Speed limits and driving laws in Norway: what foreigners should know

Being fined while driving in Norway is the last thing you’d love to experience while staying in the country. To avoid breaking the rules, you must know everything about the driving laws in Norway, even if you’re already holding an international license. Explore this article to find tips for driving in Norway and be safe.

The driving licence in Norway

Read more about Norway:

• ATMs in Norway.
• Opening a bank account in Norway as an expat.
• Guide on the temporary work visa in Norway.
• How to land a dream job in Norway as an expat.

Categories

The driving licence in Norway varies depending on the vehicle type.

If you plan to travel with family and explore the country using your car, category B will be enough. However, if you’re going to work in agriculture or delivery, an extra licence may be needed.

Some categories allow you to drive several other vehicles. Take category B, for example. With it, you can use a moped, snowmobile, tractor, and more. Read the full list for each category here.

Don't drive a vehicle for which you don't have documentation and training. According to driving laws in Norway, you can be fined, imprisoned, and disqualified from driving a future licence.

Using a foreign licence

First things first, foreign drivers must check whether they can use their driving licence in Norway or not.

If you stay in Norway for a short period and can't pass the local exam, you may use some foreign-issued licences.

EU/EEA licence. Generally, it is valid, so you can use it for car rental and your own vehicles while staying in Norway.

The UK licence. It's treated as if it were issued in the EU/EEA.

Non-EU/EEA licence. Here things get more complicated (act surprised). You can use it for up to three months (or six months, if you have temporary residence with temporary employment), if:

• The country of its origin was in the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of 1949.
• Or the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.
• Or the country is following one of the models above (Geneva, Vienna, EEA) and is in English, French or German.

Driving laws in Norway are strict, so make sure your licence is eligible.

If you settle down in Norway, consider exchanging the licence for a Norwegian one or passing local exams from scratch when the exchange is not possible.

To avoid missing any details about the licence, head here.

As an expat in Norway, you’ll also need to send money back home. For fast, cost-effective and convenient transfers from Norway, use Profee.

Gift for our readers: a promo code READPROMO for a 0% fee transfer. Use it until September 30th, 2025.

Speed limits in Norway

After dealing with the documentation, it’s time to check the speed limits in Norway. The default speed limits in Norway are 80 kilometres per hour in non-crowded areas and 50 kilometres per hour in town centres and other populated locations.

On motorways, the fastest you can drive is 110 kilometers per hour — speed limits in Norway are not for racers.

The speed limits in Norway differ for vehicle types. For instance, 80 km/h is a max for heavy vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes). So, even if you see a sign with the speed limits in Norway, it’s not always for you. Check the rules for your vehicle in advance to avoid being fined.

Traffic rules in Norway

Remembering all traffic rules in Norway may be tiring, but your safety, your family's, and many other people's lives depend on it. So, take your time and study it properly. The main traffic rules in Norway you must know are:

Lights

• If your lights are marked “E”/”e”, you’re good to go. If not, you must change it according to the traffic rules in Norway.
• Your low beams should always be on when driving in Norway, even during the day.
• Install as many full-beam headlights as you wish, but ensure they're symmetrical.
• Your car can only have two fog lamps and two parking lamps.

So, if you want to equip your car like a disco ball, it won’t be possible in Norway. They keep it simple and safe.

Roundabouts

Driving laws in Norway for roundabouts are straightforward—you have to make your behaviour there as understandable and comfortable for other drivers as possible.

• Take it slow. Follow the speed limits in Norway and don’t rush.
• Using the right exit? Then enter the right lane. The left exit? Then position yourself to the left.
• Respect those in the roundabout — give them a way and wait for the free spot to appear.
• Read the road signs in Norway.
• Indicate where you’re going — don’t confuse other motorists.

Public transport lanes

When driving in Norway, you’ll see some special roads for taxis and public transportation. Can others use it? The driving laws in Norway say yes, but not everyone.

• electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles
• motorcycles with two wheels without a sidecar
• mopeds with two wheels
• bicycles
• overt emergency response vehicles
• minibuses carrying out passenger transport that requires an operator’s licence
• minibuses (up to 16 people) carrying at least seven passengers in addition to the driver

You can use public transport lanes freely if you're driving one of these. Regular car owners' destiny is to use the basic lane and wait until the traffic ends. Even if switching to the public transportation lane may be tempting, don’t do it to avoid fines and penalties. Follow the traffic rules in Norway for clear skin and a happy life.

Giving way to buses and trams

One of the traffic rules in Norway states that buses and trams should go first, especially if the maximum speed allowed is 60 km/h.

The same is applied when you walk or cycle — buses and trams are like the kings of the local roads.

Forget about the alcohol

At least on the days when you drive. Driving laws in Norway are super strict with drinking — the legal alcohol limit is only 0,02%. It’s approximately a 125ml glass of wine (10% ABV) consumed by a 70 kg woman. To not risk it all, don’t drink before you use your car.

You can calculate the BAC level here.

Note that certain medications can also affect your BAC level; they are marked with red triangles.

Digital detox

There is kind of a mobile phone ban while driving in Norway. Holding devices in your hand is prohibited. You can touch the phone while answering or ending the call, not while the whole talk. Hands-free devices are OK, however, your main priority should be the road situation, not a chat with someone.

Extra reading: Budget planning for digital nomads.

FAQ — tips for driving in Norway

How strict is the speed limit in Norway?

It’s rigorous. Even the smallest violation can result in fines and penalties. So, don’t play in Formula 1 on the road — follow the road signs in Norway and keep everyone safe.

How much is the speeding fine in Norway?

Fines start at 1,200 NOK and can go up to 16,500 NOK. You'll also get the penalty points, or in some cases, they'll take away your licence. Each case is described here.

What are the penalty points in Norway?

Some offences lead to penalty points. If you get eight of them in three years, you won't have the right to drive for six months.

What is the speed limit on the E10 in Norway?

Generally, it's 80 km/h — but don’t be fooled by the scenic views! While the E10 takes you through breathtaking fjords and rugged mountains, it’s not a highway built for speeding. Always keep an eye out for local signs, especially in tunnels or winding stretches.

Are there speed cameras in Norway?

Yes, the country is well-equipped with cameras. So, driving in Norway is monitored.

What side of the road do you drive in Norway?

You drive on the right side according to the driving laws in Norway.

How can I send money from Norway?

To send money from Norway in minutes and without overpaying, use an online service Profee. Start today — register or download our app.