Information

Instructions to the traveller - Making travelling safe

At the ferry harbor

Reduce your driving speed in time before entering the ferry harbor.
Drive in the right hand lane when you arrive at the ferry harbor.
Stay on the right side when you stop at the end of the queue, so that vehicles with right of way can safely pass the queue.
Avoid idling and turn off your headlights so that they do not disturb the ferry driver in the dark.
Motorcyclists are not allowed to pass the ferry harbor queue without the posession of a provincial government right of way card.
The ferry staff shall, on request, be informed of the vehicle axle, bogie and total weight, and content load.
The ferry staff must be informed of the transport of dangerous substances before driving on board the ferry.
We act according to the Traffic- and communication ministry rule (369/2011) regarding transport of dangerous goods.
Close the main valves of any gas/propane bottles carried within passenger vehicles before driving on board the ferry.
Truck drivers should always check the weight restrictions beforehand, either at the ferry location's website or by calling the ferry. Note that the ferry has a maximiheight of 4,30 meters when driving through.

On the ferry

You may drive on or off the ferry only when the assigned traffic lights are on and the booms are lifted or if driving permission has been given by ferry staff.
Vehicles are first directed into the right lane of the ferry and then into the left lane, or as the staff or traffic lights instruct. Heavy vehicles drive into the center of the ferry.
Make sure that you can exit the vehicle at least from one side.
Engage the parking brake, turn off the headlights and stop the engine. Exit the vehicle only when the ferry is moving.
Drivers of motorcycles and other vehicles with two wheels must ensure that their vehicles remain upright throughout the trip..
Getting off the ferry is normally done in the same order in which you drove on board. You may leave when the red lights are turned off and the boom is raised or the staff gives you permission.
Smoking is prohibited throughout the ferry, even in vehicles. On some ferries, there is a space specifically designated for smoking.
The main valves of gas/propane bottles in vehicles should be closed throughout the entire trip.
Ensure that there is no leakage of fuel from your vehicle onto the ferry deck.
In an emergency the ferry will always be navigated to the nearest beach where the passengers can be evacuated.
If an emergency situation so requires, put on the life jacket as shown on the jacket. Life jackets are in close proximity to the car deck.
In an emergency, follow the instructions of the staff.
When transporting hazardous substances comply with government regulations.

Arrival order into ferry

Entrance into the ferries usually runs in chronological order. Nevertheless, the ferry captain or cable ferry driver has the right to depart from chronological order if the ferry deck space, carrying capacity, or weather conditions do not allow the boarding of the next vehicle in line. Certain vehicles may also have a right of way, which is determined by law or has been granted. Such a right of way is shown by a placard.

What does the law say about arrival order?

Emergency vehicles and police vehicles on a mission have the right to board the ferry before other vehicles.

After these, the priority of other vehicles is determined as follows:

a vehicle that is carrying a sick person to care or to be used to retrieve such person for transport
a vehicle carrying a physician, veterinarian or others in medical treatment or rescue emergency
an animal transport vehicle in service with the permission of the provincial authorities
a vehicle in regular operation for passenger service with permission
a vehicle carrying out urgent road maintenance work

Right of way

The right of way onto the ferry is recognised throughout the entire economic, traffic and environmental centres in the territories of Southwest Finland. The grant of the right of way to passengers and other vehicles is shown by a placard, which comes in two colors: orange-red and yellow.

Orange-red placards have the validity period marked on them.
Yellow placards are intended for temporary use and are granted for up to three months.

More detailed information can be found at the Ely Centre's website www.ely-keskus.fi