Traffic

SDP MP Proposes Fines for Drivers Traveling Below Speed Limits

A Finnish Member of Parliament has proposed introducing fines for drivers traveling significantly below the speed limit on highways. Timo Suhonen (SDP) argues that slow drivers create unnecessary congestion and pose safety risks, particularly in good road conditions.

Suhonen took to Facebook to express his frustration, stating that he frequently encounters drivers traveling at 80 km/h in 100 km/h zones or 65 km/h in 80 km/h zones. "Unbelievable! Incredible traffic safety hazards, even when conditions are very good, they still crawl along and create massive congestion!" he wrote (Ilta-Sanomat, MTV Uutiset). He described such drivers as "traffic disrupters" who force others into dangerous overtaking maneuvers.

Proposed Fine System

Suhonen suggested a fine structure similar to speeding penalties. According to his proposal (Ilta-Sanomat):

Drivers traveling 10 km/h below the limit in good conditions would face fines of 70–100 euros.
Speeds 11–15 km/h below the limit would result in fines of 140–170 euros.
For speeds over 20 km/h below the limit, day fines would apply.
Repeat offenders—those fined three times in a year—could have their driver’s license revoked.

Under the current Road Traffic Act (2020), a 100-euro fine can already be imposed for driving below the speed limit, though enforcement appears rare (Ilta-Sanomat). The law also introduced a minimum speed traffic sign, which has reportedly not been used since its implementation.

Expert Perspectives

Traffic management expert Jukka Hopeavuori from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency noted that the minimum speed sign was originally intended to exclude slower vehicles, such as tractors, from certain roads. However, the introduction of a tractor prohibition sign has reduced the need for minimum speed limits (Ilta-Sanomat).

Teppo Vesalainen, Head of Training at the Finnish Automobile Association, clarified that drivers may travel below the minimum speed if road or weather conditions require it—but only if they do not obstruct other traffic. The police share this interpretation, emphasizing that drivers must not hinder traffic flow by driving unnecessarily slowly or braking suddenly (Ilta-Sanomat).

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