Instructions for Passengers – for Safe Travel
At the Ferry Terminal
Slow down your vehicle well before arriving at the ferry terminal.
Upon arriving at the ferry terminal, drive to the right-hand lane.
When stopping at the end of the queue, pull over to the right side of the road to allow priority vehicles to safely pass the queue.
Avoid idling and turn off your headlights in the dark to avoid blinding the ferry driver.
Motorcyclists are not allowed to bypass the queue at the ferry terminal without the right-of-way granted by the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southwest Finland.
Upon request, the driver must provide information on the vehicle's axle, bogie, and total weight, as well as the contents of the load. For the transport of hazardous materials, inform the ferry personnel before boarding the ferry.
In a recreational vehicle, close the gas bottle main valves before boarding the road ferry.
If you are transporting a truck, always check the weight limit in advance on the ferry's website or contact the ferry.
Bicyclists and pedestrians board and disembark the ferry after motor vehicles.
On the Road Ferry
You are allowed to drive onto and off the ferry only when indicated by lights and when the barriers are up, or when permission is granted by the ferry personnel.
When boarding the road ferry, first drive to the right-hand lane, then to the left lane, or as directed by the staff or traffic lights. Heavy vehicles drive to the centre of the ferry.
Ensure that you can exit the vehicle, at least from one side.
Engage the handbrake, turn off the headlights, and stop the engine. Do not exit the vehicle until the ferry is in motion.
Motorcycle and other two-wheeled vehicle drivers must ensure their vehicles remain upright throughout the journey.
When disembarking the road ferry, you usually leave in the same order you arrived, but always follow the instructions of the ferry personnel, as vehicles may exit the ferry in a different order than they boarded. Do not exit until the red light is turned off and the barrier is raised or until the staff grants permission.
Smoking is prohibited on the entire ferry, including vehicles.
Gas bottle main valves, such as recreational vehicles, must be closed throughout the journey.
Ensure that no fuel leaks from your vehicle onto the road ferry deck.
In an emergency, the road ferry is always aimed at the nearest shore where passengers will be evacuated.
In an emergency, wear a lifejacket if necessary. Lifejackets are located in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle deck.
In emergency situations, follow the instructions of the staff.
For the transport of dangerous goods, follow the regulations of the authorities.
Boarding Sequence for Ferries
Users entitled to use the priority lane
According to the Road Traffic Act, emergency vehicles, and vehicles on official duty for the police, customs, and the border guard.
According to the decree by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, vehicles transporting a patient to or from medical treatment or picking up a patient for treatment; doctors on urgent trips; veterinarians; other personnel involved in medical or rescue missions; authorized vehicles for the transport of animals; vehicles used in licensed passenger transport (taxis and buses); vehicles involved in urgent road maintenance tasks, and mopeds.
All individuals who have been granted right-of-way by the ELY Center and whose right-of-way is valid for their specific trip.
The right-of-way granted by the ELY Center does not entitle the holder to overtake other vehicles with the right-of-way.
Right-of-way is indicated with right-of-way signs.
Other road users are generally loaded onto the ferry in the order of arrival. However, the ferry captain has the authority to deviate from the order of arrival if the deck capacity, load capacity, or weather conditions do not permit the loading of a vehicle in its turn. Right-of-way does not apply to disembarking from the ferry.
The right-of-way for ferries across the entire country is granted by the ELY Center for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment of Southwest Finland. The granted right is indicated to the ferry personnel and other vehicles with bi-colour license plates, which are orange-red and yellow.
The expiration date of the orange-red plates is marked on the plate.
Yellow plates are intended for temporary use and are granted for a maximum of three months.
Traffic Lights at the Parainen-Nauvo Ferry Terminals
The Parainen-Nauvo ferry terminals are equipped with traffic lights. When loading the ferry, the priority lane is cleared first with a green light. When the lane is empty, a red light is lit. After this, loading of the regular traffic lane begins. When the red light is on, the loading of the priority lane is complete. Loading of the priority lane may only continue in special cases during the loading of the regular traffic lane or after it is completed.
At ferry terminals, it is important to observe attentiveness, adhere to prescribed speed limits, and follow the traffic light signals to prevent hazardous situations. When loading, road users must also adhere to the instructions given by the ferry personnel.
Penalties
The police have the authority to fine road users for the misuse of the priority lane. The ELY Center, as the authority for granting right-of-way privileges, can revoke the right-of-way or issue a warning for violations of the terms and conditions. The ELY Center and the police have the authority to remove a vehicle incorrectly using the priority lane from the queue during the monitoring of right-of-way."