Norway has some of the most scenic routes for road trips, especially around Kristiansand. As with any country, before taking a journey through a new region, it’s essential to become familiar with the road rules and regulations, traffic patterns, and signs.

Claiming ignorance is not acceptable when the laws are not followed. It’s your responsibility to learn.

The “Norwegian Public Roads Administration” or “Statens Vegvesen’ is the entity responsible for anything to do with driving in the country. For full details of the road rules pertaining to taking a road trip, Leiebil I Kristiansand, you can find them with this organization, plus we’ll go over a summarized version.

Driving Rules in Norway For A Leiebil Kristiansand

Driving along the longest country in Europe is one of the most scenic, especially going through Kristiansand. The views are breathtaking. There’s no better way to take in the sights than by road trip.

But there are specific road rules as there are with every country intended to keep everyone safe and secure. The roadways and streets are well maintained, and the traffic is not bad in the country.

Driving is not a significant challenge. It’s relatively easy. Still, the guidelines are expected to be followed. Go here for guidance on driving in Kristiansand. Let’s look at a few of these.

●      Is your driving license valid in Norway

That depends on the country where the license was issued. Any countries in the EEA European Economic Area and EU have a “mutual recognition agreement,” meaning you can legally drive in Norway if you have a valid driving license from one of these nations.

For licenses for heavy vehicles, the agreement is only valid for five years from the date you become a Norway resident. These nations can switch their license for a Norway option as long as residence was obtained after the license issuance.

For any other citizens just visiting the country, a foreign-issued license is valid for as long as three months if the license remains valid in the country issuing. But things change if you become a Norway resident.

When registering as a resident, this license will be suitable for up to three months, but then this license is not usable in Norway regardless of its validity. Citizens of countries including the USA need to pass a practical driving test to switch to a Norway license within a year of taking residency.

●      Before driving

Some facts to learn before driving in Kristiansand or Norway for a road trip in a hired car:

1. Drivers need to be 18 years old to drive a vehicle and no less than 16 to drive a tractor or moped. The country has unique regulations/tests for large auto and motorcycles.
2. It is compulsory to have third–party insurance.
3. A red warning triangle is compulsory plus no less than one fluorescent, yellow vest in the auto in case of a breakdown.

●      Winter driving

When visiting, if you’re new to driving a car, hire in the ice and snow; it’s vital to be careful until you become comfortable in the weather. Winter in the country can be exceptionally hazardous, particularly in mountain areas, especially in low-light conditions. It may be beneficial to take part in some winter driving classes before the trip to become adjusted.

The rules dictate a summer tire with a “1.6 mm tread” and winter tires with “3 mm.” Most drivers change out their tires twice each year. When renting your car, you’ll want to make sure the tread is appropriate for the time of year and prepared for bad weather.

Chinese or studs on tires can officially be placed on November 1 and remain in place until the “second Monday after Easter Sunday.”

 Rules Of The Roadway

Some of the critical rules of Norway’s roadway are important to become familiar with if you’re renting a car to drive through Kristiansand to see its lovely sights and experience all it has to offer. You don’t want to break the rules or be non-compliant because you will have to answer for that despite your status as a foreigner.

1. Drivers should always drive on the right.
2. Wearing a seat belt is compulsory.
3. Regardless of the time of year or day, headlights need to be turned on when the car is in motion.
4. Unless there’s a sign indicating otherwise, autos approaching from the right to an intersection have them right away.
5. Trams have the right of way always. These are to be passed on the right.
6. Pedestrians will always have the right of way where there are marked crossings.
7. No mobile phone use while the auto is in motion.

All speed limit signs you come across will be in kilometers per hour unless a posting says otherwise. The following are the speeds currently unless there are postings indicating something different:

1. 30 kph residential areas
2. 90 kph highways
3. 50 kph built-up areas
4. 80 kph rural roads

●      Drinking and driving laws

The simple rule in Norway is to avoid drinking any alcohol if you’ll be driving, thus their low legal limit of 20 milligrams of alcohol against 200 milliliters of blood. It’s vital to pay attention to meds that create a failed breathalyzer. These are marked with a red triangle.

●      Road tolls

The roadways are incredibly maintained in the country. The tunnels, bridges, and new highways across the expanse of Norway are often funded by tolls. In contrast to other countries, Norway only keeps the toll in place until the construction has been paid. Some cities like Trondheim and Oslo will charge varying fees for entry.

●      Electric cars

There is a propensity for electric car use throughout the country of Norway. They have more electric cars driving on their roadways than any other country. If you’re visiting and choose to hire a car, it’s the ideal opportunity to test one if you’ve never had the chance.

More accommodations are being outfitted for charging stations, and parking facilities make spaces specific for these cars.

●      Car safety

A road trip throughout Kristiansand is an ideal way to see the signs and travel on to see more of the scenic beauty of Norway from that point on your own schedule and at a leisurely, relaxed pace.

The driving conditions are not always pleasant. They present as harsh sometimes; that’s usually during the winter months and especially in the mountain regions or on more minor roadways.

If you’re on a road trip, make sure to keep warm clothing in the car with you, along with water and a food supply. Fuel stations will be challenging to find in remote areas, especially in the Northern part of the country, so make sure your car is always fueled up.

When renting the auto, ensure that the car has been inspected thoroughly to rule out any mechanical issues, so there’s no opportunity for you to become stranded in these conditions. Also, ensure you have appropriate tread on the tires and chains or studs.

●      Mountain passes

Whether summer or winter, the weather can become inclement in the mountain areas. With the weather being bad, mountain passes can become impassable and close, especially if there’s heavy snow and stronger wind conditions.

Some of the higher passes will see this kind of weather even with summer conditions in the lower regions. That is especially true in the months of September and October as well as April and May. Check the mountain conditions before making a trip to those areas, whether it’s summer or not.

●      Road Signs

It’s beneficial to become familiar with the road signs in Norway to be able to follow the flow of traffic comfortably. The “Public Roads Administration regulates these.” They basically follow the European guidelines as far as color and shape, with the significant difference being Norwegian text. An overview of these signs can be found online.

Final Thought

Deciding to road trip in a car rental in Kristiansand is the ideal way to maneuver through the country to check out the fantastic sites and experience what Norway offers. It doesn’t matter what time of year you go; it’s equally beautiful. The issue in the winter is the hazardous driving conditions.

If you’re comfortable driving in inclement weather, you might be okay. The recommendation is to take a refresher driving course before setting out on the trip because these conditions are unlike most.

When renting your car, make sure your tires are adequate for the weather with the appropriate tread and chains if it’s that time of year. Don’t travel into the mountains in the bad weather.

Those exceptionally high up will likely be closed. But do enjoy all that the Norwegian natural wonder has to offer. It’s majestic in its splendor, and no one should miss that.