Drive safely in Norway

Plan your trip and familiarize yourself with the traffic rules in Norway.

Be a good guest

Adjust your speed to the road and driving conditions, and never exceed the speed limit. Keep an eye on the mirror, and let others pass.

There are many people using the roads during the holidays. Be an attentive and considerate driver.

Utsikten, Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet. Photo: Trine Kanter Zerwekh / Statens vegvesen
Illustrasjon av appen med kart på to mobiltelefoner
Illustration: Statens vegvesen

Traffic rules in Norway 

  • You have to give way to traffic from the right.
  • The alcohol-limit is 0,2 ‰ and is strictly enforced.
  • Stopping is not allowed in tunnels, on the crest of a hill, or in any location with poor visibility.
  • You must drive with your lights on always, regardless of weather and visibility.
  • There are strict rules for securing children properly. 
  • You can be fined NOK 10,000 if you use your mobile without a hands-free system. 
  • Parking violations may lead to fines or towing.

See more traffic rules 

Espenes, Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell / Statens vegvesen

Emergency

  • Police: 112 (emergency) / 02800 (other serious incidents)
  • Ambulance: 113
  • Fire service: 110
  • Traffic Control Centre: +47 22 175 175. Report dangerous road situations like objects in the road, flooding, vehicle breakdowns and road damage.

If you encounter an emergency vehicle, you must reduce your speed, use your indicators, and as a general rule, move to the right-hand side of the road. 

First to arrive at the scene of an accident

Tunnel fire

Travel tips for campers and motorhome drivers

Checklist before departure

  • Test the brakes, lights, and tires, and ensure your vehicle is in proper working condition
  • Secure the load and avoid loose items in the car.
  • Don't overpack. Stay within the maximum load capacity of your car or roof box.
  • Secure animals using a cage or harness designed for cars.
Mefjellet, Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet. Photo: Werner Harstad / Statens vegvesen

Speed limit

These are the general speed limits in Norway. They apply where no other speed limit signs are posted or where a previous speed limit ends:

  • 50 km/h in cities and urban areas
  • 80 km/h in rural areas and outside built-up zones

You must follow the speed limits and adjust your driving according to conditions, such as poor visibility or slippery roads.

Speed cameras are placed along the roads to reduce speeding, and fines are high if you're caught.

Restrictions for caravans and motorhomes

The speed limit depends on your vehicle type and its weight.

  • If you drive a car and pulling a caravan, the speed limit for motorways is 80 km/h.
  • If you drive a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes, the speed limit for motorways is 80 km/h.
  • If you drive a motorhome under 3.5 tonnes, you can follow the speed limit on motorways.

Read more about driving over 100 km/h with a caravan

Check if you can pull a trailer (Norwegian registration number only)

Skilt av 60-fartsgrense som opphører
Beyond this sign, the speed limit is 80 km/h. Illustration: Statens vegvesen

Be prepared for road and driving conditions

In Norway, there are many narrow roads, tunnels, and bridges.  Plan your route using road and traffic information from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA).

Tunnels

  • Never enter a tunnel that is closed with a barrier or a red light.
  • Maintain a steady speed and a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Many accidents happen because the vehicle in front suddenly stops.
  • Beware of the pressure waves arising from large vehicles passing you.
  • Some tunnels have a maximum permitted vehicle height, so please read the information on signs carefully.
  •  Some tunnels have yellow flashing lights that signal important information. Listen to your car radio!
  • If the sunshine is strong – be prepared to find the tunnel dark and to find the sunlight at the exit dazzling.
  • If your windows fog up, use your windscreen wipers.
  •  It happens that sheep and other animals seek shelter in tunnels and block the road.

What to do in the event of a tunnel fire

Convoy system

A convoy system means that cars must drive together behind a lead vehicle, often due to bad weather on mountain passes or roadworks in progress.  

  • Follow signs and instructions from traffic directors.
  • There is always an escort vehicle heading the convoy – do not overtake or turn around.
  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
    • At least 15 metres from a passenger car
    • At least 50 metres from a heavy vehicle

Mountain passes

  • Follow the signs that recommend lower gears on steep downhill slopes.
  • Remember to fuel up or ensure you have enough electricity before a mountain pass.
  • Bring warm clothes, food and drink.
  • Check the weather forecast and be prepared for the weather and road surface conditions.

Bridges

  • Be prepared for strong winds. Side winds can be challenging, especially for motorhomes, caravans, and motorcycles.
  • Always follow the signs. Bridges may have their own speed limits, height and weight restrictions.
  • Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially on narrow bridges with limited space for manoeuvre.
  • Fog and poor visibility can occur suddenly – use dipped headlights and reduce speed as required.
Norwegian Scenic Route Rondane. Photo: Werner Harstad / Statens vegvesen

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