Drivers remove licence plates to park in forests in Kalajoki

Drivers in Kalajoki are bypassing parking enforcement in the Hiekkasärkkä area by removing their licence plates before parking in the forest, Yle reports.

The area has a local parking ban, allowing parking only in designated spaces. Forest parking was prohibited two years ago, with fines introduced for violations.

A check of the area in 2026 shows the tactic is still in use. Tilda Rahja of Kalajoki Central Depot estimates forest camping has decreased over the years, but some revellers continue to find ways around the rules.

Technical director Marko Raiman previously told Yle the city was surprised by the drivers’ ingenuity and is considering solutions.

Under Finnish law, vehicles in use must display a clearly legible licence plate, which cannot be altered, obscured, or covered.

Mayor Jukka Puoskari has stated the enforcement aims to address negative side effects, as Kalajoki is one of Finland’s most popular summer destinations.