Winter in Norway Means One Thing: Police Will Check If You Have Good Tires
Although autumn weather is still quite mild in many regions of Norway, resulting in favorable road conditions, authorities recommend staying alert and considering changing your tires in advance. What are the tire regulations in the land of the fjords?
In Norway, tires must be suited to the road conditions. /illustrative photo
stock.adobe.com/standardowa/blacksalmon
The main principle that should guide car drivers in Norway is to adapt their vehicle to the prevailing conditions. The transitional period between autumn and winter can be deceptive. Even when temperatures are still above freezing, roads can already be slippery.
The absence of winter on the calendar in many parts of the country does not necessarily mean there is no snow. If forecasts indicate upcoming snowfall or frost, it is advisable to switch to winter tires.
The absence of winter on the calendar in many parts of the country does not necessarily mean there is no snow. If forecasts indicate upcoming snowfall or frost, it is advisable to switch to winter tires.
Safety First
Drivers should prioritize the safety of themselves and other road users. In many cases, regular winter tires do not provide adequate grip and can lead to getting stuck on icy roads or even cause accidents. That’s why, in Norway, studded tires (piggdekk) are permitted during specific periods. Chains can also be used on wheels.
Studded tires are not welcome everywhere in the country, so you have to pay to use them. /illustrative photoPhoto: stock.adobe.com/standard/alfa27
Change as Early as October
Residents of the northernmost counties—Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark—can use studded tires from October 16 to April 30. In the rest of the country, they are allowed from November 1 to the first Monday after the second day of Easter. Non-studded tires, however, can generally be used year-round.
It is important that tires are in good condition and suited to the vehicle and road, regardless of the season. The tread depth must be at least 3 millimeters, regardless of the type of tires fitted to the car, and studs are only allowed in winter tires. If you are driving with a trailer, the tread depth of the trailer tires must match that of the vehicle.
It is important that tires are in good condition and suited to the vehicle and road, regardless of the season. The tread depth must be at least 3 millimeters, regardless of the type of tires fitted to the car, and studs are only allowed in winter tires. If you are driving with a trailer, the tread depth of the trailer tires must match that of the vehicle.
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