Road types and road classes

The Norwegian road network is divided into different road classes based on who owns the road and what function it serves. The road class affects speed limit, standard, and design.

Road Classes in Norway

European Roads

European roads are the main arteries in Norway and connect regions and neighboring countries. The E6 runs from Svinesund in the south to Kirkenes in the north and is Norway’s longest road.- European roads often have high standards with a central divider, guardrails, and good lighting.

• Many stretches are built as motorways with a speed limit of 100–110 km/h.
• Read more about rules for motorway driving in driving on motorways .

National and county roads

National roads are state roads that are not European roads, while county roads are owned by the county municipality. Many county roads have a lower standard with narrower lanes and no road shoulders.

• On narrow county roads, it may be necessary to use meeting places.
• Missing edge line on narrow roads requires extra attention.
• The speed limit varies and is not always signposted – then 80 km/h outside built-up areas applies.

Municipal roads

Municipal roads are local streets and residential roads. They often have:- Low speed limit, typically 30 or 50 km/h

• [Traffic calming measures] such as humps and narrowings
• Many vulnerable road users and intersections
• Limited or no road lighting in outlying areas

Private roads

Private roads are not publicly maintained. You may have limited right to drive on private roads. Right-of-way rules still apply.

Motorways and expressways

Motorways and expressways are separate types of roads regardless of road class. A European route may be a motorway, but it does not have to be.

• Motorway: At least two lanes in each direction, physical median, no at-grade intersections.
• Expressway: Can have one lane in each direction, but has limited access.
• Both prohibit pedestrians, cyclists, and slow-moving vehicles.

Common traps

• Think that all European roads are motorways – many E-roads have only one lane in each direction.
• Forget that the speed limit outside built-up areas is 80 km/h unless otherwise posted.
• Confuse road class with road type (a motorway is a type, not a class).

Further reading

• Read about driving on motorways for specific motorway rules.
• See speed zones and zone signs for speed limits in zones.
• Understand guardrails and safety zones for safety along different roads.
• Read about road lighting and use of reflectors for visibility on different road types.
• See driving in built-up areas for rules on municipal roads.