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DRIVING IN NORWAY

DRIVER’S LICENSES

The validity of a foreign driving licence in Norway depends on whether the driving licence in question is issued inside or outside the European Union.

 

For further information, requirements and fees, visit Vegvesen.no

BASIC RULES

The following should be in your vehicle at all times

  • Vehicle documentation

  • Warning triangle

  • Vehicle insurance documents

  • Your driving license

  • Reflective safety vest

 

It is also wise to carry a light snow shovel, towrope, and a bag of sand in case you get stuck – carrying a blanket in the car is also a wise precaution during the winter months. 

 

Road traffic in Norway uses a right-handed driving pattern. For information regarding Norwegian traffic regulations click here.

 

International driving rules pertain to Norway with some important exceptions:

  • Headlights: you must always drive with your dipped headlights on, day or night.

  • Seat Belts: Compulsory. This also applies to the back seat and to all children in the vehicle. For information regarding children’s seating laws click here.

  • Red Light: There is no right-turn-on-red in Norway.

  • Speed Limits: Unless otherwise marked, the speed limit is 50 km hour in built-up areas and 80 km per hour in rural areas.

  • Restricted Use Lanes: Do not drive in taxi/bus lanes

  • General Right-of-Way from the right: In Norway, traffic entering from the right always has the right of way, except on priority roads, which are indicated with a yellow diamond road sign.

  • Traffic Circles/Roundabouts: Traffic moves counter-clockwise and drivers inside the circle have the right-of-way -- those entering must yield.

  • Other Right of Way: Buses and Trams have the right-of way when pulling out of stops. Emergency vehicles with sirens and or flashing lights have the right-of-way and all other vehicles must pull over for them. Pedestrians, cyclists, skiers, those on roller blades and roller skis, and all animals also have the right-of-way.

  • Cell Phones: Use is forbidden while driving unless a hands free device is used.

 

Alcohol and Drugs: Driving motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol or medication is not permitted. A concentration of alcohol in the blood greater than (.02%) is automatically regarded as intoxication and the consequences can be severe. Routine checks are a matter of course in Norway. In fact, they even occur the morning after while blood alcohol levels may still be high. In case of traffic accidents, the law requires that you not consume alcohol for a period of six hours after the accident.

 

TIRES

As a driver in Norway, you must assess whether the vehicle you are driving has sufficient grip on the road surface. During the winter season it is suggested that you change to winter tires,  which can be studded (piggdekk)  or without studs (vinterdekk). All year tires can also be used. 

 

Use of studded tires is allowed from November 1 through the second Monday after Easter Sunday. Also, an environmental fee must be paid if you circulate or park inside the Oslo Komunne.  For information on fees and how to obtain a permit please click here.    

 

Most gas stations change tires.   

 

 

TOLL ROADS

For infomation on toll fees and payment please visit Vegvesen.no and Fjellinjen.no 

 

 

PARKING

Most parking in Norway is paid. When you arrive in a lot, you must find the ticket machine and obtain a ticket for the time needed (machines take cards and coins). Display your ticket in the left front window. Parking violation tickets can be expensive! Sometimes, parking will be free (“gratis”) for a while but still must have a ticket displayed in your window (ex. Sandvika Storcenter).

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