Do I have to drive with my headlights on during the day in Norway?
Lights at all times, daytime running lights and when to use dipped beam.
Short answer
Yes, in Norway you must drive with your lights on at all times, day and night, whatever the weather, light or visibility. In daylight, daytime running lights are enough, but on many cars the rear lights stay off, so use dipped headlights in darkness, fog and tunnels.
Why
- Statens vegvesen's advice for visiting drivers says you must drive with your lights on regardless of weather, light and visibility.
- Statens vegvesen notes that dedicated LED daytime running lights are designed for daylight and are not suitable in the dark, because the rear lights are usually off.
- When you drive into a tunnel, the rear lights must be on, according to Statens vegvesen's page on car lights.
Details
Daytime running lights can be dipped headlights, specially approved lamps or, in daytime, fog lights, but fog lights may not be combined with dipped headlights. Many cars have an Auto setting that switches on dipped headlights and rear lights when it gets dark. In fog or poor visibility, use dipped headlights and slow down. If you stop along the road, the Norwegian Armed Forces' guide for visiting drivers advises switching to parking lights.
Tip
In a rental car, set the light switch to Auto or dipped beam rather than 0, since in the 0 position many cars show only the front running lights.
Common misconception
Daytime running lights are enough at any time of day.
What actually happens
LED daytime running lights are not suitable in the dark, and on many cars the rear lights are off while they are on, so switch to dipped headlights when it gets dark.
People also ask
- Is it mandatory to use headlights in daylight in Norway?
Sources
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Drive safely in NorwayChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Car lightsChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Turn on the lights in the autumn dark (2020)Checked at:
- Visit Norway: Getting around by carChecked at:
- Norwegian Armed Forces: Driving in NorwayChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Statens vegvesen before you travel.
Driving rules in NorwayRelated questions
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Are Norway's mountain roads open in May, or is it too early for a road trip?
Some seasonal mountain roads in Norway are open by May, but others, such as Trollstigen and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, have opened as late as June in previous years.
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Has Norway banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars?
No, Norway has not banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, but it has a political goal that all new passenger cars should be zero-emission by 2025.
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Can other electric cars use Tesla Superchargers in Norway?
Yes, most Tesla Supercharger stations in Norway are now open to other electric cars with a CCS charging port, and you start and pay for charging in the Tesla app.
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Can I get E5 or 98 octane petrol in Norway?
Yes, you can still buy 98 octane petrol labelled 98 E5 in several places in Norway, but every pump marked 95 now sells E10 with up to 10 percent ethanol.