed changes to the regulations surrounding driver's licenses, particularly affecting 17-year-old drivers who have obtained their licenses through exception permits. If approved by the parliament, these young drivers would not be allowed to drive between midnight and 5 am. Additionally, they would be required to display a new underage driver sign on their vehicles, designed to alert other road users to their status as novice drivers.

Violating the proposed nighttime driving restriction could result in fines and a potential driving ban. Furthermore, failure to display the required sign could lead to a traffic violation fee of €100, and not carrying the exception permit could incur a fee of €40. The government is also looking to tighten the criteria for obtaining these exception permits. Applicants would need to demonstrate a necessity for driving, such as for extracurricular activities or education, at least four times a week, along with proving that the journey is over seven kilometers on foot or takes at least an hour and a half on public transport in the absence of available public transport options.

To substantiate their need for a driving permit, individuals might need to provide documentation, such as an attendance certificate from their educational institution, a work contract of at least two months, or certification from a sports federation regarding their training requirements. These changes aim to enhance road safety among young drivers while ensuring that permission to drive is reserved for those who genuinely require it for their daily activities, thereby promoting responsible driving behaviors among youth in Finland.