What is the right-hand rule in Norway, and when does it apply?
Give way to the right, and the main exceptions.
Short answer
The right-hand rule means you give way to vehicles coming from your right at junctions where no signs or traffic lights say otherwise. It also applies inside car parks. On a signposted priority road, side roads give way to you, and when leaving a car park, petrol station or farm track you give way to everyone.
Why
- Statens vegvesen defines the right-hand rule as the duty to give way to vehicles coming from the right when no traffic sign or traffic light decides otherwise.
- Traffic signs and traffic lights override the right-hand rule, and a priority road (forkjørsvei) is always signposted.
- When you enter a road from a car park, bus stop, square, private property or petrol station, you must give way to all other traffic.
Details
In a roundabout you give way to traffic already in it, and also when you change lanes inside it. The same duty to give way to everyone applies when you come from a farm road or another road that is not open to general traffic; if in doubt, Statens vegvesen advises extra care. When you have to give way, slow down in good time and stop if needed, so others can see clearly that you are letting them go first.
Tip
In towns and residential areas many junctions have no signs, so slow down before every junction where you cannot see a priority road sign and look right first.
Common misconception
The bigger road always has priority.
What actually happens
Without signs or traffic lights the right-hand rule applies whatever the size of the road; you only have priority on a road signposted as a priority road.
People also ask
- Who has priority at junctions without signs in Norway?
- What does høyreregelen mean?
Sources
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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