Driving on a gravel road

Norway has a large number of gravel roads, especially in rural areas. Driving on gravel requires a different technique than asphalt because the surface provides less grip and longer braking distances.

Challenges on Gravel Roads

Speed Adjustment

• Maintain lower speed than the speed limit suggests if the surface is loose.
• Adjusted speed is legally required, and gravel necessitates a significant reduction.
• Avoid sudden steering movements that can trigger skidding.
• Brake gently and in good time; hard braking has little effect on loose gravel.

Dust and Visibility

When the car in front kicks up dust, visibility can drop to zero for several seconds.

• Increase distance to the car in front significantly.
• Turn on low beams so you are more visible.
• Wait to overtake until the dust cloud has settled and you have clear visibility.

Oncoming Traffic

• Reduce speed to walking pace when meeting another car to avoid stone chipping.
• Keep to the right and give way, especially on narrow gravel roads.
• Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists using gravel roads for walking or biking.

Braking Technique on Gravel

Braking distances on gravel are significantly longer than on asphalt. ABS may result in a longer stopping distance on loose surfaces because locked tires can dig in and stop faster. Read more in braking technique on different surfaces .

Further Reading

• Speed in curves
• Driving in mountainous terrain
• Types of tires and tire requirements
• Skid and correction