Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Road conditions in Norway can differ significantly from those in the United States. Public transportation in Norway is generally safe, and the maintenance and condition of urban roads is generally good. Rural road conditions are fair and the availability of roadside assistance is limited. Roadside assistance is mainly provided by two service providers in Norway, Viking (phone number +47 06000) and Falck (phone number +47 02222). Both service providers operate with 24/7 duty phones. Most roadways beyond the city limits of Oslo and other major cities tend to be simple two-lane roads. In mountainous areas of Norway, the roads tend to be narrow and winding, and have many tunnels. The northerly latitude can cause road conditions to vary greatly, depending on weather and time of year. Extreme weather, floods, and landslides can occur. This can disrupt rail as well as road travel. The Norwegian Government’s Crisis Information website provides information and advice to the public before, during and after a crisis. Many mountain roads are closed due to snow from late fall to late spring. The use of winter tires is mandatory on all motor vehicles from November to April.

Norwegian law requires that drivers always use headlights when driving. Norwegian law also requires drivers to yield to vehicles coming from the right. In some, but not all, instances, major roads with “right of way” are marked. Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers. It is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving; violators risk a fine of 1,300 kroner (approximately $215).

Norway has some of Europe’s strictest laws on driving under the influence of alcohol; they prescribe heavy penalties for drivers convicted of having very low blood-alcohol levels. Frequent road checks with mandatory breathalyzer tests and the promise of stiff jail sentences encourage alcohol-free driving. The maximum legal blood alcohol content level for driving a car in Norway is .02 percent. 

Automatic cameras placed by the police along roadways help to maintain speed limits, which are often lower than in other European countries. Fines—and sometimes even jail time—are imposed for violations.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. For specific information concerning Norwegian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, contact the Norwegian Tourist Board office at P.O. Box 4649, Grand Central Station, New York, New York 10163-4649, tel.: 212-885-9700; fax: 212-885-9710.

TRAVEL BY SEA: Extreme weather can cause delays and/or alternative routes. For information about safety on water, visit the Official Travel Guide to Norway.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority is in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Norway’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.