Seat belts and child seats in Finland (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: Seat belts must be worn in cars wherever a belt is installed. Children under 135 cm must use a child restraint, and a rear-facing seat may not be used on a seat with an active front airbag.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | Children under 135 cm must use a child restraint in cars, vans and lorries if the vehicle has seat belts or a restraint can be fitted. A child under 3 may never be carried without a restraint. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | The only front-seat rule found is in the taxi exception: where no restraint is available, a child under 135 cm may be carried in a taxi using the belt, but not on the front seat (children under 3 never without a restraint). [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [1] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | EUR 70 traffic infringement fee (liikennevirhemaksu) for the driver or a passenger for intentionally or negligently not wearing a seat belt while driving [1] |
Notes
- Section 90 applies to cars, three-wheeled mopeds and motor tricycles, quadricycles and off-road vehicles, tractors and mobile machinery. The duty is to use a belt installed at the seat; a medical certificate and the listed exceptions are exempt.
Sources
- Finlex (Ministry of Justice): Tieliikennelaki 729/2018 (ajantasaistettu) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.