The Road Traffic Act – Overview
The most important provisions in the Road Traffic Act and what they mean for you as a driver.
What is the Road Traffic Act?
The Road Traffic Act is the central law that regulates all traffic on public roads in Norway. It sets rules for vehicles, drivers, pedestrians, and liability. Together with associated regulations, it forms the basis for everything you learn on the theory test.
Important Principles
| Principle | What it means |
|---|---|
| Duty of Care | You must travel considerately and carefully |
| Right of Way | You must yield to traffic from the right unless otherwise signposted |
| Speed Adaptation | Speed must be adapted to conditions, regardless of speed limits |
| Driver’s Responsibility | The driver is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is in a safe condition |
Duty of Care (§ 3)
Perhaps the most important provision in the law. It states that everyone must travel considerately, be attentive, and show caution so that no danger or damage occurs. This duty applies even if you technically have the right of way.
Important Sections to Know
- § 3 – General rule on care
- § 5 – Validity of signs and duty to follow them
- § 6 – Speed rules and adapted speed
- § 7 – Right of way at intersections
- § 22 – Blood alcohol limit and influence of drugs
- § 23 – Requirement to use seatbelt
- § 24 – Requirement for driving license and age limits
Regulations Related to the Law
The Road Traffic Act is supplemented by several regulations:
- Traffic Regulations – detailed driving rules and right of way
- Sign Regulations – the meaning of all traffic signs
- Vehicle Regulations – technical requirements for vehicles
- Driving License Regulations – requirements for Class B driving license
Penalties and Sanctions
Violations of the Road Traffic Act can lead to simplified fines, reports, or points. Serious violations result in stricter reactions through the points system . Driving over the blood alcohol limit is among the most serious offenses.
Further Reading
Read next
More in Class B course
Accidents involving vulnerable road users
Special procedures and considerations for accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.
Accidents, reporting and first aid
Checklist for safe handling of accidents and proper notification.
Adapted speed and hidden danger
What adjusted speed means in practice, and how you anticipate hazards you cannot see.
Age limits and practice driving
Everything about age limits for class B and what is required for private practice driving with a companion.