Question 1

How many car seats will a child typically need?

Accepted Answer

Most children will use three different types of car seats as they grow.

Infant car seat
Usually used from birth to around 12–15 months.

Toddler car seat
Typically rear-facing and used until around 4–5 years of age.

Booster seat
Used for older children until they are tall enough to safely use the vehicle’s seat belt.

The correct car seat always depends on the child’s height, weight, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Question 2

When should I dim my car's high beams?

Accepted Answer

It is important not to switch to short headlights too early, but also not too late, which can dazzle the driver of an oncoming vehicle. You should only switch from high beam to low beam when the two light cones of your car and the oncoming car meet.

As a rule of thumb, short headlights should be switched back on two car lengths away from the other car. This will minimise glare from oncoming cars and maintain good visibility once you have passed each other.

Question 3

Carrying your dog safely in the car

Accepted Answer

The safest place for dogs to travel is either in the open boot of a car with open access to the passenger compartment. In the boot, the dog should be harnessed so that it cannot move around in the car. If there is no open boot, the dog can travel with a harness on the rear seat.

The dog may also travel in a carrier cage attached to the luggage compartment or to the safety belts in the rear seat.

Question 4

What additional equipment should my car have for driving in snowy conditions?

Accepted Answer

When driving in snowy conditions, it is a good idea to carry an ice scraper and a small shovel. If you drive on roads that are rarely plowed, you should consider purchasing snow chains. For longer trips, it is a good idea to pack a bag with warm clothes and food in case of an emergency.

Question 5

Are booster cushions approved for children in cars?

Accepted Answer

Booster cushions (backless boosters) are legal for larger children, but they are generally not the safest option for younger children.

When using a booster cushion, it is easier for the child to sit incorrectly, which may cause the seat belt to rest across the stomach instead of the hips. This can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

For this reason, safety experts recommend using a high-back booster seat until the child is tall enough to safely use the vehicle’s seat belt without additional support.

Question 6

What are ECE R44 and ECE R129?

Accepted Answer

ECE R44 and ECE R129 are international safety standards for child car seats.

A car seat must be approved under one of these standards in order to be sold and used in Europe.

ECE R44

Older safety standard

Seats are classified based on the child’s weight

ECE R129 (i-Size)

Newer safety standard

Seats are classified based on the child’s height

Includes side-impact testing

Both standards are legally accepted as long as the seat is properly approved and installed correctly.

Question 7

How do I use my car lights correctly in snowy weather?

Accepted Answer

When driving in snowy conditions, check before setting off that all lights are clear of snow and ice. In heavy snowfall, use fog lights instead of high beams and remember to turn off your rear fog lights when visibility improves so that you do not dazzle or distract others.

In heavy snowfall, high beams can impair visibility, so switch to low beams (and use front fog lights if necessary).

In heavy snowfall, high beams can impair visibility, so switch to low beams (and use front fog lights if necessary).

Question 8

Can I pack my luggage in the back seat?

Accepted Answer

You can carry luggage in the back seat, but make sure it is securely fastened with straps or a seat belt. Do not stack them so high that they block the view out of the rear window.

The safest way to carry items in a car is in the boot.

Question 9

When can a car seat be turned forward-facing?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the type of car seat and the safety standard it follows.

ECE R44 car seats

Children must remain rear-facing until they weigh at least 9 kg (20 lbs).

ECE R129 car seats

Children must remain rear-facing until at least 15 months of age.

Even though these are the minimum requirements, safety experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as possible.

In practice, this often means keeping the seat rear-facing until at least 4 years of age, or until the child no longer fits in the rear-facing seat.

Question 10

Are child car seats mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes, according to Finnish traffic law:

All children under 135 cm must use an approved child restraint system.

The restraint must be appropriate for the child’s height and weight.

The driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 15 are properly secured.

Source: Tieliikennelaki 729/2018 § 94 (finlex.fi)

Question 11

How to prepare your car for snowy roads?

Accepted Answer

Properly preparing your car for winter and snowy road conditions is important for both safety and driving comfort. Keep the following points in mind before setting off:

Change to winter tires in good time and check their condition. Ensure that the tread depth of the tires meets legal requirements and that they are not excessively worn.

Check the tire pressure, as cold weather can cause air pressure to drop.

Carefully remove snow and ice from the entire car – including the roof, hood, lights, and windows.

Check fluids: make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid and fuel. Use winter-grade washer fluid that can withstand freezing temperatures.

Check the condition of the battery, heater, and lights, as electrical equipment is put under strain in freezing temperatures.

Carry equipment such as an ice scraper, brush, blanket, flashlight, and snow chains if necessary.

A well-prepared car improves visibility, traction, and reliability in cold and slippery conditions.

Question 12

When can a child stop using a car safety seat?

Accepted Answer

According to Finnish road traffic law:

Children under 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) must use an approved child restraint system that is suitable for their height and weight (such as an infant seat, child seat, or booster seat).

Children under 3 years old must never travel in a car without a child restraint system.

Once a child is over 135 cm tall, they may use the vehicle’s regular seat belt.

However, the Finnish Road Safety Council (Liikenneturva) recommends that children use a booster seat until they are about 150 cm tall, so that the seat belt fits properly across the body.

After that, both children and adults should use the vehicle’s seat belts.

Question 13

How to avoid skidding on snowy roads?

Accepted Answer

Reduce the risk of skidding by driving calmly and steadily. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and steering maneuvers—they reduce traction.

On hills: slow down before descending and select a lower gear so that engine braking helps and the brakes are not overloaded.

In curves: start braking well before turning and steer gently.

Starting off: start off calmly, using a higher gear if necessary or utilizing driving stability control.

General driving style: keep a safe distance, adjust your speed to the conditions, and avoid changing lanes if the road surface is slippery.

These measures will help you maintain better control of your car in snowy conditions.

Question 14

What is the best way to transport a cat in a car?

Accepted Answer

If you are travelling with your cat in a car, it is safest to travel in a carrier that is securely fastened to the car, for example with a seat belt.

Question 15

Why is it important not to have loose items in the car?

Accepted Answer

Irtonaiset tavarat autossa ovat aina riski. Nopeuden vuoksi jopa niinkin pienet esineet kuin vesipullo tai tabletti, voivat aiheuttaa paljon vahinkoa äkkijarrutuksessa tai törmäyksessä. Jarruttaessa äkillisesti jo 50 kilometrin tuntinopeudella kolme kiloa painava esine painaa jopa 90 kiloa. Mitä nopeammin auto kulkee, sitä suurempi voima irtoesineisiin kohdistuu.

Question 16

Is it legal to drive a car with snow on the roof?

Accepted Answer

In Finland, drivers are required by law to ensure that their vehicles and visibility from the vehicle are in such a condition that driving does not cause danger. In practice, this means that snow and ice must be completely removed from the car – including from the roof – before setting off.

A driver whose vehicle has snow or ice on it in such a way that it may cause danger (e.g., snow falling on vehicles behind or sliding onto the windshield) may be ordered to stop and remove the snow on the spot. This may result in a warning, a traffic fine, or a daily fine.

If the act seriously endangers traffic safety or causes damage, criminal liability (e.g., endangering traffic safety) and a driving ban may also apply. In addition, the driver may be liable for damages caused.

Road Safety