Norwegian Road Authority conducts taxi checks at Finnish border amid regulatory issues

The Norwegian Road Authority, Vegvesen, has conducted taxi checks at the Finnish border for the past two years without finding a resolution to the situation. When a checkpoint is encountered, the taxi’s journey may abruptly end. Several taxis have received fines and driving bans during these checks, leaving passengers stranded by the roadside while the vehicles are turned back to Finland. The passengers are then transported to their destinations within Norway by Norwegian taxis.

Last week, taxi driver Roope Hietanen was stopped during a control check in Neiden, Norway, while returning to Finland with three tourists from Kirkkoniemi. Despite his vehicle being a taxi, he was informed that it is illegal for Finnish taxis to pick up passengers in Norway. Fortunately, due to his proximity to the Finnish border, he was allowed to continue this time. He expressed concern that future violations could lead to his vehicle being impounded along with significant fines.

There is currently no existing agreement governing taxi operations between Norway and Finland, unlike agreements that exist between Finland and Sweden or Sweden and Norway. An agreement would simplify cross-border transport and establish shared regulations.

Many Finnish taxi companies heavily rely on trips to Kirkkoniemi, with over 50 taxi operators offering rides, a situation exacerbated by the absence of authorities monitoring Norwegian taxis operating within Finland. Finnish taxi drivers argue that without a regulating agreement, the situation remains untenable.

Transportation Minister Lulu Ranne announced that an agreement between Norway and Finland is nearly finalized and should be signed early next year. This agreement aims to clarify regulations for monitoring authorities and align with existing agreements between Finland and Sweden.