Norway Self-Drive

In Norway all cars are left hand drive and, as in the rest of Europe, you drive on the right. Driving on open, traffic-free roads amidst stunning scenery makes this a pleasure not a chore. However, narrow lane, undulating winding roads can make driving more challenging than back in the UK and extra care and attention is needed. Stay alert, slow down and stay in control - the three key elements of safe driving.

DRIVING LICENCE
You will need to be at least 21 years of age and have held a full English driving licence for at least one year. This is the requirement of our current rental supplier but rental companies do differ - please check this at the time of making the reservation.

CREDIT CARD
You will be required to present a valid credit card when you collect the vehicle as a guarantee to cover any additional expenses such as toll fees and fuel.

DRINKING & DRIVING
Please be aware that the Norway operates a 'zero tolerance' law against drinking and driving and this refers to driving a car or a snowmobile. If you intend to drive, please refrain from drinking alcohol beforehand – this includes any in-flight alcohol should you plan on driving on your first evening.

DRIVING & MOBILE PHONES
It is illegal to use hand-held mobile phones while driving. Those who do so face a large fine. Hands-free mobile phones may be used.

ACCIDENTS AND ANIMALS
Beware of deer, reindeer and moose as they can suddenly bolt across the road. Should you become involved in an accident, do not move the vehicle until the police have inspected the scene as the car rental and insurance companies will require a police report. The phone number for the emergency services is 112. 

HAZARDS
Although there are special warning signs to indicate hazards ahead, such as sharp bends, there is generally no separate sign to tell you to reduce speed. Common sense dictates that you should always slow down for bends in the road, especially when conditions are icy and avoid any sudden actions which may cause loss of control. It is advisable to break progressively on the straight before you reach a bend then steer smoothly around it. Please choose a safe speed according to the circumstances.

HEADLIGHTS
You are obliged by law to use your headlights at all times while driving, both day and night. On most vehicles rented in Nordic destinations, headlights come on automatically when the vehicle is started. Take extra care if your car lights do not switch off automatically when you turn off the engine so as not to drain the battery. And before setting off on a journey, ensure the headlights are free of snow.

WINDSCREENS
As with headlights, ensure all windows and wing mirrors are completely free of snow (and demisted) before setting off on your journey. It is also a requirement to make sure number plates are clearly visible.

SEAT BELTS
You are also obliged by law to use your safety belt and to make sure that your passengers use their belts including those in the back seat otherwise you may be fined.

SPEED LIMITS
The general speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, but in some areas it can be as low as 30 km/h (19 mph). On major roads it is 90 km/h (56 mph). Keep alert and always observe the speed limits as the Norwegian police are very keen to enforce them!

Speeding fines are high (around £400 - £1000+) and the police have the authority to confiscate your licence, should they consider the speed excessive.

Please be aware that stopping distances can be greatly increased in icy or snowy weather so keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

SKIDDING
A skid happens when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface. Skids can involve the front, rear, or all four wheels. Most skids result from driving too fast for road or traffic conditions. Sudden, hard braking, going too fast around a corner or accelerating too quickly can cause your vehicle to skid and even roll over.

Once in a skid steer in the direction of the skid - to do this, look where you want your vehicle to go and steer toward that spot but be careful not to over steer. If you are on ice and skidding in a straight line, step on the clutch or shift to neutral. Remember, it takes vehicles much longer to stop in winter weather conditions and when driving downhill.

OVERTAKING
Pay proper attention to your speed, the speed limit and any traffic signs, especially on roads where you are uncertain of conditions. You will need more room for overtaking on icy or snowy roads than dry roads and if in doubt, don’t overtake! If you are being overtaken, slow down and if appropriate, pull over temporarily.

BRIDGES
Especially in Norway, bridges are often single track and oncoming traffic may be hidden from view, so take extra care when approaching and crossing a bridge. Some bridges are controlled by traffic lights.

FUEL
(Approximate prices as of May 2011 – may fluctuate depending on area)
NOK 14.38/litre for unleaded and NOK 13.48/litre for diesel.
The vehicle will have a full tank of fuel on collection and it should be refilled prior to return. Refuelling charge is a standard fuel price, plus NOK 18 per litre of petrol or diesel.

WINTER TRAVEL
All vehicles have special winter tyres to cope with the demands of driving on snow and ice. While this undoubtedly makes things a lot safer, there is no substitute for driving at a sensible speed and taking particular care when overtaking.

When driving in the countryside, it is important to travel prepared with adequate winter clothing and footwear, and to check both the weather forecasts and the conditions of the roads you plan to travel on. Remember that drifting snow can close a clear road in a very short time. Information on road conditions can be obtained from the highway authority (Tel: 175 Norway).

ROAD CONDITIONS 
Additional things to remember when driving on snow and ice.

• Snow on a road may be hard-packed and slippery as ice
• It can also be rutted and full of hard tracks and bumps. Or it can be smooth and soft.
• Wet snow can make for slushy roads
• Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer
• Remember, look far ahead as you drive, so you can recognise hazards and have plenty of time to respond
• Adjust your driving to the road and weather conditions
• Slow down and avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel, sudden braking and accelerating which could cause a skid
• Be careful when approaching shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses, as these sections of road freeze much sooner in cold weather and stay frozen long after the sun has risen. 
• Watch out for frost, areas of the road that appear black and shiny, as they can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction
• Slow down, keep your foot off the brake, and be ready to shift to neutral or step on the clutch as your vehicle crosses these areas

PARKING
Parking restrictions are strict but clearly indicated. Paid parking is common during weekdays along city streets as well as in many parking lots. The most common system used in Norway is the automated parking meter (P-automat). To use this system, first park your car, get out and purchase a parking ticket from the nearest P-automat (a grey, rectangular machine which accepts 1, 5, 10 and 20 kroner coins), display the ticket on the dashboard. Parking garages (P-hus) are also common in cities, generally you take a ticket as you drive into the parking garage and pay at an automated machine or manned booth before you get in your car to drive out.

For General Rental Terms, click here »