Norway Driving Tips

Click on one of the options below to view more information:

• Car Hire Depots
• Driving Distances
• Driving Licence
• Driving Age
• Rules and Regulations
• Equipment
• Tyres
• Child Safety Seats
• Speed Limits
• Drink Driving
• Tolls
• Road Signs
• Parking
• Visa Information

Car Hire Depot information in Norway

DriveAway offer unbeatable rates and a wide range of vehicles with our suppliers in Oslo. The suppliers are conveniently located at the Oslo airport terminal and downtown depots located in the city.

Driving Distances from Oslo

• Bergen - 500 kms (8 hrs)
• Aalesund Vigra - 580 kms (8 hrs/ 40 mins)

Licence Requirements

A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International Drivers Licence is required for New Zealand drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules, Laws and Regulations

General driving rules, laws and regulations in Norway;

• Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Overtake on the left hand side of the road.
• Dipped headlights are to be used at all times.
• Seat belts are mandatory and must be worn by all passengers and driver.
• Mobile phones are prohibited while driving, with the exception of a hands free system.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

Equipment

The following equipment are required to be carried in the vehicle and which are to be used in the event of an incident, accident or breakdown.

• Warning Triangle; to be used at the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic.
• Reflective Vest; to be used when getting out of the car at an event of an accident or breakdown on any road.

Tyres

Vehicles must have a minimum of 1.6mm tread on summer tyres and at least a minimum of 3mm on winter tyres. Vehicles cannot be driven unless correct tyres are fitted. During the winter months vehicles must have winter tyres fitted with or without studs. Studded tyres are permitted during the months of 1Nov - 15Apr. Be sure to check signage for equipment required in the area.

Child Safety Seats

Children under 4 years old must be seated in an appropriate child restraint.

Speed Limits

Speeding offences are subject to heavy on-the-spot fines. Below is the speed limits in Norway for use as a guide only, unless signed otherwise;

• Urban Roads (built up areas): 50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 80km/h
• Motorways: 90km/h

Drink Driving

There is a zero tolerance policy on motorists drink driving in Norway. Drivers are only allowed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02mg/100ml. Severe penalties apply for drivers found over the limit.

Tolls

No motorway tolls exist in Norway.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Norway adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which many European countries now utilize, but with slight variance. Signs in Norway are commonly found in the countries local language however English is also used on city roads and state highways. The signs are very easy to understand as the vast majority of them are posted with symbols.

• Prohibitory Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs are usually a circular shape however other shapes such as a octagon and a square.
• Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or yellow and a symbol in the middle.
• Information Signs are indicated with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information such as directions.

Parking

Visa Information

Parking in Oslo is divided into zones that require a fee and is also time regulated. Be sure to check signage as signs state maximum time allowed and required fee. Parking can be paid for at nearby parking meters either by cash, credit card or mobile phone SMS.

Visa, Passport and entry requirements for New Zealanders visiting Norway;

• New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for stays not exceeding 3 months. Contact the Norwegian Consulate in your local state for additional information on visa requirements.
• A valid passport with at-least 3 months validity is required.

All information provided is to be used as a guide only. Distances and time may very according to the route taken. The information shown on this page may have changed since the date of publication. Please refer to the countries local tourist office for up-to-date advice. Last updated: March 2022.