Penkkarit truck parades require public event notification to the police

Penkinpainajaiset, popularly known as penkkarit, take place in the first half of February to mark the last day of school for Finnish upper secondary school students before they sit their matriculation exams. The police would like to remind everyone that the festivities require notification of a public event to the police.

Final-year upper secondary school students in Finland celebrate penkkarit, their last day of school before matriculation exams, in the first half of February. For many, the highlight of penkkarit is the slow drive through city centres on the back of a truck. 

Penkkarit truck parades are public events, which require special traffic arrangements. By law, notification of such events must be made to the local police at least five (5) days before the event. 

In larger towns and cities, penkkarit attract large crowds along roadsides. There may also be dozens or hundreds of final-year upper secondary school students on the backs of trucks. Such large-scale events may also require an emergency plan. This must be submitted to the local rescue authority for approval no later than 14 days before the start of the event.

Penkkarit truck drivers must have at least two years’ truck-driving experience

In addition, the police remind people that trucks with no seats or benches at the back of them may be used temporarily for the transport of passengers related to penkkarit festivities and other similar events, provided that the driver of the vehicle has at least two years’ of truck-driving experience in the service of another party or as a licensed transport operator. 

Trucks are also subject to other requirements. The bedsides of the back of the truck must be at least 120 cm high on all sides. The truck bed must also be free of snow and ice and not be slippery. Nor must there be objects, equipment or structures in the back of the truck that could endanger passenger safety.

Letter of recommendation and more detailed instructions

The National Steering Group for Public Events published a letter of recommendation for penkkarit truck parades on 18 December 2025. The local police or contact person in the locality where the event is to take place can provide more detailed information.