Is driving in Norway difficult for tourists?
Road conditions, key rules and practical tips for visitors.
Short answer
Driving in Norway is not difficult in itself, as traffic is light outside urban rush hours, but narrow winding roads, tunnels, animals and winter conditions need extra care. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h elsewhere unless signs say otherwise, headlights must always be on, and the blood alcohol limit is 0.02%.
Why
- Visit Norway says many rural roads are narrow and winding, with passing pockets for oncoming traffic.
- The Norwegian Public Roads Administration says you must drive with your lights on regardless of weather and light, and that the 0.02% alcohol limit is strictly enforced.
- Using a mobile phone while driving can cost a fine of almost 1,000 euros, according to Visit Norway.
Details
Journeys take longer than many expect because of ferries, mountain passes and winding roads. Watch for moose, reindeer and sheep, which may also shelter in tunnels. In winter, tyres need at least 3 mm of tread, and some mountain passes are driven in convoy behind an escort vehicle that you must not overtake. Licences from most countries outside the EU/EEA can be used in Norway for up to three months.
Tip
Check closures in the Vegvesen trafikk app each morning, and on narrow roads pull into a passing place early to let oncoming traffic by.
What may differ
Winter driving is harder, especially on mountain passes, and in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark the winter tyre rules apply from 16 October to 30 April.
People also ask
- What is driving in Norway like?
- Is it easy to drive in Norway as a tourist?
Sources
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Drive safely in NorwayChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Travelling by carChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Must-know before you driveChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Tyre requirementsChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Norwegian Public Roads Administration before you travel.
7 beginner mistakes when driving 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.