Do rental cars in Norway come with winter tyres?
Winter tyres on rental cars, studded or not, and what the rules require.
Short answer
Rental companies fit winter tyres for the cold season, and Sixt, for example, puts them on its cars in Norway from 1 November to 30 April. Hertz in Tromsø offers studded or non-studded tyres. Sixt may add a winter service fee, and cars with studded tyres need a permit in Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim.
Why
- Statens vegvesen makes the driver responsible for sufficient grip all year and says summer tyres cannot be used on winter roads.
- Studded tyres are allowed from 1 November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday, and from 16 October to 30 April in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark.
- In Oslo a studded tyre permit costs NOK 35 for 24 hours in the 2026–2027 season, and you need it even if you only drive through the city.
Details
Sixt states that winter tyres go on its cars in Norway from 1 November until 30 April and that a winter service fee may be added if it is not already included. Hertz in Tromsø lets you choose cars with studded or non-studded winter tyres depending on season and car type. In winter, tyres must have a tread depth of at least 3 mm.
Tip
When you collect the car, check which tyres it has: with studded tyres you need a permit before driving in Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim, and driving without one in Oslo costs a NOK 750 surcharge.
What may differ
In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark the winter period starts earlier, on 16 October, and lasts until 30 April. If you rent just before or after the company's winter period, ask whether the car has winter tyres.
People also ask
- Are winter tyres included with car hire in Norway?
- Do hire cars in Norway have studded tyres?
Sources
- Sixt: Car rental in NorwayChecked at:
- Visit Tromsø: Hertz car rental TromsøChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Tyre requirementsChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Tyre requirements (English)Checked at:
- City of Oslo: Studded tyre feeChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Statens vegvesen and your rental company before you travel.
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