Prepare for winter in Norway

Prepare for winter in Norway, keeping in mind that it is the responsibility of the heavy vehicle driver to ensure the vehicle has proper traction on the road surface.

Norway is slowly preparing for winter. Along roads, streets, and sidewalks, you can already see tall stakes driven into the ground, so snowplows operators can see where the road boundaries are, when they become completely covered in snow.

Truck drivers should remember that in the northern districts of Norway, such as Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark, winter tires with a tread depth of at least 5 millimeters are required already from October 16 to April 30.

It’s important to note that proper tire markings and tread depth do not always guarantee sufficient traction when conditions are difficult. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry chains when traveling to northern regions of Norway during this period.

The general requirement for winter tires on vehicles with a total weight over 3,500 kg will be in force from November 1 to March 31.

The fine for driving with insufficient tread depth or without properly marked winter tires during the period when winter tires are mandatory are:

– NOK 1,000 per tire for vehicles with a total permissible weight of up to 7,500 kg.

– NOK 2,000 per tire for vehicles with a total permissible weight above 7,500 kg.

In the case of insufficient road traction, a driving ban may also be imposed, regardless of payment or reporting.

Please remember, that in Norway, if necessary to ensure proper traction, a vehicle must be equipped with winter tires with or without studs, or chains, even outside the specified periods. If snow or ice coverage is expected, chains must be carried at all times, regardless of the season.

source: https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/1990-01-25-92