Driving in Norway — Guide for French Drivers

French drivers will find some familiar territory in Norway — both countries use the priorité à droite (right-hand rule), drive on the right, and use kilometres. But Norway is stricter in several important areas, particularly alcohol limits and speeding fines.

Speed limits

The urban and rural limits are similar, but Norway’s motorway maximum is 20 km/h lower than France’s. On wet roads, the gap narrows — France drops to 110, Norway stays at 110 maximum.

Alcohol

France’s general BAC limit is 0.5‰, with 0.2‰ for new drivers (less than 3 years). Norway applies 0.2‰ to everyone — experienced or new. If you’re used to having a glass of wine with lunch before driving in France, don’t do it in Norway.

Your French licence

As an EU licence holder, your French licence is valid indefinitely in Norway — even if you become a resident. No exchange required.

Key differences

• Fines are much higher — a speeding ticket that costs €90 in France can cost NOK 5,000+ in Norway
• Headlights always on — unlike France where they’re only required at night
• No autoroute-style driving — the fastest you’ll go is 110 km/h
• Tolls are electronic — no péage booths, just automatic cameras