DRIVING IN NORWAY

Norway's dramatic fjorded and mountainous landscape is pierced by numerous road tunnels, and you will frequently encounter tolls (if not trolls, which are rarely a problem nowadays). The number of ferry crossings needed along the west coast can add considerably to journey times.

Mountain roads

Great care is needed on minor mountain roads, especially when there is a risk of snow or ice. In winter many highways are closed and the authorities concentrate on keeping a limited number of major routes free of snow. If in doubt, ask local advice before setting out and go well prepared with emergency clothing and provisions in case you run into trouble. Winter tyres are mandatory from November to April. Narrow roads have M0teplass or 'meeting points' at the side of the road; when the space is on your side you are obliged to stop and give way to oncoming traffic. Only experienced caravanners should tackle mountain roads, some of which are off-limits to caravans altogether.

Speed limits

Speed limits are low (even on motorways 90kph is the maximum allowed). This can make progress slow, but exceed the limits at your peril. They are strictly enforced and fines (or even jail sentences) are severe. The police can impose on-the-spot fines. Use dipped headlights day and night.

Parking

Parking laws should be taken seriously. Yellow parking meters allow stopping for up to one hour, grey meters for two hours and brown meters three hours.

Fuel

Fill up when you get the chance in remote areas. Filling stations may not accept credit cards, and LPG is not widely available.

Romantic journey

"Three weeks and 3500 miles in Scandinavia were a journey of mystery and romance. We passed beneath a waterfall on the Trolls Path', and descended the hairpins of the 'Eagles Road', the highest pass in Norway from which a cruise ship in the fjord below looked like a tiny toy." Fiona Haig

           

Speed limits	Urban	Open road	Motorway
Car	50 kph	80 kph	90 kph
Towing	50 kph	80 kph	80 kph
Traffic regulations
Essential equipment	Warning triangle
Minimum driving age	17 years
Drink-drive limit	20mg alcohol per 100ml blood
Child in front seat	Min 4 years unless using child restraint
Seat Belt	Compulsory in front and rear seats
Motorcyclists	Must wear crash helmet and use headlamp at all times
Emergency telephone numbers
Police	112
Fire	110
Ambulance	113

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad.

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