How NOT to get a parking fine in Lapland

The parking rules in every country are the same, no doubt. I would assume that the rules for parking across Finland are the same but for the sake of this article, it is specific to Rovaniemi because that is where I GOT A PARKING FINE!!! So, if you have a rental car in Finland, keep reading so you know how NOT to get a parking fine in Rovaniemi!

The Parking Disc

First and foremost, make sure you have one! It is the law that all Finnish cars have them. Mine did, but I didn’t know it was there nor what it was for. I was a bit annoyed at the rental car company for not explaining this to me but I guess it is my responsibility as the hirer to know the road and driving rules and regulations.

This is what mine looked like and it was attached to the windscreen in the corner on the drivers side. You can also buy them from the supermarket and petrol stations I believe. All cars you hire should have them though. Sometimes they are blue and white. They all have a dial on them!

How the parking disc works

You need to set the dial to the time that you arrive in the carpark. Leaving it set at that time allows the parking inspectors to work out how long you have been and when you should return. When you park your car, you should look around the parking area to find out whether this is required. There are some parking lots and spaces that don’t require this, but many do, especially if parking in Rovaniemi or the ski Villages at peak time.

The parking signs where the parking disc is required looks like this.

It’s not worth the risk!

Unfortunately, I copped a fine and it was 50 Euros! That certainly made my grocery stop that bit more expensive!!