Which side of the road do they drive on in Norway?
Right-hand traffic and the basic rules that follow from it.
Short answer
Norway drives on the right-hand side of the road, as do its neighbours Sweden and Finland. On roads without priority signs, drivers must give way to traffic coming from the right, and when entering a roundabout you give way to traffic already in it. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night.
Why
- The Norwegian Armed Forces' guide for foreign drivers states plainly that Norway has right-hand traffic.
- Sweden switched from left to right on 3 September 1967, a day known as Dagen H, when its neighbours Norway and Finland already drove on the right.
- Dipped headlights are mandatory at all times in Norway, even on the brightest summer day, according to Visit Norway.
Details
A solid centre line, single or double, means you must not cross it, while short centre lines mean overtaking is allowed when the road is clear. The general speed limit is 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h outside built-up areas, unless signs show otherwise. The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.2 per mille.
Tip
If you are used to driving on the left, take the first kilometres slowly and pay extra attention in roundabouts and when pulling out of car parks and petrol stations.
People also ask
- Does Norway drive on the right?
- Which side of the road does Norway drive on?
Sources
- Norwegian Armed Forces: Driving in NorwayChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Getting around by carChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Keep to the speed limitChecked at:
- Wikipedia: Dagen HChecked 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.

