Do I need winter tyres in Norway, and when do I have to change them?
Tread depth, winter periods, studded tyres and the Oslo fee.
Short answer
Cars in Norway must have winter tyres whenever they are needed for sufficient grip, and in winter the tread must be at least 3 mm deep. This winter period runs from 1 November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday, or from 16 October to 30 April in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark.
Why
- Statens vegvesen says a car must have winter tyres if they are needed to ensure sufficient grip, also outside the set periods.
- In winter the tread depth must be at least 3 mm, against at least 1.6 mm in summer.
- Studded tyres may be used from 1 November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday, and from 16 October to 30 April in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark.
Details
If road conditions require it, studded tyres and chains are also allowed outside these dates. In Oslo the winter period starts on 1 November, and driving with studded tyres there requires a paid permit from 1 November 2026 to 4 April 2027, costing NOK 35 for 24 hours. Bergen charges the same fee in the whole municipality.
Tip
Check the forecast before mountain drives in October: snow can come before 1 November, and you must then have winter tyres even though the period has not started.
What may differ
Vehicles over 3,500 kg have their own requirements for tread depth and winter tyres. In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark the winter period starts on 16 October.
Common misconception
You only need winter tyres in Norway from 1 November.
What actually happens
The dates set the tread depth and studded tyre periods, but you must have winter tyres whenever grip requires it, also before 1 November.
People also ask
- When should I change to winter tyres in Norway?
- When should you switch to winter tyres in Oslo?
- Are winter tyres mandatory in Norway?
Sources
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Winter tyresChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Tyre requirementsChecked at:
- City of Oslo: Studded tyre feeChecked at:
- City of Bergen: Studded tyresChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Statens vegvesen before you travel.
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