Can I overtake across a yellow centre line in Norway?
Yellow centre lines, dashes and solid lines explained.
Short answer
You may overtake across a broken yellow centre line when the road ahead is clear, but never across a solid one, whether single or double. Short dashes mean overtaking is safe if the road is clear, while long dashes mean crossing is legal but the view ahead is too short for safe overtaking.
Why
- According to the Norwegian Armed Forces' guide for visiting drivers, yellow centre lines separate traffic in opposite directions, while white lines separate traffic going the same way.
- The same guide states that a solid centre line, single or double, means no crossing.
- Most Norwegian roads have two lanes with a yellow centre line, so these markings are what you will meet on most trips.
Details
Some roads are too narrow for a centre line, and the white edge lines are broken instead; on these roads you must take care when meeting oncoming traffic. Many rural roads are narrow and winding, with passing places for oncoming traffic. If you drive a slow vehicle and a queue builds up behind you, the Armed Forces' guide advises stopping at a bus stop or car park to let traffic pass.
Tip
Before overtaking on a broken line, make sure you can see the whole stretch you need; on winding roads with long dashes, wait for a section with short dashes.
People also ask
- What does a solid yellow centre line mean in Norway?
- Is it legal to cross a double yellow line in Norway?
Sources
- Norwegian Armed Forces: Driving in NorwayChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Getting around by carChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Statens vegvesen before you travel.
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