Unroadworthy Cars on Norwegian Roads? Dramatic Inspection Results in 2025
More than half of all cars inspected on Norwegian roads in 2025 received written notices regarding defects. Statens vegvesen checked over 45,000 passenger cars and vans. The inspections were carried out directly on roads across the country.
“Our goal is to eliminate as many cars as possible that shouldn't be on the roads,” say representatives of Statens vegvesen.
Fot. Knut Opeide/Statens vegvesen
By the end of December 2025, nearly 46,000 light vehicles had been stopped for inspection. Around 8,000 of them were banned from further driving. Nearly 900 cases were referred to the police due to serious technical faults. Most drivers who were stopped received some form of response from the authorities.
Dramatic Condition of Vehicles in Norway
In total, nearly 28,000 vehicles received fines or so-called mangellapp (written notice of defects) in 2025. The most common issues were vehicle or trailer overloading. Improperly secured cargo was also a frequent problem. Inspectors regularly found lighting defects and worn tires without the required tread depth.
Statens vegvesen (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration) points out the increasing number of vehicles with LED lighting. These types of lights do not emit heat, so they do not melt snow and ice. In winter conditions, this can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other road users. The problem affects both cars and trailers.
Statens vegvesen (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration) points out the increasing number of vehicles with LED lighting. These types of lights do not emit heat, so they do not melt snow and ice. In winter conditions, this can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other road users. The problem affects both cars and trailers.
Worn tires and faulty lighting are common problems.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Physical Inspections Becoming Unnecessary
In addition to physical inspections, mass digital checks were also carried out. License plate scanners were used, which check the vehicle's basic data in a second.
The system verifies, among other things, the validity of the technical inspection, insurance, and whether the vehicle has been reported stolen. As a result, a significant number of vehicles were checked without stopping drivers on the road.
The system verifies, among other things, the validity of the technical inspection, insurance, and whether the vehicle has been reported stolen. As a result, a significant number of vehicles were checked without stopping drivers on the road.
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