Jump to content

Finland fined this driver 54,000 Euros for going 23km/h over the limit

Finland fined this driver 54,000 Euros for going 23km/h over the limit

Deeq

3,976 views

blog-0885943001425609099.jpg

blogentry-114362-0-13072600-1425610134_thumb.jpgSome of us have been there — cruising about 20km/h over the speed limit, only to notice someone above(overhead bridge to be exact) looking down on you, with a camera that is. It’s downer that will cost about S$150, and some demerit points.

 

But a similar infraction cost one driver over S$80,000 in Finland.

 

Reima Kuisla was on his way to the airport when he got caught going 103 km/h in an 80km/h zone, setting him back 54,024 euros. It’s a seemingly excessive penalty until you realize how Finland calculates its fines.

 

The fine for exceeding the speed limit is 100-115 euros for excess speeds of up to 20 km/h. For a minor traffic offence the fine is a maximum of 50 euros. For serious speeding offences and for other traffic offences the fine is determined according to the driver’s income. Fines are calculated on the basis of net monthly income using taxation data for the previous year.

 

A police officer can also confiscate the driver’s licence immediately, in which case the driver can no longer continue to drive the vehicle. A foreign driver will be given back the licence only on leaving the country. Seriously endangering traffic safety is reported as a crime.

 

So since Reima Kuisla earned over 6.5 million euros (S$9.8 million) in 2013, he had a penalty equivalent to a 5 year old Nissan Fairlady here. The rationale is that the fine should sting for anyone, whether they’re scraping by or living in the lap of luxury. Unsurprisingly, Kuisla isn’t a fan of progressive penalties.

 

"Ten years ago I wouldn't have believed that I would seriously consider moving abroad. Finland is impossible to live in for certain kinds of people who have high incomes and wealth," said Kuisla on his Facebook page.

 

He wasn’t the only one who to pay a hefty sum in Finland — a Nokia executive had pay 116,000 euros (over S$175,000) back in 2002 for speeding in a Harley.

 

So, what do you think about this kind of fine structure? Do you think its fair?




3 Comments


Recommended Comments

So if you have no income and tax rebate/credit from previous years, do they pay you for speeding?

Link to comment

For ultra rich, few hundred dollars may not be a big deal. They will still do it again. Whack them with high penalty, then they will know the pain and would think twice before attempting next time. I totally agree on this.

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Carpark Review: Junction 8

    Built in the 1980s, Bishan (or Bishan New Town) may not be one of the earliest housing estates in Singapore, but it was the first whose HDB architecture saw a departure from the more brutalist designs of the past and featured more variation in height and design.  Residents are primarily served by Junction 8, which opened in 1993. Now more than 30 years old, it remains the sole mall in the Bishan East area. Driving there? Here’s our quick review of the carpark.  Manoeuvrability: T

    bobthemob

    bobthemob

×
×
  • Create New...