How do I read parking signs in Norway?
Prohibition signs, time plates, colours and the basic rules.
Short answer
A Norwegian parking sign applies from where it stands until the next sign or junction, and the plates under it set the hours, fees and time limits. Black numbers mean Monday to Friday, black numbers in brackets mean Saturday and red numbers mean Sundays and holidays. “Parkering forbudt” bans parking, while “Stans forbudt” bans stopping too.
Why
- Statens vegvesen says signs apply from where they stand until the next sign or junction, and an arrow plate can show that a sign applies in the driving direction, against it or both ways.
- The City of Oslo explains that black numbers on a sign mean Monday to Friday, black numbers in brackets mean Saturday and red numbers mean Sundays and public holidays.
- Statens vegvesen lists places where parking is banned even without a sign, such as pavements, pedestrian crossings, bike and bus lanes, passing places and within 5 metres of a junction.
Details
A zone sign, for example one that bans parking from 8 to 18 on weekdays and from 8 to 16 on Saturdays, is not cancelled by junctions or other signs and applies until the zone ends. Park inside marked bays and make sure the whole vehicle is within the area the sign covers. Staying in the car does not change anything: the parking rules still apply.
Tip
Read every plate under the main sign before you leave the car: Statens vegvesen says that not having seen a sign is no excuse.
What may differ
Municipal fee hours and prices differ between cities, and on private car parks the conditions on the operator's signs apply.
Common misconception
If you stay in the car, you are not parking.
What actually happens
Any vehicle left standing counts as parked, even if the driver stays in it. Only the shortest possible stop to let people on or off or to load is exempt, and never where stopping is banned.
People also ask
- What are the parking rules in Norway?
Sources
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Parking in Norway (Norwegian)Checked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Where does a parking sign apply? (Norwegian)Checked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: About parking (Norwegian)Checked at:
- City of Oslo: Prices and payment for parking (Norwegian)Checked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Statens vegvesen before you park.
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