Amendments to the Convention on Road Signs and Signals to be approved

On 16 April 2026, the Government proposed that the amendments made to the international Convention on Road Signs and Signals be approved. The amendments will have only minor effects in Finland.

The legislative proposal covers the amendments made to the international Convention on Road Signs and Signals, the European Agreement supplementing it and the related protocol on road markings. The proposal also brings into force those provisions of the amendments that are of a legislative nature.

Traffic control devices currently in use in Finland already correspond for the most part to the amendments made to the Convention. Only minor amendments are therefore required in the Road Traffic Act. Changes will be made to the appearance of the warning sign for a level crossing with a barrier (A27). In addition, minor changes will be made to the definitions of the mandatory stop sign (B6) and the advance direction sign for lanes (F3).

The transitional provision of the Road Traffic Act will be amended to allow the replacement of signs to be phased in until 2039. This phasing should ensure that the replacement of signs does not cause significant additional costs for road authorities.

Convention aims to improve traffic safety

The Convention on Road Signs and Signals is intended to facilitate road traffic and boost traffic safety with internationally harmonised road signs and symbols and road markings. The Convention has been signed by 35 states and ratified by 75 states. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety maintains the Convention.

Harmonised international rules aim to reduce traffic accidents on the roads of the contracting states. Road traffic automation also requires traffic control devices to be internationally consistent.

The amendments to the Convention on Road Signs and Signals are mainly technical and concern the appearance of traffic signs or improve the readability of the Convention. Their purpose is to reduce ambiguity and further harmonise road signs and signals. The amendments also aim to update the visual design of traffic control devices to make them clear, unified and easily understood in international traffic.

What’s next?

The President of the Republic is expected to approve the bills on 17 April 2026. The laws concerning the Convention and Agreement will enter into force on a later date determined by government decree. The act amending the Road Traffic Act will enter into force on 1 May 2026.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations circulated the proposed amendments to the contracting states in spring 2025. Finland must notify the Secretary‑General of its approval of the amendments and of any reservations no later than 12 May 2026.

Inquiries:

Juuso Suomento, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 071, [email protected]

Sofia Johansson, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 081, [email protected]