Driving after drugs in Finland (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: The Criminal Code makes it an offence to drive a motor vehicle with an active substance of a narcotic drug or its metabolite in the blood, unless it comes from medicine the driver may lawfully use. The basic offence carries a fine or up to six months in prison.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Approach to cannabis (THC)Driving a car after drug use | Any use is an offence [1] |
| THC thresholdDriving a car after drug use | No numerical limit in the Criminal Code: any active substance of a narcotic drug, or its metabolite, in the blood while driving or afterwards is an offence. [1] |
| Prescribed medicinesDriving a car after drug use | Exception for prescribed medicine [1] |
| Police screening testDriving a car after drug use | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug use | Fine or imprisonment for up to six months for drink or drug driving (rattijuopumus, basic offence) [1] |
Notes
- A separate paragraph of the same section also covers driving after using another intoxicating substance, or such a substance with alcohol, so that the ability to drive is impaired.
- The Criminal Code and the Road Traffic Act sections read do not set out police roadside drug testing; this was not confirmed from an official source.
- Section 3 sets this penalty for the offence of drink and drug driving (rattijuopumus), which includes the narcotics paragraph. Aggravated drink and drug driving (section 4) carries higher penalties and was not read.
Sources
- Finlex (Ministry of Justice): Rikoslaki 39/1889 (consolidated), 23 luku: Liikennerikoksista (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.