What are the main driving rules in Norway for visitors?
Speed, lights, alcohol, give-way rules, tyres and tolls.
Short answer
Visitors in Norway drive on the right, keep dipped headlights on at all times and follow default limits of 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h elsewhere. The blood alcohol limit is 0.2 per mille and is strictly enforced. Give way to traffic from the right unless signs say otherwise, and to traffic already in a roundabout.
Why
- Statens vegvesen sets the general speed limits at 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside them, and some motorways allow up to 110 km/h.
- On roads where the speed limit is 60 km/h or lower, drivers must let a bus pull out from a stop, and you must always give way to trams.
- Visit Norway warns that using a mobile phone while driving can cost a fine of almost 1,000 euros.
Details
In winter your tyres need a tread depth of at least 3 mm, and studded tyres are allowed from 1 November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday, or from 16 October to 30 April in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark. All toll stations are automatic, so you drive through without stopping and pay afterwards. Watch out for moose, reindeer and sheep on the road.
Tip
Install the Vegvesen trafikk app before you set off: it shows traffic alerts and closures of roads, tunnels and bridges.
What may differ
Licences from EU and EEA countries are valid in Norway, while licences from most other countries can be used for up to three months. Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes are limited to 80 km/h on motorways.
Common misconception
Foreign drivers do not have to pay Norwegian road tolls.
What actually happens
Visit Norway is clear that all drivers, regardless of nationality, must pay Norwegian road tolls.
People also ask
- What are the traffic rules in Norway?
- What do tourists need to know before driving in Norway?
Sources
- Statens vegvesen: Drive safe in NorwayChecked at:
- Norwegian Armed Forces: Driving in NorwayChecked at:
- Statens vegvesen: Give way to buses and tramsChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Must-know before you driveChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Getting around by carChecked 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.