Driving in Norway

Driving on the right hand side of the road isn't the only difference you will find to driving in the UK. You will have to adjust to a lower speed limit which reflects the Norwegian way of life - delightfully relaxed. Not that you will have much problem adjusting to it. The roads as you might expect are windier and you will find yourself stopping frequently to admire the spectacular scenery (at lay-bys please!)  

Sheep and reindeer are omnipresent. You can always find them where the hot air exits from the mouth of the, largely unfinished, tunnels. They're in the shadows, waiting for unsuspecting foreign drivers. Try not to run them over, they cost an awful lot of money and you'll be scraping wool from your bumper for weeks. While you're at it, try not to drive into any elks, they're awfully big and they'll cost you your life.

But seriously, the Norwegian main roads are well maintained. Minor roads can be less so easy on the suspension, but then again they do have to contend with a lot of wear and tear. It is law that cars have to fitted with studded or special winter tyres and if you think that British roads are affected by frost, imagine what it can be like here. So please drive carefully and watch out for those potholes on the side roads.

Norway has very strict drink driving laws, only allowing 0.1milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood - stricter than the UK where the limit is 0.4, and the strictest in Europe. Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere.

Parking

Parking on main roads or on bends is not allowed. A sign that reads "All stans forbudt" means No stopping allowed. Parking metres are differentiated as follows: Yellow = one-hour, Grey = two-hour, Brown = three-hour. Parking regulations are strictly enforced.

Licences

Foreign licences are accepted for a duration of one year, after which a Norwegian licence must be obtained. If you are taking your own car, check with your insurance comany first.

Documentation

Always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, it's a good idea to carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive.

Fuel

Prices as per January 2005:
98 octane unleaded, NOK 10.28 per litre.
95 octane, NOK 9.93 per litre.
Diesel, NOK 9.06 per litre.

There is no leaded petrol (lead substitute petrol available as 98 octane). Petrol in cans is permitted but forbidden aboard ferries. Diesel is available but limited LPG availability. Payment cards (credit/charge/debit) is accepted at most filling stations but many automatic pumps only accept specified banknotes. Check with card issuer for usage in Norway before travel.

Winter Driving

Cars are fitted with the legally required winter tyres with metal studs between October and March. Snow chains are important if you are travelling in the country. The major roads are kept clear but don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. Where the wind blows across the carriageway drifts can quickly build up.

Tolls (Not Trolls!)

Tolls are often charged in Norwegian as a way of financing the construction of new roads and tunnels. Toll charges can range from 15 kr right up to 300 kr on some west coast routes. Toll stations are well organised with lanes for automatic payment or manned booths.

Caravans & Trailers

Cars towing a caravan or trailer are limited outside built-up areas to 80 kph (50 mph) if the towed vehicle has brakes, and to 60 kph (37 mph) if the towed vehicle does not have brakes.

Motorcycles

Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. Wearing of crash helmets compulsory for both driver and passenger.

Trams

Trams in Oslo should be passed on the right, but they may be passed on the left if there's no room on the right or if traveling on a one-way street. Trams always have priority.

Other Information

In mountainous areas, vehicles travelling downhill have priority; vehicles going up the hill must reverse into a passing bay if there's not enough room for two vehicles to pass. It is illegal to drive off-road.