Finland's government wants to ban 17-year-old drivers from operating cars between midnight and 5 AM. The proposal would affect young drivers who hold special permits to drive cars before the standard licensing age of 18.
Transport officials sent the draft legislation for review today. The nighttime driving restriction aims to improve road safety for inexperienced drivers.
Under the proposed rules, police could issue fines and driving bans for violations. Seventeen-year-old drivers would need to display special identification markers on their vehicles for enforcement purposes.
Finland currently allows some 17-year-olds to drive cars with special permits. These exceptions typically apply to young people in rural areas or those needing transportation for work or education.
The nighttime ban reflects concerns about young driver safety during high-risk hours. Road accident statistics consistently show higher crash rates for teenage drivers, particularly during late-night hours.
This proposal comes as Finland continues to address road safety through graduated licensing systems. Many countries implement similar restrictions for new drivers regardless of age.
The public comment period allows stakeholders to provide feedback before final implementation. The legislation could take effect later this year if approved.