Off-road traffic permits

Snowmobiling outside of routes and tracks, as well as all off-road traffic during snow-free seasons, is generally prohibited on state-owned lands. There are certain exceptions where you may apply to Metsähallitus for a separate off-road traffic permit for a justifiable need. Such permits are always handled on a case-by-case basis.

The most common reasons for applications for an off-road permit include tasks related to hunting and fishery management, research or event organising.

Summer off-road traffic is more restricted than winter off-road traffic due to the damage caused, whose impact may be visible for years or even decades. As a rule, summer off-road traffic is only permitted under special circumstances, such as in reindeer husbandry work in Upper Lapland and, in certain exceptions, for other purposes.

In situations where an off-road traffic permit has been applied for both snow and snow-free seasons, a permit for the necessary driving could be granted for the snow season but not for the snow-free season. In such cases, the permit application is either canceled or a negative off-road traffic permit decision is issued. A negative off-road traffic permit decision is subject to a fee. We always inform the customer if the application cannot be granted as requested.

Permits are generally not issued for strict nature reserves, because the use of off-road vehicles conflicts with the conservation objectives of the reserves.

However, permits are not required for local reindeer husbandry or for the work of authorities, such as the maintenance of protected areas, supervision, police work or border surveillance.

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