Destinations / Norway
Driving in Norway as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Norway drives on the right with mandatory daytime headlights and one of Europe's strictest alcohol limits; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Norway expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in NOK. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on at all times, year-round. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.02% alcohol limit: near zero. |
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory in winter. |
| Tolls | Automatic AutoPASS toll roads. |
On the road in Norway
At the pump
Petrol (blyfri 95/98) and diesel are sold at mostly self-service stations; cards are universally accepted. Fuel is among the most expensive in Europe and stations are sparse in remote/mountain areas, so refuel early.
After a crash
Call 112 for police, 113 for ambulance, 110 for fire. Exchange details and complete the standard European accident report; police attendance is required for injuries or disputed/serious damage.
Sources: speedingeurope.com · nordicvisitor.com · lifeinnorway.net · visitnorway.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Norway?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Norway drives on the right with mandatory daytime headlights and one of Europe's strictest alcohol limits; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP.
Which translation format is used for Norway?
Norway uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Norway ask for a translation?
Oslo desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; many tolls are automatic.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Norway?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.