Getting around by car

Don’t drink and drive

Driving and drinking do not mix, and especially so in Norway. Alcohol laws are very strict, and penalties from driving under the influence are severe. The legal limit is 0,02% blood alcohol and applies to the driver of any motorized vehicle. Medications to avoid if you intend to drive are marked with a red triangle.

Easy on the brakes

Brakes may overheat at long downhill stretches. To avoid this, drive in a low gear. Eventual braking will require less force and brakes will stay cool. When driving uphill, watch the car’s temperature gauge to avoid engine overheating in time.

Go electric and plug-in

In 2018, more than 140,000 electric cars were driving on Norwegian roads. Norwegian authorities are investing massively in electric vehicle-friendly infrastructure and incentives. Quick charge stations are being built in increasing numbers on long distances between bigger cities. More and more hotels offer electric charging, sometimes for free. Plug-in hybrids are also benefitting from advantages over traditional drivelines.

Norwegian registration plates indicating the EV or plug-in driveline are mandatory in order to use devoted parking spaces and other special facilities. Rules and conditions are constantly changing. For help and updated information, please contact the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association: +47 907 04 545.

In case of an accident

In case of a breakdown or an accident, all vehicles must have at least one high-visibility vest, a warning triangle, and third-party insurance.

Emergency telephones can be found on mountain stretches and in tunnels. For 24 hour salvage or technical assistance, three of the largest roadside assistance companies in Norway are:

NAF: (+47) 23 21 31 00
Falck: (+47) 02 222
Viking: (+47) 06 000

Lights on at all times

Dipped headlights are mandatory at all times, even in the middle of the brightest summer day. This includes mopeds and motorcycles. If your car is a right-hand drive, you must use black triangles on your headlights to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Mountain passes

Note that weather conditions can cause mountain passes to close, especially during heavy snow and strong wind. Some of the higher mountain passes can get snowfall and frost when there are summer conditions in the lowlands, particularly in April/May and September/October.

Pedestrians and cyclists on the road

Norway has a human oriented traffic culture that puts pedestrians and cyclist first. Pedestrians who want to cross the street will expect you to slow down or stop, and cyclists may not always follow traffic regulations. Please take all soft road users into consideration when going by car.

Read more about safety on the roads.

Road toll

There are many toll stations in Norway, and almost all of them are automatic. All drivers, regardless of nationality, have to pay Norwegian road tolls. Read more about invoicing and how to register your car.