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-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
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.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Norway road rules, Alcohol limits
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Norway?
Built-up areas: The general maximum speed in cities and other built-up areas is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
Outside built-up areas: The general maximum speed outside built-up areas is 80 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
Motorways: 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.
What are the seat-belt and child-restraint rules in Norway?
Seat belts must be used where they are fitted, subject to specific legal exemptions.
Children shorter than 135 cm must use an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight. Children from 135 cm to below 150 cm must use a suitable child restraint if one is available in the car; otherwise they may use the fitted seat belt.
A rear-facing seat must not be placed in front of an active frontal airbag. The driver is responsible for correctly securing passengers under 15. The road authority recommends keeping children shorter than 140 cm away from a front seat with an active airbag.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Norway road rules, Seat belts and child restraints; 🔗 vegvesen.no • Norwegian Public Roads Administration, child-restraint rules
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.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Norway road rules, Mobile telephone
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.
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.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Norway road rules, Other specific rules, lights
When must children use a child seat in Norway?
Children shorter than 135 cm must use an approved restraint suited to their size. Children between 135 and 150 cm must use suitable approved equipment if it is available in the car. Never put a rear-facing child seat in front of an active passenger airbag.
🔗 vegvesen.no • Norwegian Public Roads Administration, child-restraint rules
How do foreign cars pay road tolls in Norway?
Foreign-registered cars are also charged at electronic toll points. An AutoPASS agreement and tag can provide discounts; drivers without an agreement are billed using the vehicle’s registration number. Check the official instructions for registering the vehicle’s environmental details and receiving invoices.
🔗 autopass.no • Norwegian Public Roads Administration / AutoPASS, foreign vehicles
