The Motor Traffic Act

What is the Motorized Traffic Act?

The Motorized Traffic Act regulates all use of motor vehicles, including snowmobiles, in outlying areas and waterways in Norway. The main principle of the law is that motorized traffic in outlying areas is prohibited unless there is a legal basis.

Main rule: prohibition

Exceptions to the prohibition

Some purposes are directly exempted from the prohibition without needing a dispensation:- Police, ambulance, and rescue services

• Armed Forces exercises and missions
• Necessary transport in agriculture and forestry
• Reindeer herding according to the Reindeer Husbandry Act
• Grooming and preparing of ski trails

Exemption from the municipality

For other purposes, the municipality can grant exemptions upon application. Common reasons are transport to cabins without road access, transport of disabled persons, and firewood hauling. The exemption grants permission for a specific route and time period, and you are obliged to follow the conditions precisely.

Municipal snowmobile trails

The municipality can establish recreational trails for snowmobiles through a separate planning process. In these trails, it is allowed to drive without an exemption. The trails have their own speed limits and rules that you must follow. Read more about driving in trails for detailed rules.

Consequences of violations

Driving in violation of the Motor Traffic Act may result in:- Fines from the police

• Revocation of the driver’s license
• Seizure of the snowmobile in serious cases
• Liability for damage to nature and property

Prepare for the test with the free theory test and check your knowledge of the Motor Traffic Act regulations.

Further reading

• Read about snowmobiles and nature for consideration of wildlife and vegetation.
• See snowmobile driver’s license class S for training requirements.