Driving in Norway
💡 Local Driving Tips
- →AutoPASS toll system charges are applied automatically to rental cars via number plate recognition — expect charges added to your rental bill after return.
- →Toll rings (bompenger) operate around Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger. Costs can add up significantly, especially for city centre driving.
- →Winter tyres are compulsory between November and April. Rental cars will have winter tyres fitted — confirm before picking up.
- →Norwegian fjord roads are spectacular but very narrow — ferries (ferge) are often part of the route. Check ferry timetables and buy tickets in advance using the Rutebåt or Fjord1 apps.
- →Some mountain passes (fjellover) close in winter due to snow — check Vegvesen.no for road conditions before mountain crossings.
- →When an emergency vehicle approaches, pull to the right and stop to create a passage.
🗣️ Key Driving Words in Norwegian
You may not speak the language, but knowing these words on road signs and at toll booths can save you from confusion — or a fine.
🚦 Speed Limits
Maximum motorway speed is 110 km/h. Some sections are limited to 90 km/h. 30 km/h zones are common near schools and in residential areas.
💳 Toll Roads & Vignettes
AutoPASS electronic toll system on most major roads. Tolls charged automatically via number plate recognition. Non-registered foreign vehicles are billed automatically — rental companies typically process these charges and bill customers later.
🪧 Road Signs to Know
While most European road signs follow international standards, these are the signs you are most likely to encounter — and the ones that catch tourists off guard.
Must-Know Signs
Country-Specific Signs
📷 Speed Cameras
Camera Types in Norway
- 📷Streknings-ATK: average speed cameras over defined sections — very common on Norwegian roads
- 📷Fixed point cameras at specific locations
- 📷Mobile police speed checks (laser guns) in residential areas
From NOK 2,500 (~€220) for minor excess up to licence suspension and criminal charges for extreme speeding.
Norway has extensive average speed camera coverage (ATK). The start and end of each section are clearly signed. These are impossible to 'cheat' with momentary braking — your average speed over the entire section is measured. Respect limits throughout.
🅿️ Parking Signs & Zones
Understanding parking zones and road markings can save you a fine or a tow. Here is what each colour and sign means in Norway.
Parking Zones Explained
Blue P-hus signs indicate covered multi-storey car parks. Common in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger city centres. Rates are high — typically NOK 30–60 per hour.
Blue P signs with time limits on street parking. Pay at the meter or via the EasyPark / ParkLink apps. Strictly enforced in Oslo.
White P signs indicate free parking — time limits often apply. Common in suburban areas and smaller towns.
Road Line Colours
🗺️ Scenic Routes
- 🛣️ Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien)
- 🛣️ Trollstigen Mountain Road
- 🛣️ Fjord Route (RV13 Hardangerfjord)