Driving in Norway

Overview

Norway is one of the world’s most rewarding countries for a driving holiday. The combination of dramatic fjords, mountain passes, and coastal roads creates an unforgettable experience. Routes like the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien), Trollstigen, and the Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route are internationally famous for their scenery and engineering.

Driving in Norway requires preparation. The country drives on the right side of the road, uses metric speeds (km/h), and enforces strict traffic laws. Norway has one of the lowest blood alcohol limits in Europe at 0.02%, and winter tires are mandatory from November to April. Toll roads are widespread and fully electronic via AutoPASS.

The road network is generally well-maintained, but mountain passes can be narrow and winding. Fjord crossings often require ferries, which are part of the national road system and must be factored into journey planning. Norway is also a leader in electric vehicle adoption, with an extensive charging infrastructure that makes EV road trips increasingly practical.

License & Documents

• EU/EEA licenses: Valid in Norway for up to 3 months. No International Driving Permit required.
• US, UK, Canadian, Australian licenses: Generally accepted for short stays (typically up to 3 months). An IDP is not legally required but can be useful if your license is not in Latin script.
• Other countries: Check with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. An IDP (1949 Geneva Convention) is recommended for visitors from countries with non-Latin script licenses.
• Minimum age: 18 to drive a car. Some rental companies require 19 or 21.
• Carry at all times: Valid driving license, passport or ID, vehicle registration, and insurance documents.

Rules of the Road

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.02% — effectively one drink or less. Zero tolerance for drivers under 21.
• Seat belts: Mandatory for all occupants. Children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint.
• Headlights: Must be on at all times, day and night.
• Mobile phones: Hands-free only. Holding a phone while driving is prohibited.
• Winter tires: Mandatory from November to April. See our winter driving guide — studded tires allowed November 1 to the first Sunday after Easter.
• Right of way: Vehicles approaching from the right generally have priority at unmarked intersections. At roundabouts, traffic already in the roundabout has priority.
• Speed cameras: Common. Fines are high and can be sent to your home address for foreign drivers.

Road Conditions & Types

National Tourist Routes

Norway has 18 designated National Tourist Routes, including the Atlantic Road, Trollstigen, and Geiranger-Trollstigen. These roads are maintained to a high standard but can be narrow, steep, and winding. Drive cautiously and allow extra time.

Mountain Passes

Many mountain roads close in winter. Check vegvesen.no for current status. Snow can fall even in summer at higher elevations. Chains may be required in addition to winter tires during heavy snow.

Fjord Ferries

Ferries are part of the road network and essential for many routes. Payment is usually by card or AutoPASS. Queues can be long in summer — arrive early for popular crossings. Timetables vary by season.

Urban Roads

Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim have congestion and limited parking. Speed limits in built-up areas are typically 50 km/h, with 30 km/h zones near schools and residential areas.

Fuel & Charging

• Fuel types: 95 and 98 octane petrol, diesel. Prices are among the highest in Europe.
• Payment: Card or contactless. Many stations are unmanned; pay at the pump.
• EV charging: Norway has one of the world’s densest networks. Fast chargers (50–350 kW) are common along E-roads and in towns. Use apps like PlugShare, ChargeMap, or Tesla’s network for planning.
• Remote areas: Plan charging stops on long routes; coverage is good but not universal in very remote fjord and mountain areas.

Parking

• Urban parking: Metered and zone-based. Use apps such as EasyPark or Parkster. Payment is required in most city centers.
• Blue zones: Short-stay parking (usually 1–2 hours). Display a parking disc (clock) showing arrival time.
• Private parking: Strictly enforced. Unauthorized parking can result in towing and high fees.
• Scenic stops: Use designated pullouts; do not park on the road or block traffic.

Tolls & Fees

• AutoPASS: Norway’s electronic toll system. No cash or manual payment at toll stations.
• Rental cars: Usually equipped with AutoPASS. Tolls are billed to the rental company and added to your final invoice. Confirm with the rental company.
• Private vehicles: Register at autopass.no or purchase a visitor tag.
• Congestion charges: Oslo has a congestion charge; it is included in the AutoPASS system.
• Cost: Tolls can add up quickly on long journeys. Budget accordingly.

Car Rental Tips

• Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and local operators such as Rent-A-Wreck.
• Winter: Ensure the car has winter tires (mandatory in season). Confirm tire type when booking.
• One-way rentals: Often available but may incur substantial drop-off fees.
• EV rentals: Widely available; suitable for most routes with proper charging planning.
• Insurance: CDW is typically included. Consider excess reduction for peace of mind.
• Minimum age: Usually 19–21, with higher age requirements for premium or 4WD vehicles.

Emergency Information

Service	Number
Police / Fire / Ambulance	112
Roadside assistance (NAF)	02342
Emergency road information	175

• 112 is the universal emergency number in Norway.
• NAF (Norsk Automobil-Forbund) provides roadside assistance; membership or pay-per-use options available.
• In remote areas, mobile coverage can be patchy. Inform someone of your route and expected arrival time.

Cultural Tips

• Patience with ferries: Ferry delays and queues are normal. Build buffer time into your schedule.
• Right-of-way: Norwegian drivers generally respect rules. Yield to traffic from the right at unmarked junctions.
• Wildlife: Moose and reindeer can appear on roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Reduce speed in forested and rural areas.
• Overtaking: Use designated overtaking lanes. On narrow roads, use pullouts to let faster traffic pass.
• Scenic driving: Pull over at designated viewpoints. Do not stop on the road or block traffic.

Useful Resources

• Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Vegvesen)
• AutoPASS
• NAF Roadside Assistance
• Norway’s National Tourist Routes

Related Destinations

• Sweden
• Iceland
• Denmark