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Car Hire in Norway: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Norwegian speed limits, AutoPASS tolls, vehicle ferries, winter tyres, mountain roads, tunnels, parking and the road rules that matter on a trip through Norway.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Norway combines modern motorways with narrow fjord roads, long tunnels, vehicle ferries and mountain routes that can experience rapidly changing weather. A few checks before departure can make the journey considerably easier.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electricity or another fuel.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Ask about AutoPASS: confirm how road tolls and any ferry charges will be billed by the rental provider.
  • Check the tyres: in colder months confirm that the car is equipped appropriately for the roads on your itinerary.
  • Mountain journey: check current road and weather conditions before leaving.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right in Norway and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

  • Keep right: return to the right after overtaking when it is safe to do so.
  • Visitors used to left-hand traffic: take extra care after turns and when leaving service areas.
  • Narrow roads: be prepared for oncoming vehicles where there is little room to pass.
  • Priority: unless signs indicate otherwise, be alert to traffic approaching from the right.
  • Pedestrian crossings: give way to pedestrians where required.

Speed limits in Norway

Where there is no sign showing another limit, Norway's general maximum speeds are:

  • Built-up areas: 50 km/h.
  • Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h.
  • Signed roads: limits of 30, 40, 60, 70, 90, 100 or 110 km/h can be used according to the road.

Always follow the posted speed-limit sign and reduce speed further when weather, visibility or road conditions require it.

Road conditions can require a much lower speed

The legal maximum can be inappropriate on an icy mountain road, narrow fjord route or during heavy rain or snow.

  • Reduce speed before bends and blind crests.
  • Allow substantially more stopping distance on snow and ice.
  • Slow down where strong winds affect exposed roads and bridges.
  • Watch for changing road conditions when moving between valleys, tunnels and mountain sections.
  • Speed cameras are widely used, so treat the posted limit as a genuine maximum.

Norwegian road tolls are automatic

Norway's road-toll system is known as AutoPASS. Toll stations are automated and there is normally no booth where you stop and pay.

  • The vehicle is identified by an AutoPASS tag or its registration number.
  • Toll charges vary by toll station and vehicle category.
  • Some toll schemes use different rates according to vehicle emissions or time of day.
  • With a Norwegian rental car, ask the rental provider exactly how toll crossings will be charged to you.
  • Do not open a separate toll account for a rental vehicle unless the rental provider tells you to do so.

Bringing your own foreign-registered car to Norway

Foreign-registered vehicles are also liable for Norwegian road tolls.

  • An AutoPASS agreement and toll tag can provide discounts.
  • A foreign vehicle can alternatively be registered with Epass24 without using an AutoPASS tag.
  • Registering vehicle and environmental information can help ensure that the correct toll category is applied.
  • If no payment arrangement is registered, toll passages can be invoiced to the registered vehicle owner.

Vehicle ferries are part of many Norwegian road journeys

Fjords and islands mean that vehicle ferries form part of the road network on many routes.

  • Some ferry connections charge a fare while some routes are free.
  • Most charged ferries participate in the AutoPASS for ferry system.
  • Vehicle registrations or AutoPASS tags are used on many ferry routes.
  • FerryPay provides card-based automatic payment on most ferries in the AutoPASS for ferry scheme.
  • With a rental car, check how ferry journeys are billed before setting up any separate payment arrangement.
  • Check current timetables because weather and seasonal schedules can affect services.

The car must have sufficient grip for winter conditions

Norwegian rules place responsibility on the driver to ensure that the vehicle has sufficient road grip for the conditions.

  • Summer tyres must not be used where winter road conditions make them unsuitable.
  • Winter tyres, chains or similar equipment must be used whenever needed to provide sufficient grip.
  • For ordinary passenger cars, the minimum winter tread depth is 3 mm.
  • The normal winter tread-depth period runs from 1 November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday.
  • In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, the winter tread-depth period runs from 16 October to 30 April.
  • Conditions, rather than the calendar alone, determine whether winter equipment is actually necessary.

Studded tyres have seasonal rules

Studded tyres are permitted during the normal winter period and outside it when weather and road conditions make them necessary.

  • In most of Norway the normal studded-tyre period begins 1 November and runs to the first Sunday after Easter Monday.
  • In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark the normal period is 16 October to 30 April.
  • If studded tyres are used on a passenger car, all wheels must be fitted with studded tyres.
  • Non-studded winter tyres can be used throughout the year.
  • Some cities charge an additional fee for driving with studded tyres.

Driving in Oslo

  • Oslo has automatic road-toll stations around and within the urban area.
  • Traffic can be busy during commuter periods.
  • Pay close attention to tram lines, cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Bus and public-transport lanes have their own access rules.
  • For central sightseeing, parking once and using public transport may be easier than repeatedly moving the car.

Oslo studded-tyre fee

Oslo charges a seasonal fee for vehicles driven within the city limits on studded tyres.

  • The fee applies only on days when the vehicle is driven with studded tyres in the charging area.
  • Payment is linked electronically to the vehicle registration.
  • Daily, monthly and seasonal payment options are available.
  • The dates and charges can change from season to season.
  • If your rental car has studded tyres, ask the rental provider whether the fee is already handled before paying separately.

Check mountain passes before departure

Mountain roads can be closed, restricted or operated with convoy driving during severe weather.

  • Check current road information before beginning a mountain crossing.
  • Conditions can change quickly because of snow, wind and poor visibility.
  • Some scenic mountain roads close for the winter season.
  • Do not assume that a route proposed by navigation software is currently open.
  • Carry warm clothing and basic supplies on longer winter journeys.

Fjord and rural roads can be very narrow

Some scenic Norwegian roads are significantly narrower than the country's main highways.

  • Reduce speed before blind bends.
  • Use marked passing places when necessary.
  • Do not park in a passing place.
  • Be prepared for buses, motorhomes and agricultural vehicles.
  • Avoid stopping in the carriageway simply to take photographs.

Norway has many long tunnels

  • Reduce speed appropriately before entering.
  • Make sure the correct lights are operating.
  • Be prepared for changes in visibility when entering and leaving a tunnel.
  • Some tunnels are long enough for conditions to feel very different from the road outside.
  • Follow lane-control and closure signs.

Use the correct lights

  • Daytime running lights or another permitted forward-lighting arrangement must be used.
  • Rear lights must be illuminated when conditions require them.
  • When entering a tunnel, make sure the rear lights are on.
  • Use appropriate lighting in darkness, rain, snow and poor visibility.

Watch for wildlife

Moose, reindeer, deer and other animals can enter roads, particularly in rural and northern areas.

  • Slow down where animal-warning signs are displayed.
  • Be especially alert around dawn, dusk and during darkness.
  • Do not swerve violently if doing so would create a greater risk.
  • If you collide with or find an injured large animal, contact the police and follow their instructions.

Parking rules are strictly enforced

  • Do not park on pavements, pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes, bus lanes or marked passing places.
  • Parking is prohibited less than five metres from a crossroads.
  • Follow local parking signs, supplementary plates and road markings carefully.
  • Park fully within marked spaces where bays are provided.
  • Serious or dangerous parking violations can result in the vehicle being towed.

Norway has a very low drink-driving limit

A driver is regarded as being under the influence when blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.2 promille, equivalent to 0.02%.

  • The limit is considerably lower than in many other countries.
  • Roadside alcohol enforcement is taken seriously.
  • Penalties can be severe.
  • Do not treat the statutory threshold as a safe drinking target.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is zero alcohol before driving.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not hold or operate a mobile phone while driving.
  • Set navigation before moving.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make substantial route changes.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Drivers and passengers must use seat belts where fitted.
  • The driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under 15 are properly secured.
  • Children under 135 cm must use an approved child restraint suitable for their height and weight.
  • Children between 135 and 150 cm should use an approved child restraint where one is available.
  • Arrange the appropriate seat when booking the rental vehicle.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

The rules depend on where your driving licence was issued.

  • EU and EEA licences: a valid licence from another EU or EEA country can be used in Norway.
  • Irish licence: a valid Irish driving licence can be used in Norway.
  • Non-EU/EEA visitors: a valid foreign licence can generally be used for a limited period, but an International Driving Permit may be required in some circumstances.
  • An IDP can be required, for example, if the original licence does not contain a photograph or uses a non-Latin alphabet.
  • Rental companies can impose additional minimum-age, licence-holding and documentation requirements.

Check the rental terms before leaving Norway

Norway shares long land borders with Sweden and Finland, but a rental company's cross-border conditions still need to be checked.

  • Confirm that every country on your itinerary is permitted.
  • Check whether a cross-border fee or notification applies.
  • Confirm that insurance and roadside assistance remain valid.
  • Winter-equipment, toll and parking rules differ between countries.
  • Keep any rental-company authorisation required for international travel.

Norwegian trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Western fjords

A car gives flexibility for fjord viewpoints, mountain roads, waterfalls, villages and ferry crossings around regions such as Hardanger and Sognefjord.

Lofoten

Driving provides flexibility for beaches, fishing villages and scenic stops spread across the islands.

Atlantic Road and western coast

A rental car makes it easy to combine bridges, islands, coastal towns and ferry connections along the western coastline.

Norwegian Scenic Routes

Norway has specially designated scenic drives through mountain, coastal and fjord landscapes, although some sections are seasonal.

Northern Norway

A car can be particularly useful where settlements and attractions are widely separated, but winter weather, wildlife and long distances require careful planning.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
  • Call the appropriate emergency service where necessary.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant driver, vehicle and insurance information.
  • Photograph the scene where it is safe to do so.
  • Follow the rental company's accident-reporting procedure.

Emergency numbers in Norway

  • Fire and rescue: 110
  • Police: 112
  • Medical emergency / ambulance: 113
  • Road traffic information: 175

For an ordinary rental-car breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service specified in the rental agreement.

Check live road information before longer journeys

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration provides current traffic information for road closures, weather-exposed roads, mountain passes, bridges and tunnels.

  • The official Vegvesen trafikk service provides live road information.
  • Mountain-pass status can be checked before departure.
  • Webcams can help you assess current conditions.
  • Road information in English is available by calling 175 within Norway.
  • From abroad, the traffic-information number is +47 22 175 175.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact branch or airport return location.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel or charging receipt if required.
  • Allow extra time if the route includes a ferry crossing.
  • Confirm how AutoPASS road-toll and ferry charges will be billed.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel or battery level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Norway

Which side of the road do you drive on in Norway?

Traffic drives on the right and vehicles normally overtake on the left.

What are the speed limits in Norway?

Where no different limit is signed, the general maximum is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside built-up areas. Many roads have different posted limits, including higher limits on some motorways. Always follow the road signs.

How do toll roads work in Norway?

Norwegian toll stations are automated. A vehicle's AutoPASS tag or registration number is recorded without stopping at a toll booth. With a hire car, ask the rental provider how toll charges will be billed.

Do I need winter tyres in Norway?

The vehicle must always have sufficient road grip for the conditions. Summer tyres must not be used on winter roads. Winter tyres, chains or similar equipment must be used whenever necessary, and passenger-car tyres require at least 3 mm tread during the winter period.

Can I drive in Norway with an Irish driving licence?

Yes. A valid Irish driving licence is an EU/EEA licence and can be used in Norway, subject to its normal validity and vehicle category conditions.

What emergency numbers should I use in Norway?

Call 110 for fire and rescue, 112 for police and 113 for a medical emergency or ambulance.

Official and reliable driving information for Norway

Road conditions, toll charges, ferry arrangements and winter restrictions can change. The links below were opened and checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.