Off-road and water traffic

Water traffic

The right to use waterways forms part of Finland's traditional liberal rights of public access ­ known as "everyman's right" ­ and is also enshrined in the Water Act, but certain limits are set under water traffic legislation.

	© Aarno Torvinen

Everyone travelling by water is obliged to take due care according to the prevailing conditions to ensure that they do not unduly hinder, disturb or endanger anyone, or cause harm to the environment.  Boats must observe water traffic regulations, including all directions and restrictions indicated by signs, lights and buoys etc. The regional Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment and the navigation authorities may limit water traffic where this is necessary for reasons of safety, to prevent disturbance, or to protect the environment, fisheries or other livelihoods.

Finnish Transport Safety Agency is generally responsible for ensuring that water traffic legislation is observed, although preventing harm to the environment is the responsibility of the regional environment authorities. Water traffic is additionally supervised by the police, the Finnish Frontier Guard, and the customs authorities.

Off-road traffic

Off-road traffic in motor vehicles is not covered by the traditional Everyman's right of public access to the land, but is controlled by the Off-road Traffic Act. Legally established off-road snowmobile routes may be used in the wintertime, including routes on frozen waterways. Elsewhere, the landowners' permission is required. Special traffic regulations apply to snowmobiles. Information on snowmobile routes is available from local authorities' environmental officials.