Rules of the Road in Norway

Planning a road trip? There's more to it than looking at a map. Here are the rules and regulations you need to know about driving in Norway.

With well-maintained roads, scenic driving routes, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, a Norwegian road trip promises an unforgettable journey.

I know from the Life in Norway inbox that many of our readers are planning a road trip in Norway—and with some of the world’s most scenic routes to explore, it’s easy to see why!

However, if you plan to drive in Norway, it’s essential to research and understand the country’s traffic laws in advance. Not knowing the rules won’t be accepted as an excuse if you break them.

An Introduction to Driving in Norway

Driving in Norway offers the freedom to explore breathtaking landscapes, from dramatic fjords to remote mountain passes. However, before setting off on your journey, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations that apply to motorists in the country.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) is responsible for nearly all aspects of road transport in Norway.

This includes the planning, construction, and maintenance of national and county road networks, as well as vehicle inspections, technical requirements, driver training, and licensing.

This page provides a brief English-language overview of key driving regulations in Norway, but it should only be used as a starting point.

For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the official Statens vegvesen website or contact the relevant authorities before your trip.

Driving Licenses in Norway

The answer to the question “Is my driving license valid in Norway?” depends on the country that issued the license.

European citizens

All countries in the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) have a ‘mutual recognition’ agreement for driving licences. This means if you are in possession of a valid driving license from an EU/EEA nation, you are legally able to drive in Norway.

For heavy vehicle licenses, this condition is only valid for five years from the date you became resident in Norway. EU/EEA driving license holders can swap their license for a Norwegian one as long as you took up residence after the license was issued.

All other citizens

For those just visiting Norway, a foreign-issued driving license is valid for up to 3 months, as long as the license remains valid in the issuing country. However, things are different if you become a resident of Norway.

When you register as a resident, your driving licence is also valid for up to 3 months, but once this period expires your driving license cannot be used in Norway, regardless of the validity date printed on the card.

If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan (category B), Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, or the USA, you can exchange your driving license for a Norwegian one by passing a practical driving test within one year of taking up normal residence in Norway.

Have you missed this deadline? Well, you can still take advantage of this process for up to one further year. But, you will need to also pass a theoretical test and mandatory training in first aid, safety and skid pan, and night driving.

After two years of residency, you no longer have the right to exchange your license and will have to apply as a first-time applicant, which means you will have to complete the same full mandatory program of training as any Norwegian does.

If you are not a citizen of one of the countries mentioned above, you will need to apply for a Norwegian license and follow the same process as a learner driver. Read more about driving licenses in Norway.

Important Facts About Driving in Norway

Some important facts about driving in Norway:

• You must be 18 to drive a car, and 16 to drive a moped or tractor. There are separate rules/tests for large vehicles and motorcycles.
• Third party insurance is compulsory.
• It is compulsory to have a red warning triangle and at least one, yellow, fluorescent vest in a roadworthy car in case of breakdown.

Driving in the Winter in Norway

Winter driving in Norway can be very dangerous especially in mountainous areas and given the likely low-light conditions, so it might be worth taking a couple of winter driving lessons to help you acclimatise.

If you're not used to driving in snow and ice, be extra careful until you get used to the conditions.

There must be a minimum of 1.6mm tread on summer tyres and a minimum of 3 millimetres on winter tyres. In practice this means that most drivers in Norway change their tyres at least twice per year. You will see most garages running special offers if you don't know how or don't want to do it yourself.

Studded tyres or snow chains can be used from 1 November to the second Monday after Easter Sunday. If you are driving in northern Norway (the counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark), this period runs from 16 October to 30 April.

In the worst winter conditions and/or on mountain passes and in other remote areas, convoy driving is sometimes introduced.

Rules of the Road

Here are some important ruled to be aware of when driving in Norway. This is not intended to be a comprehensive listing, rather picking out the most important for foreigners visiting Norway.

• Always drive on the right side of the road.
• Seat belts are compulsory.
• All vehicles must have their headlights on when in motion regardless of the time of day or time of year.
• Unless indicated by signs, vehicles approaching an intersection from the right have the right of way.
• Trams always have the right of way and should be passed on the right.
• Pedestrians always have the right of way at marked pedestrian crossings.
• Mobile phones must not be used while driving.

Also, remember that all speed limit signs are in kilometres per hour. Unless otherwise posted, speed limits in Norway are as follows:

• Residential areas: 30kph
• Other built-up areas: 50kph
• Rural roads: 80kph
• Highways: 90kph

Drink Driving Laws in Norway

Norway has one of the strictest drink-driving limits in the world, set at 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

This is significantly lower than in many other countries, so the safest approach is simple: if you’re driving, don’t drink at all.

Additionally, be mindful of certain medications that can impair your ability to drive and may cause you to fail a breathalyser test.

These are clearly marked, indicating that they can affect reaction times and concentration. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure about any medication before driving.

Road Tolls in Norway

New highways, tunnels and bridges across Norway are frequently funded by road tolls. Unlike many other countries, the toll typically only stays in place until the construction is paid for. Cities such as Oslo and Trondheim also charge varying fees for entering.

All tolls, with the exception of the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel (for the Atlantic Road) and ferry charges, are collected automatically through the Auto PASS system, run by Statens vegvesen.

You have to pay a NOK 200 deposit for the tag, which will be sent to you by post and must be attached to the inside of the front windscreen.

When you drive through automatic toll plazas without a toll tag, a photograph is taken of your vehicle registration plate. An invoice is sent to the vehicle owner.

Foreigners living and working in Norway who own a car should register online for a new Auto PASS. If you are just visiting Norway, separate rules apply.

Electric Cars in Norway

One of the few topics the international media consistently highlights about Norway is the country’s widespread adoption of electric vehicles—and rightly so. Norway has the highest number of electric cars per capita in the world, with EVs now making up the vast majority of new car sales.

Generous government incentives, extensive charging networks, and a strong focus on sustainability have all contributed to this rapid transition, making Norway a global leader in electric mobility.

If you're visiting Norway, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience driving an electric car for yourself. Many rental companies offer EVs, allowing you to test out the technology while also navigating Norway’s well-developed charging infrastructure.

With charging stations readily available along highways, in cities, and even in more remote areas, taking an electric road trip is easier than ever. Plus, driving an EV in Norway comes with additional perks, such as reduced tolls and access to bus lanes in certain cities, making it a convenient and eco-friendly choice for travellers.