What is convoy driving (kolonnekjøring) on Norwegian mountain roads?
How convoys over mountain passes work, and what to bring.
Short answer
Convoy driving, or kolonnekjøring, means cars cross a mountain pass in a line behind a snowplough when weather makes it unsafe to drive alone. The road crews put one plough at the front and one at the back. Do not overtake or turn around, and keep at least 15 metres to a car and 50 metres to a heavy vehicle.
Why
- Statens vegvesen says many mountain crossings get convoy driving when weather and driving conditions make it unsafe to drive alone.
- Convoys are often set up because of bad weather on mountain passes, but also because of roadworks, according to Statens vegvesen's advice for visiting drivers.
- When the weather is too bad even for convoys, the pass is closed with a barrier, and Statens vegvesen asks drivers never to go past it, even if the weather does not look so bad.
Details
Mountain crossings on Statens vegvesen's list include E6 Dovrefjell, E6 Saltfjellet, E16 Filefjell, E134 Haukelifjell and Rv. 7 Hardangervidda. Before joining a convoy, fill the tank or charge the battery and bring warm clothes, food and a hot drink. There is always an escort vehicle at the head of the convoy, and you follow the signs and instructions given on site.
Tip
Check road status on vegvesen.no/trafikk or in the Vegvesen trafikk app before you set off, and if a pass has convoy driving, allow extra time and arrive with plenty of fuel or charge.
What may differ
Convoys are most common in winter, but mountain roads can get snow and frost even when the lowlands have summer conditions.
People also ask
- What does kolonnekjøring mean?
- How does convoy driving over Norwegian mountain passes work?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Statens vegvesen before you travel.
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