On 25 July 2011 the weight limit for cargo transportation between Finland and Russia is to rise to 40 tonnes. Russian transport vehicles have thus far been permitted to run in Finland without an excess weight permit, if their weight has not exceeded a maximum of 38 tonnes. This has been based on Russia's own regulations. From Finland's standpoint, regulations for road traffic between Finland and Russia are based on the principle of reciprocity. This means that vehicles that do not exceed the maximum weight of the country they are registered in will be allowed to run on Finnish roads.
In April, the Russian government approved new regulations for Russian road traffic that will enter into force on 25 July 2011. According to the new statute, the maximum weight for combination vehicles will rise to 40 tonnes. Due to Finland's principle of reciprocity, starting 25 July Finland will no longer require an excess weight permit for combination vehicles that do not exceed a maximum weight of 40 tonnes.
Combination vehicles are permitted a combined weight of 44 tonnes, when a vehicle is transporting a 40 foot long ISO container and has a 3-axle vehicle and a semi-trailer with 2 or 3 axles. Additionally, a vehicle's combined axle weight cannot exceed 11.5 tonnes.
The Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Trafi) will continue in the future to be the party granting permits for vehicles that exceed the aforementioned weight restrictions.
Further information:
Senior Adviser Lassi Hilska +358 40 543 6573,
Senior Officer Reetta Timonen +358 50 561 2488
