Youth moped gatherings raise safety concerns following serious accident in Imatra

Youth moped gatherings are testing the limits of legality in various ways. These meetups made headlines last weekend when two young individuals were seriously injured in a moped collision in Imatra. We inquired with the police about the most common illegalities associated with these events, noting that moped gatherings occur almost weekly in Southeast Finland.

According to Chief Inspector Jukka Tylli from the Southeast Finland police, various traffic violations are common at these meets, where participants should adhere to the same traffic rules as on regular roads. “There is unnecessary reckless driving, tire burning, racing, and performing stunts on two wheels,” Tylli states. Such actions can lead to fines or penalties for traffic violations or endangering road safety. Riding a modified moped without a motorcycle license can also result in fines.

Tylli warns that driving without a license could delay obtaining a valid driver’s license, complicating studies that require one. If a vehicle belongs to a parent and is given to an unlicensed driver, the owner may face fines for violating driver license regulations. The serious accident in Imatra is being investigated by the police as a case of severe endangerment of traffic safety, serious injury, and unauthorized vehicle operation.

Chief Inspector Ari Järveläinen from the local police licensing office notes that organizing a moped meetup can also exceed legal boundaries if the required notification to authorities is not filed. Such gatherings, typically held on public roads, can attract hundreds of participants and require safety plans and crowd control.

Tylli mentions that these meetups have evolved over the past decade, shifting from organized convoy-style events to more spontaneous gatherings focused on stunts and social media content, increasingly involving more cars. “It’s worth discussing whether this is the right way to gather and engage in traffic,” Tylli advises.