Public Consultation: Regulatory Measures to Improve the Operating Conditions in the Transport Sector

Public Consultation: Regulatory Measures to Improve the Transport Sector

The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland invites comments on a draft government proposal to amend the Act on Transport Services and several related acts.
The aim of the proposal is to improve the operating conditions of the transport sector and to promote the use of low-emission, alternatively powered vehicles.
Comments can be submitted until 19 November 2025.

The draft proposal refines the EU cabotage rules to make their implementation and supervision clearer and introduces national measures to facilitate the transition to cleaner transport technologies. The Ministry has previously, in spring 2025, assessed various regulatory measures that could strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the Finnish transport sector — this consultation now presents the concrete steps.

Key Proposed Changes

1) Clarification of Cabotage Rules (Section 23, Act on Transport Services)

• For freight transport, one cabotage journey may include:
1. one loading and one unloading location;
2. multiple loading points and one unloading point (final consignee as per waybill); or
3. one loading point and multiple unloading points (same sender as per waybill).
• For bus transport, cabotage would be allowed for up to seven consecutive days within a 30-day period.

Impact:
These clarifications harmonize Finnish law with other Nordic countries, ensuring consistent business practices and more effective roadside checks. The reform will improve legal certainty and operational predictability for companies and transport service purchasers

2) Administrative Penalties for Violations

• €5,000 for a cabotage violation.
• €3,000 for failing to obtain a required driver attestation.
  Penalties may be imposed on both natural and legal persons, with enforcement handled by the Legal Register Centre.

Impact:
A swift and proportionate penalty system will enhance compliance, curb undeclared work and unfair competition, and reduce the burden on criminal courts. Clear rules also strengthen oversight and equality between domestic and foreign operators.

3) Driving Rights for Vehicles Using Alternative Fuels

• Holders of a B licence (car licence valid ≥ 2 years) could drive alternatively powered vehicles up to 4,250 kg total weight.
• Holders of a BE licence (valid ≥ 2 years) could drive combinations where the alternatively powered towing vehicle weighs up to 4,250 kg.
• Alternative fuels include electricity, hydrogen, CNG/LNG (including biomethane), LPG, and mechanical energy from vehicle systems.

Impact:
The change encourages companies to adopt low-emission vehicles earlier, improves driver availability, and supports Finland’s climate targets. Safety impacts are minimal, as the vehicles covered are subject to modern EU safety standards.

4) Driving Test Examiners – Easier Qualification and Better Availability

• The duty to conduct oral theory tests would be removed from the examiner’s role.
• Qualification requirements would be simplified: a valid driving instructor’s licence and a relevant training module (“Acting as a Driving Test Examiner”) would suffice.

Impact:
The reform would free up examiner capacity equivalent to approximately 12,000 additional driving tests per year, improving availability during peak seasons and ensuring smoother service nationwide.

Why It Matters for Businesses

• Clarity and predictability: Clear cabotage rules reduce interpretation disputes and inspection delays.
• Fair competition: Administrative penalties ensure a level playing field and reduce undeclared labour.
• Sustainability: Broader B/BE licence scope accelerates the shift to electric and low-emission fleets.
• Labour availability: More flexible driver qualification supports logistics continuity and national preparedness.

Invitation to Comment

The Ministry welcomes input from companies, industry associations, authorities, and other stakeholders. Feedback will help ensure that the new regulation is clear, proportionate, and effective in practice.
Deadline for comments: 19 November 2025.