Road signs in Norway
Road signs in Norway are regulated by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Statens vegvesen.
Signs follow the general European conventions concerning the use of shape and colour to indicate function. Any text included on supplementary signs will normally be in Norwegian, but may in some cases be bi- or trilingual. In Northern parts of Norway, municipal and informative signs may be printed in both Norwegian and Sami. Close to the Finnish border and in municipalities with significant Norwegian Finnish population signs and village names are also shown in Finnish. In areas close to the Russian border, signs may be written in both the Latin and Cyrillic scripts.
No more than three signs (road number indications excepted) may be mounted on any one pole, with the most important sign appearing at the top. As is customary in European countries, all signs are partly or fully reflectorized or are provided with their own night-time illumination.
The current set of designs were introduced through a reform that went into effect 1 June 2006, replacing the old set from 1967. As the law outlining this reform was published 7 October 2005, some signs were already replaced before the law went into effect. The most notable change was the removal of hats and hair on the stickmen making them gender-neutral, but many signs were redesigned or introduced for the first time, as noted below.[1][2][3]
Contents
Hazard warning signs[edit]
Warning signs are mostly triangular, with black symbols on a white background with a red border. Warning signs that are used only temporarily have a yellow background. On Svalbard, a unique warning sign with a black background and white symbol is used for polar bears.
Dangerous curve
Right.
Dangerous curve
Left.
Dangerous curves
First to the right.
Dangerous curves
First to the left.
Steep hill
Upwards.
Steep hill
Downwards.
Road narrows
On both sides.
Road narrows
On right side.
Road narrows
On left side.
Uneven road
Speed bump[N 1]
Loose chippings
Landslides
Warns that rocks, soil or snow may slide onto the road, but also that chunks may be present from previous landslides.
Landslides
Slippery road
Road is known to be especially slippery under special conditions, like rainfall.
Dangerous shoulder[N 1]
Opening or swing bridge
Quayside or river bank
Tunnel[N 2]
Crossroads
Warns about dangerous crossroads which have normal rules for traffic priority.
Roundabout
Traffic signals
Level crossing with a gate or barrier
Level crossing without a gate or barrier[N 2]
Countdown marker
These signs may be used to represent the distance to a level crossing in three equal parts. Closest to the crossing.
Countdown marker
Between other countdown markers.
Countdown marker
Furthest from the crossing.
Level crossing
Single track: Placed at the crossing.
Level crossing
Multiple tracks: Placed at the crossing.
Tramway[N 1]
Distance to pedestrian crossing[N 2]
Distance represented with supplementary sign
Children[N 2]
Warns that children often traverse or walk on the roads due to a nearby school, child-care center, playground or similar.
Cyclist[N 2]
Warns that cyclists often traverse or travel on the roads.
Moose
Warns that moose often traverse or travel on the roads.
Reindeer
Warns that reindeer often traverse or travel on the roads.
Deer
Warns that deer often traverse or travel on the roads.
Cattle
Warns that cattle often traverse or travel on the roads.
Sheep
Warns that sheep often traverse or travel on the roads.
Two-way traffic
Warning of two-way traffic on the road ahead
Traffic queues likely[N 1]
Low-flying aircraft[N 2]
Crosswinds
Traffic accident[N 4]
Skiers[N 2]
Warns that skiers often traverse or travel on the roads.
Riders[N 2]
Warns that riders often traverse or travel on the roads.
Other danger
Details are written on a supplementary sign.
(1) Polar bear
(2) Snowmobiles
(1) Warns that polar bears may be present.
(2) Warns that people on snowmobiles may traverse the roads.
Give way and Priority signs[edit]
Stop
It is mandatory to stop completely as close to the stop line or the crossing road as possible before continuing.
Priority road
Priority at all following crossroads up to an end of priority road, give way or stop sign.
End of priority road
Priority crossroads
Warns about dangerous crossroads where the road this sign is placed on has priority. Crossing roads have give way or stop signs.
Give way for oncoming traffic
Priority over oncoming traffic
Prohibitory signs[edit]
Restrictive signs are mostly circular, with black symbols on a white background with a red border. The exceptions are zone signs which are rectangular, and no parking signs which use a red symbol on a blue background. These signs are valid from where they stand and for the entirety of the road until it is ended by another sign, or until the next crossroads depending on the specific sign.
No entry
Road closed to all traffic
No motor vehicles[N 2]
No tractors or motor vehicles slower than 40 km/h[N 2]
No motor cycles or mopeds[N 2]
No lorries
No cyclists[N 2]
No pedestrians[N 2]
No pedestrians or cyclists[N 2]
No riders[N 2]
No transport of dangerous goods[N 1]
Total weight limit[N 1]
Restriction is for motor vehicles with more than two wheels and an allowed total weight limit above the given weight limit.
Width limit
Restriction is for a vehicle including all of its goods.
Height limit
Restriction is for a vehicle including all of its goods.
Length limit
Restriction is for a vehicle including all of its goods.
Weight limit for vehicles
Restriction is for each vehicle in the case of a lorry.
Weight limit for lorries
Restriction is for the combined weight in the case of a lorry, though no single vehicle is permitted above the limit either.
Bogie weight limit
Stop for control
Vehicle is not permitted to continue until the action described is done.
Stop for tax
Vehicle is not permitted to continue until the action described is done.
Stop for customs
Vehicle is not permitted to continue until the action described is done.
No right turn
For the next intersection unless otherwise stated with a supplementary sign.
No left turn
For the next intersection unless otherwise stated with a supplementary sign.
No U-turn
Until and including the next crossroads.
No overtaking
Restriction is for overtaking motor vehicles with more than two wheels. Overtaking on the right side is permitted by normal traffic rules.
No overtaking for lorries[N 1]
Restriction is for lorries with a total weight above 3.500 kg overtaking motor vehicles with more than two wheels. Overtaking on the right side is permitted by normal traffic rules.
End of no overtaking
End of no overtaking for lorries[N 1]
Speed limit
Speed limit of given km/h until new speed limit, end of speed limit, speed limit zone or any pedestrian precinct sign
End of speed limit
This means a speed limit of 50 km/h in populated areas and 80 km/h in rural areas.
Speed limit zone
Speed limit of given km/h until end of speed limit, end of speed limit zone or any pedestrian precinct sign
End of speed limit zone
No stopping
No stops until the next crossing road or until another sign ends it.
No parking
No parking on the side of the road where the sign is until the next crossing road or until another sign ends it.
Parking zone
Parking permitted until end of parking zone sign. Often with supplementary text about when the sign is valid.
No parking zone
No parking permitted until end of parking zone sign. Often with supplementary text about when the sign is valid.
End of parking zone
End of no parking zone
Mandatory signs[edit]
Mandatory signs are all circular like the restrictive signs, but feature white symbols on a blue background.
Proceed right
Proceed left
Proceed straight
Turn right
Turn left
Drive straight or turn right
Drive straight or turn left
Turn right or left
Pass on right
Pass on left
Roundabout[N 2]
Informative signs[edit]
Motorway
Speed limit is 80 km/h unless another limit is set, which it normally is. 110 km/h is the highest limit found, and is set on the highest standard motorways. Lower limits may be set on lower standard or busier roads.
Motor traffic way
Speed limit is 80 km/h unless another limit is specifically set. Some are signposted to 90 km/h.
End of motorway
End of motor traffic way
Bus lane
Bus and taxi lane
End of bus lane
End of bus and taxi lane
End of car-pool lane[N 1]
Bus stop
Tram stop[N 1]
Taxi stop
Pedestrian crossing[N 2]
Pedestrian crossing[N 2]
Cycle lane (Edge)[N 1]
Cycle lane (Centered)[N 4]
Passing place
("Møteplass" in Norwegian.) Used frequently on long stretches of single-track roads. Parking forbidden.
One-way
One-way
Dead end
Road physically closed
Dead end
Side-road physically closed
Dead end[N 1]
Road closed for vehicles
Dead end[N 1]
Side-road closed for vehicles
Free choice of lane
Merging lanes
Merging by the “zipper method”.
Merging roads with speed regulation lane
Oncoming lane has to adapt. Merging by the “zipper method”.
Merging roads with speed regulation lane
This lane has to adapt. Merging by the “zipper method”.
End of lane
The ending lane has to give way.
New lane starts
Added lane with oncoming traffic
Lane division
Denotes the number of lanes and what direction they go.
Changed driving pattern[N 1]
May be used in conjunction with road works.
Living street[N 5]
The speed limit is “walking speed”.
End of living street[N 5]
Pedestrian zone[N 1]
End of pedestrian zone[N 1]
Parking
Emergency layby
To be used only in case of vehicle breakdown or other emergency.
Speed limit enforced by automatic camera[N 1]
Video surveillance[N 1]
Information board
May provide information about miscellaneous traffic conditions. May have a brown background if the information is specifically aimed at tourists. Must have a yellow background if it's a temporary sign, or an orange background if it provides information about detours.
Wrong way[N 4]
Emergency exit
For tunnels.
Direction and distance to emergency exit
For tunnels.
Service signs[edit]
Radio channel[N 1]
FM frequency for channel which relays special traffic messages. Obsolete. The channel that relays traffic announcements has been moved to DAB digital radio.
First aid
Emergency phone[N 2]
Fire extinguisher[N 2]
Automobile repair shop
Petrol station[N 2]
Toilet emptying facility[N 1]
For caravans, buses, etc.
Toilet
Rest stop[N 2]
Rest stop with toilet[N 1]
Simple dining[N 2]
Dining
Camp site[N 2]
Caravan park[N 1]
Camping park[N 2]
Hostel[N 2]
Bed & Breakfast[N 4]
Hotel[N 2]
Information[N 2]
Tourist information office[N 1]
Attraction[N 3]
Symbol may be replaced by a representation of the attraction.
Museum or Art gallery[N 1]
Viewpoint[N 1]
Protected natural area[N 1]
Fishing area[N 1]
Hiking trail[N 1]
Ski trail[N 1]
Traditional food and rural tourism[N 1]
Direction signs[edit]
Direction signs inform about places, businesses, routes, choice of lanes, choice of roads and distance to destinations. Direction signs with a yellow background (blue on motorways) show geographical destinations. Direction signs with a white background (or white fields on yellow and blue signs) show local destinations. Direction signs with a brown background show destinations of special interest to tourism. Orange backgrounds denote temporary detours.
Orientation board[N 5]
Diagram orientation board[N 5]
Exit board[N 5]
Lane orientation board[N 5]
Shows number of lanes towards an intersection, and which directions or destinations each of them are intended for.
Portal orientation board[N 5]
Used on portals. Shows which directions or destinations a lane is intended for.
Board guide[N 5]
Regular destination guide[N 5]
Lane guide[N 1]
Shows which destination a lane is intended for.
Portal guide[N 5]
Used on portals. Shows which destination a lane is intended for.
European route
European route
Signifies a route that leads to the given route.
Trunk road[N 1]
Signifies a route that leads to the given route.
Numbered province road
Numbered province road
Signifies a route that leads to the given route.
Ring road[N 1]
Ring road[N 1]
Signifies a route that leads to the given ring road.
National tourist road[N 1]
Symbol may be used on service signs.
Detour for large vehicles
Route for vehicles with dangerous goods[N 1]
Miscellaneous detour[N 1]
Signifies a detour where use of road names is not viable. One symbol is used for the entire route, so that different symbols may be used in the event of multiple routes. The line is generally used.
Miscellaneous detour[N 1]
Miscellaneous detour[N 1]
Miscellaneous detour[N 1]
Miscellaneous detour[N 1]
Generally only used under special circumstances, as some countries use this symbol on detours for vehicles with dangerous goods.
Miscellaneous detour[N 1]
Different arrows may be used to show the right direction.
Intersection number[N 1]
Blue for motorways with multiple lanes. Intended solely for orientation.
Intersection number[N 1]
Yellow for general roads with multiple lanes.
Intersection number[N 1]
Yellow for general roads with a single lane.
Distance board[N 5]
Shows distance in km to given destination, crossroads or exit.
Street sign
Collective guide sign[N 1]
Shows destinations that may be reached through the same road at the next crossroads or exit.
Detour for certain vehicles[N 1]
Temporary detour[N 5]
End of temporary detour[N 1]
Guide for pedestrians[N 5]
Guide for bicycle route
Board guide for bicycle route
Bicycle route
Distance sign for bicycle route
Motorway[N 5]
Motor traffic road[N 5]
Toll road[N 6]
Parking[N 5]
Multistory car park[N 6]
Airport[N 5]
Helipad[N 6]
Bus station/terminal[N 6]
Train station/terminal[N 6]
Ferry[N 5]
Suitable layby for equipping tire chains[N 4]
Steep hill ahead. Tire chains are required for trucks over 3,5 tonnes during severe winter conditions.
Church[N 5]
Industrial area[N 5]
Swimming hall[N 6]
Alpine facility[N 6]
Ski jump slope[N 6]
Ski arena[N 6]
Golf course[N 6]
Payment with electronic chip[N 6]
Payment to attendant[N 6]
Payment with coins to machine[N 6]
Payment with card to machine[N 6]
Payment with banknotes to machine[N 6]
Remove ticket from closed payment system[N 6]
Use ticket in closed payment system[N 6]
Automatic toll road[N 6]
No stopping required.
Supplementary signs[edit]
Distance
Advance warning about where the main sign goes into effect, or where a corresponding sign is set up.
Stretch
Main sign is in effect for the given distance.
Time
Main sign is only in effect between given times. Black numbers in parenthesis apply on Saturdays, and red numbers apply on Sundays and official holidays.
Car
Main sign applies to this type of vehicle.
Goods van, lorry and tractor unit
Bus
Tractor-trailer
Trailer furnished for camping (Caravan)
Bicycle[N 2]
Motorcycle and moped[N 2]
Handicapped driver
Requires a visible parking permit for handicapped drivers.
Vehicle furnished for camping (Motorhome)[N 1]
Text
Used when there are no symbols that represent the regulation or information. Depicted sign is common and says: “Does not apply to buses and taxis”.
Turn arrow
Arrows vary. Main sign applies after the turn.
Recommended speed
Uphill inclination[N 1]
Actual available width
Crossing lumber transport[N 2]
Particular danger of accident[N 1]
Symbol varies.
Course of priority road
Symbol varies. Priority road is represented by the thick line. Roads represented by thin lines have give way or stop signs for the priority road.
Advance warning for stop sign
Bicycle traffic in both directions[N 2]
Direction for a stop or parking regulation sign
Direction for a stop or parking regulation sign
Direction for a stop or parking regulation sign
Arrangement for parked vehicles[N 1]
Parking board[N 1]
Indicates that parking is only allowed by given regulations when a valid parking ticket or disc is placed highly visible inside the windshield.
Combined regulation
In this example, the times written only applies for cars.
Marker signs[edit]
Marker signs inform drivers of a road's onward course, or warn of obstacles near or on the road. Temporary marker signs, e.g. during road works, use a red background colour.
Background marker
Background marker
Directional marker
Used on long or dangerous bends.
Directional marker
Used on long or dangerous bends.
Obstacle marker
Keep left of the sign.
Obstacle marker
Keep right of the sign.
Obstacle marker
Pass on either side.
Obstacle marker
Lanes diverge either side of the marker
Used mainly on high-speed roads.
Tunnel marker
Tunnel marker
Distance marker for tunnels[N 1]
Indicates the distance to each exit.
Notes[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd New sign per 1 June 2006.[4]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai Changed symbol per 2006 reform.[4]
- ^ a b c Changed colour per 2006 reform.[4]
- ^ a b c d e New sign per 1 January 2012.[5]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y New shape per 2006 reform.[4]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s New symbol per 2006 reform.[4]
References[edit]
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Road signs in Norway. |
 |
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Driving in Norway. |
- ^ "Lovdata" (in Norwegian).
- ^ "Statens Vegvesen" (in Norwegian).
- ^ "Bogart og selbyggen skal vekk". Adressa (in Norwegian). 3 February 2006. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
- ^ a b c d e "Hast AS" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 6 June 2011.
- ^ "Norwegian Public Roads Administration" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 10 August 2012.
