Traffic signsNorway

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Norway. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


226. Breakdown

A breakdown occurs when a vehicle can no longer continue safely because of a mechanical, electrical or other technical problem. If possible, move the vehicle away from moving traffic, switch on the hazard warning lights and warn other road users. On high-speed roads, leave the vehicle only when it is safe to do so and wait in a protected place away from traffic. Contact roadside assistance or emergency services when necessary, and do not attempt repairs that put you or others in danger.

What should you do first if your vehicle breaks down?

If possible, move the vehicle to a safe place away from moving traffic, switch on the hazard warning lights and warn approaching road users.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 274–287, incidents, injuries and exchange/reporting; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 31, conduct after accidents; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wikifin.be • Belgian FSMA Wikifin, what to do after a collision

🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, CAFE technical support document (2021), multi-vehicle crash usage

Should you stay inside a broken-down vehicle?

The safest action depends on the location. Leave only if you can reach a safer place away from traffic, such as behind a suitable barrier. If you cannot get out safely, remain belted and call emergency help, following local procedures.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 274–287, incidents, injuries and exchange/reporting; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 31, conduct after accidents; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wikifin.be • Belgian FSMA Wikifin, what to do after a collision

🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, CAFE technical support document (2021), multi-vehicle crash usage

Should you use a warning triangle after a breakdown?

Check the country and road-type rules before using a triangle, and never endanger yourself to place it. Some roads prohibit its use: Great Britain’s Highway Code advises against placing a warning triangle on a motorway. A triangle requirement elsewhere does not override that restriction.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 274–287, incidents, injuries and exchange/reporting; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 31, conduct after accidents; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wikifin.be • Belgian FSMA Wikifin, what to do after a collision

🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, CAFE technical support document (2021), multi-vehicle crash usage

227. Warning triangle

A warning triangle is a portable reflective safety device used to warn approaching traffic about a stopped, broken-down or crashed vehicle or another obstruction on the road. It should be placed far enough from the hazard to give other drivers time to react and should remain clearly visible. The required distance and situations in which a warning triangle must be used vary between countries, so drivers should know the local rules and keep the triangle easily accessible in the vehicle.

Portable reflective warning triangle.
Wikimedia.org • Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA
What is a warning triangle?

A warning triangle is a portable reflective device placed on the road to warn approaching traffic about a stopped vehicle, accident or other hazard.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 274–277, warning equipment and motorway exclusion; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Annex 5, warning devices; domestic procedures apply; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, warning equipment; national guidance example

When should a warning triangle be used?

Use a warning triangle only where the applicable rules permit or require it and where placement is safe. Do not assume it belongs on every road after a breakdown: Great Britain specifically advises against placing one on a motorway.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 274–277, warning equipment and motorway exclusion; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Annex 5, warning devices; domestic procedures apply; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, warning equipment; national guidance example

How far from the vehicle should a warning triangle be placed?

There is no universal placement distance. Check the rules for the country and road type, including whether use is prohibited altogether. For example, Great Britain’s motorway guidance says not to place a warning triangle there; moving it farther away is not the answer.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 274–277, warning equipment and motorway exclusion; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Annex 5, warning devices; domestic procedures apply; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, warning equipment; national guidance example

228. Traffic rules

Traffic rules are laws and regulations that govern how road users behave on public roads. They cover subjects such as speed, priority, overtaking, parking, traffic lights, road signs, lane use and the responsibilities of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Traffic rules are designed to organise traffic, reduce conflicts and improve road safety. Rules differ between countries and sometimes between regions, so road users should know the regulations that apply where they are travelling.

What are traffic rules?

Traffic rules are laws and regulations that determine how drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users must behave on the road.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–6, signs and instructions; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 8–13 and Annex 1; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, regulatory signs

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, the signing system

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, warning signs

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 66–71, sign categories and special-road information signs; Belgian example

Why are traffic rules important?

Traffic rules help organise traffic, prevent conflicts and reduce the risk of accidents by making the behaviour of road users more predictable.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–6, signs and instructions; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 8–13 and Annex 1; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, regulatory signs

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, the signing system

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, warning signs

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 66–71, sign categories and special-road information signs; Belgian example

What is the difference between traffic rules and traffic signs?

Traffic rules are the laws governing road use, while traffic signs communicate specific warnings, restrictions, obligations or information to road users.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–6, signs and instructions; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 8–13 and Annex 1; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, regulatory signs

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, the signing system

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, warning signs

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 66–71, sign categories and special-road information signs; Belgian example

229. Driving school

A driving school is an organisation that provides professional theory and practical training for learner drivers. Qualified instructors teach traffic rules, vehicle control, observation, manoeuvres and safe driving in real traffic. Depending on the country and licence category, driving-school lessons may be optional, required before obtaining a provisional licence or compulsory after repeated exam failures. Driving schools prepare candidates for the official exams, but the exams themselves are normally conducted by an independent exam centre or licensing authority.

What is a driving school?

A driving school provides professional instruction to help learner drivers prepare for their theory and practical driving examinations.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B theory exam

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B practical exam

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B follow-up training

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Driving Licence Decree of 23 March 1998, Annexes 4–5, examination content; national example

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B training overview

What do you learn at a driving school?

Training can include traffic rules, road signs, vehicle control, observation, manoeuvres, hazard awareness and driving safely in normal traffic.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B theory exam

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B practical exam

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B follow-up training

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Driving Licence Decree of 23 March 1998, Annexes 4–5, examination content; national example

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B training overview

Are driving-school lessons mandatory?

This depends on the country, licence category and chosen training route. Some learners may practise privately, while others must complete a minimum number of professional lessons.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B theory exam

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B practical exam

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B follow-up training

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Driving Licence Decree of 23 March 1998, Annexes 4–5, examination content; national example

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, category B training overview

230. Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

How are traffic signs grouped in Norway?

The regulations separate danger, priority, prohibition, compulsory, information, service and direction signs, with supplementary plates.

🔗 lovdata.no • Norway, Traffic Rules — Traffic Rules 3, 13; signing regulations 3–4, 7–12, 24–27, 32–34

🔗 lovdata.no • Norwegian signing regulation — current sign catalogue, markings and signals

Is a temporary speed limit at roadworks binding in Norway?

Where an authorised temporary regulatory speed limit is in force, you must obey it. A roadworks warning alone should not be mistaken for a new numerical limit, but conditions may require driving more slowly.

🔗 lovdata.no • Norway, Traffic Rules — Traffic Rules 3, 13; signing regulations 3–4, 7–12, 24–27, 32–34

🔗 lovdata.no • Norwegian signing regulation — current sign catalogue, markings and signals