Winter driving: survival checklist for Norwegian roads

I'm going to tell you why Norwegian winters are so special!

Mountain passes can be found at heights of up to 1,450 metres, and there are times when strong winds from the ocean and whiteouts can appear in just a few minutes. I totally get it, and I'm here to tell you that the rules are strict and the fines are high for a very good reason. It's all part of Vision Zero, which has been such a success in reducing the death rate to 14 per million inhabitants.

• Studded tyres are only allowed on these dates, but you can use them for longer in snow/ice – it's up to you, the driver, to be responsible.
• You'll need studded tyres on all wheels. Otherwise, you'll be fined NOK 1,000 for each wheel without studs.
• You can use non-studded "Scandinavian" tyres (3PMSF/M+S) all year round.

Check the weather and road conditions

1. Yr.no is the most accurate local forecast around. You can set up push notifications by coordinates.
2. Vegvesen Trafikk / 175 — road conditions, avalanches, convoys.
3. If you want to get alerts about closures on the Vegvesen SMS subscription, just send the road number ("E134") to 1960.

Emergency kit (recommended by Vegvesen)

● 2 chains (if FWD/RWD) or 4 for AWD.

● Flik-stick/signal vest and triangle.

● Telescopic shovel and 5 kg sandbag.

● Thermos with hot drink, high-calorie snacks.

● Blanket or lightweight sleeping bag + chemical heater.

● LED flashlight and spare batteries.

Do not put chains under your luggage — you will need to get to them quickly on the side of the road in a snowstorm.

Life hacks from local drivers

1. Keep your distance – about 100–150 metres is good – and don't overtake. You'll get fined and might get caught in a whiteout.
2. Just use your engine to brake – you won't need to worry about antifreeze or brake pads overheating on 10 km descents.
3. Give your number plates a clean: the AutoPASS camera doesn't recognise snow "cakes" — you'll be fined as if you didn't have a ticket.
4. Just a heads-up: don't turn off the engine when you're stopping to take a photo on a mountain pass, as this will cool down the turbine under load.
5. Just so you know, it's always a good idea to let someone know what time you're planning to arrive. You know how unreliable mobile phone reception can be in the mountains!

Print or save your pre-departure checklist.

• Make sure you have winter tyres with a tread depth of 3 mm or more, and studs suitable for the season.
• There are chains in the passenger compartment and boot on top.
• I checked Vegvesen Trafikk and Yr.no for the route.
• The tank's full (50% or more) and we've got our sandwiches and thermos ready.
• I've got a flashlight, blanket and charger to hand.
• Just to let you know, the road number is +1960 and SMS alerts are active.
• I'm aware of where the nearest fork in the road is, just in case the pass is closed.

A winter road trip through Norway is all about the amazing views over the fjords and the moonlit landscapes of Hardangervidda, but only if you're ready. The right tyres, chains, a full tank and regular checks of Vegvesen make the harsh climate an exciting adventure rather than an extreme quest. Just follow the checklist, take the weather into account and don't forget that the main goal is to come back alive with a photo album full of northern wonders. God tur, og kjør forsiktig!