01
Your First Time on Winter Roads
Winter driving in Lapland is very demanding, and even the best studded tyres cannot work miracles — take the conditions seriously and give yourself time. The good news: your car is fully winter-equipped and warm, daylight hours are short but the main roads are well maintained, and a slow, smooth driving style is all most visitors need.
Keep these habits and you will be relaxed within the first hour behind the wheel.
01Slow Down and Leave Space
Everything takes longer on snow and ice — braking, steering, stopping. Drop your speed, leave a big gap to the car ahead, and you remove most of the risk straight away.
02Brake and Steer Gently
Make every input smooth. Brake early and softly, steer in slow movements, and avoid sudden corrections. Harsh inputs are what cause a skid on a slippery road.
03Use Your Headlights All Day
Daylight is short in winter and the law requires lights at all times. Switch to high beam on dark open roads, and dip them for oncoming traffic.
04Watch for Black Ice
Bridges, shaded bends and junctions freeze first and can look just wet. If the steering suddenly feels light, ease off the accelerator — do not brake hard — and let the car slow itself.
05Keep at Least Half a Tank
Distances between fuel stations in Lapland are long and the cold is unforgiving. Refuel often and never let the tank run low, especially before a longer drive north.
06Plan for Short Daylight and Weather
Check the forecast and road conditions before you set off, tell someone your route, and keep warm clothing in the car. Don’t drive when tired — long darkness is tiring in itself.
02
Reindeer on the Road
Lapland is reindeer country. They roam freely, they are not afraid of cars, and they often stand or cross in groups — if you see one, expect more. Collisions are common, especially in the dark hours of early winter. Most can be avoided by slowing down the moment you spot one.
Prevention first, then exactly what to do if it happens.
How to avoid a collision
Slow right down the instant you see a reindeer — where there is one, more are usually nearby, and they can step onto the road without warning.
Watch the verges at dusk and dawn, the highest-risk hours. Reindeer eyes reflect your headlights, so high beam gives you valuable early warning on dark roads.
If an oncoming car flashes its headlights at you, it is the local custom warning you that there are reindeer on the road ahead. Slow down.
Be extra alert inside the reindeer herding area, which is signposted as you drive into Lapland, and never assume an animal will move out of your way.
If You Hit a Reindeer
Stay calm. A collision is not treated as your fault and there is no fine for an accidental hit — but you are legally required to report it. Follow these steps in order.
1
Make the Scene Safe
Pull over to the roadside, switch on your hazard lights, and put out the warning triangle. If it is dark, a reflective vest keeps you visible to other traffic.
2
Call 112
Call the emergency number for any collision with a reindeer, elk or other large animal — even if the animal has run off. They will ask your location, whether the animal is dead, injured or gone, and whether you can drive on.
3
Do Not Handle the Animal
Never try to move or put down an injured reindeer yourself. The emergency operator notifies the local reindeer assessor (a trained herder) who will take care of it.
4
Document Everything
Note the exact location, take photos of the scene and the damage, and write down the time. You will need this for the insurance claim.
5
Call Us
Contact Car Rental Rovaniemi as soon as the scene is safe. We will guide you through the report, the insurance and getting you back on the road.
!Never drive away from a collision without reporting it, and never try to move or put down an injured animal yourself — leave that to the trained reindeer assessor. Then call us at +358 44 200 5863 so we can help with the next steps and the insurance.
03
We Are One Call Away
Stuck in snow, a warning light on the dash, or simply unsure about the road ahead? Call us any time during your rental — we know these roads and we are happy to help. For accidents, injuries or animals on the road, always call 112 first.
Emergency · all of Finland
112
Police · ambulance · fire