The Speed Limits in Norway: A Guide to NOT Ruining Your Motorhome Road Trip

Norway is one of the best destinations for a motorhome road trip. With our breathtaking landscapes and a legion of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and activities, it promises to be a vacay you’ll never forget. But there is a very quick and easy way to ruin your road trip adventure, and that’s by not adhering to our rules of the road, starting with the basics, such as the speed limits in Norway.

We, Norwegians, do not look kindly on those visiting our country only to jeopardize the safety of others, our wildlife, and our environment, so the penalties for transgressions can be quite severe.

You will no longer be facing a “trial by ordeal” such as handling hot iron (a common punishment for offences in the Middle Ages, but you might get such a hefty fine that your vacay budget will be completely blown. So, if you’d like to stay on the right side of the law throughout your trip, read on.

The Speed Limits by Road

The speed limits in Norway are pretty simple and are usually clearly marked by signs along the way. You can expect the following:

• 30km/h in residential areas (around houses and schools where there may be young children)

• 50 km/h in urban areas (aka cities and towns)

• 60 km/h in spots where there’s construction, or you’re nearing a bridge or tunnel

• 80 km/h on rural roads (when driving in the countryside)

• 70-90 km/h on two-lane highways

• 100-110 km/h on motorways (such as the E6 or E18)

What can make driving in Norway a little tricky is the fact that our speed limits can often change suddenly. So, you might’ve just come from an area with an 80 km/h speed limit, barely entered a 100 km/h zone, and then suddenly brake at 60 km/h as you approach a construction zone. This means that you always need to stay alert and drive responsibly.

And, sometimes, the speed limit is not what’s going to keep you and others safe. Consider the weather (for example, icy roads require a snail’s pace), and your motorhome is not going to be cruising smoothly on a rough-and-tough gravel road you’re trying to drive at 80 km/h.

Sidenote: as an additional bonus, keeping a safe, slower, and consistent pace without constantly having to brake will save gas, stretching your fuel budget. 

Speed Limits in Bad Weather

As we already mentioned, there are other factors that will (or, at least, should) influence your driving speed. While there are no mandatory or legal speed limits for bad weather, you need to adjust your speed according to the situation and common sense. These can include the following:

• Rain, decreasing visibility, and making roads slippery.

• Sleet/snow, decreasing visibility, and making roads slippery. With snow, there’s also the possibility of getting stuck if the snowfall’s been extensive.

• Fog, decreasing visibility.

• Winter conditions in general. Our winter season is synonymous with black ice (ice patches on the road nearly impossible to see with the naked eye), and you’ll need to ensure that your motorhome has the legally required winter tires on to combat both our winter weather and road conditions. Winter tires are mandatory from November to April each year. 

Repercussions for Breaking Rules and Ignoring Speed Limits in Norway

As we already mentioned, breaking the rules and ignoring the speed limits may lead to such hefty penalties that you’d want to phone your mom and cry (or the bank, depending on the fine amount). When it comes to speed limit transgressions, the penalties are usually calculated based on a scale:

• 1-5 km over the speed limit = +/- 1200 NOK ($119/€102)

• 6-10 km over the speed limit = +/- 3250 NOK ($322/€276)

• 11-15 km over the speed limit = +/- 3800 NOK ($376/€322)

• 16-20 km over the speed limit = +/- 5500 NOK ($544/€466)

• 21-25 km over the speed limit = +/- 6400 NOK ($633/€542)

• 26-30 km/h over the speed limit = +/- 8500 NOK ($840/€720)

• 30+ km/h over the speed limit = +/- 10 000+ NOK ($989+/€847)

*The above-mentioned scale is subject to change in accordance with the specific speed limit you’ve not adhered to, as well as the type of road you’re traveling on.  For more detailed information, please visit the trafikksiden website.

A Few Motorhome Specific Speed Limit Tips

If this will be your first time traveling with a motorhome, the following tips and advice can be very helpful:

• Sticking to speed limits and even slowing down more significantly on bends, especially on our winding, narrow mountain roads, is crucial when driving in a motorhome. Otherwise, you might just find out the hard way that motorhomes don’t have wings.

• Be extra cautious when overtaking other vehicles. Motorhomes are houses on wheels, and you simply can’t expect them to be as maneuverable and fast as your tiny car you’re used to zipping around in the city with.

• In Norway, there’s no dodging our road rules. You may think there’s no one around to catch you, but we’ve got very strategically placed cameras all over the place. So, don’t take any chances; you’re going to regret it later.

• Irrespective of the speed limit, always ensure you keep a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially if there is bad weather or road conditions. This will allow a motorhome (which is bigger and heavier than a standard vehicle) enough room to come to a complete stop without further incident if you suddenly have to brake.

• If you’re also towing a trailer along with your motorhome, it’s important to remember that a trailer doesn’t have brakes. So, if you hit the brakes of the motorhome, it doesn’t automatically translate to the trailer as well, and could cause another problem. It’s recommended to drive no more than 60 km/h whenever you’re towing something so that the speed and any incidents are manageable. 

Why Sticking to the Speed Limit in Norway Matters

There are many reasons why sticking to the speed limit in Norway matters while on your road trip through the country:

• You keep yourself and others safe on our roads.

• You don’t destroy our breathtaking landscapes and ecosystems.

• You get to enjoy our incredible country stress-free without the realization that you will have to live off of beans for a month (our hefty fines will do that to you).

• You can enjoy a memorable trip and have enough money on your trip to bring back all sorts of interesting souvenirs that don’t include a fine.

So, if you’re ready to traverse our beautiful country in a safe and responsible way, cruise along our breathtaking fjords, and experience all the hidden gems and natural wonders along the way, reach out to us to book your motorhome in Norway today for the guaranteed adventure of a lifetime!