NorwayNorway
Traffic rules
Norway
1. Norway
Norway is a Nordic country in Northern Europe and Scandinavia, bordered by Sweden, Finland and Russia and shaped by a long coastline of fjords and islands. Traffic drives on the right, and journeys often involve mountain roads, long tunnels, bridges and car ferries rather than continuous motorway driving. Weather can change rapidly, especially across mountain passes, and some roads may close or operate as convoys behind an escort vehicle during severe weather. Winter tyres, sufficient grip and careful journey planning are therefore particularly important.
Norwegian is the main language used on road signs, with place names written according to either Bokmål or Nynorsk usage. In parts of northern and central Norway, drivers may also encounter Sámi and Kven place names, sometimes displayed together with the Norwegian name. Norway has no motorway vignette, but automatic road tolls are widespread on particular roads and around several cities. Another important rule for visitors is that the vehicle's lights must be switched on whenever it is being driven, regardless of the time of day or visibility.
AI
Which side of the road do you drive on in Norway?
Drive on the right and normally overtake on the left.
Which emergency numbers should you call in Norway?
Call 112 for emergency police assistance, 113 for an ambulance and 110 for the fire service.
What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Norway?
The legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.2‰ (0.2 g/l). Norway therefore has one of the lower alcohol limits for drivers in Europe.
What is the general speed limit in Norwegian built-up areas?
The general maximum speed in cities and other built-up areas is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
What is the general speed limit outside built-up areas in Norway?
The general maximum speed outside built-up areas is 80 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
What is the motorway speed limit in Norway?
Motorway speed limits are indicated by signs and commonly vary between 80, 90, 100 and 110 km/h. The highest speed limit currently used on Norwegian motorways is 110 km/h, so drivers should always follow the posted limit.
Do you need a motorway vignette in Norway?
No. Norway has no nationwide motorway vignette. Instead, tolls are collected automatically at toll stations on certain roads, bridges, tunnels and around some urban areas.
How do foreign vehicles pay Norwegian road tolls?
Norwegian toll stations are fully automatic. Foreign vehicles can register with an approved toll service or Epass24, or otherwise receive an invoice after using a toll road. An AutoPASS agreement can provide discounts at many toll stations.
Do motorcycles pay Norwegian road tolls?
Motorcycles and mopeds are normally exempt from toll charges at automatic Norwegian road-toll stations.
Must cars use lights during the day in Norway?
Yes. Vehicles must be driven with the required lights switched on at all times, regardless of weather, daylight or visibility.
Are winter tyres mandatory in Norway?
Drivers must ensure that their vehicle has sufficient grip for the road conditions at all times. Summer tyres cannot be used when winter conditions make them unsuitable, so winter tyres or other suitable equipment must be used when necessary.
What minimum tyre tread depth applies during winter in Norway?
For most light vehicles, tyres must have at least 3 mm of tread from 1 November until the first Sunday after Easter Monday. In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, the 3 mm requirement applies from 16 October through 30 April.
When may studded tyres be used in Norway?
Studded tyres may normally be used from 1 November until the first Sunday after Easter Monday. In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark they may be used from 16 October through 30 April. They may also be used outside these periods when weather and road conditions make them necessary.
Are seat belts mandatory in Norway?
Seat belts must be used where they are fitted, subject to specific legal exemptions.
When must children use a child restraint in Norway?
Children shorter than 135 cm must always use an approved child-restraint system suitable for their height and weight. Children between 135 and 150 cm should use an approved restraint when one is available in the vehicle.
Can a rear-facing child seat be used in front of an active airbag in Norway?
No. A rear-facing child seat must never be placed in front of an active frontal airbag. Children under 140 cm should also avoid the front seat when the airbag cannot be deactivated.
Who must wear a motorcycle helmet in Norway?
Motorcycle and moped riders and passengers must wear an approved protective helmet.
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Norway?
Handheld mobile-phone use while driving is prohibited. A phone may only be used in ways permitted by the hands-free and mounted-device rules.
When must you give way to traffic approaching from the right in Norway?
At an intersection where priority is not otherwise regulated, drivers must generally give way to traffic approaching from the right. Vehicles leaving places such as parking areas do not gain priority under this rule.
Who has priority at roundabouts in Norway?
Drivers entering a roundabout must give way to traffic already circulating in it. Drivers should position themselves according to their intended exit and use direction indicators when leaving or changing lanes.
What must drivers do at pedestrian crossings in Norway?
Drivers must give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings and stop when necessary to allow them to cross safely.
What should drivers know about Norwegian tunnels?
Drivers must obey all tunnel signals and must never enter a tunnel closed by a barrier or red light. Stopping in a tunnel is generally prohibited except when necessary, and drivers should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
What is convoy driving in Norway?
During severe weather or roadworks, a mountain road may operate using convoy driving. Vehicles travel together behind an escort vehicle. Drivers must follow instructions, must not overtake or turn around, and should maintain the required safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
What should you do before driving over a Norwegian mountain pass?
Check the current road and weather conditions before travelling. Mountain passes can close at short notice or switch to convoy operation. Drivers should have sufficient fuel or battery charge and carry warm clothing, food and drink during difficult winter conditions.
What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches in Norway?
Drivers should reduce speed, signal clearly and normally move towards the right-hand side of the road to make space for the emergency vehicle.
What should you do if you hit a wild animal in Norway?
A collision with an animal must be reported to the police. For a non-emergency wildlife collision, call 02800. Secure the scene with hazard lights and a warning triangle, wear a reflective vest and do not pursue an injured animal.
What safety equipment must you carry in a car in Norway?
A car must have a warning triangle and reflective safety vest. The vest should be easily accessible so that it can be put on before leaving the vehicle in a dangerous roadside situation.
