Cross-border route

Russia Norway

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Russia into Norway: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Norway expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.

Get my permit for Norway Norway requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromRussia

ToNorway

IDP in NorwayStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in NorwayNOK

Emergency number112

Top speed limit110 km/h motorways

Russia → Norway

Crossing the border

Russia and Norway share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Norway

Headlights on at all times, year-round.
0.02% alcohol limit — near zero.
Winter tyres mandatory in winter.
Automatic AutoPASS toll roads.

What to see when you arrive in Norway

the fjords of Geiranger and Nærøyfjord
the Bryggen wharf in Bergen
the Lofoten Islands
the northern lights of Tromsø
Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)

Once you're driving in Norway

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Visitors may drive on a valid foreign licence in the Latin alphabet for up to 3 months (US and most non-EU licences accepted for short stays); an International Driving Permit is recommended if the licence is not in Latin script. EU/EEA licences are valid without limit.

Tolls & road charges

Norway has 400+ automatic camera toll points (bomstasjoner) with no booths. Foreign cars are billed by plate via Epass24, or you can pre-register an AutoPASS transponder for a discount; many city tolls also apply.

Parking in the cities

Cities use municipal pay-and-display and app payment (EasyPark is dominant); blue 'P' signs mark lots. Parking is expensive and zones/residential permits are strictly enforced with fines and towing.

Fines & camera enforcement

Speeding fines are severe: minor 5-35 km/h overages draw on-the-spot fines roughly NOK 600-7,800, payable by card with a receipt; larger overages risk licence loss. Drink-drive limit is a strict 0.02%.

If you have an accident

Call 112 for police, 113 for ambulance, 110 for fire. Exchange details and complete the standard European accident report; police attendance is required for injuries or disputed/serious damage.

Driving in the capital

Oslo's toll ring charges vehicles entering the city centre (rates vary by time and engine type, with extra charges in rush hour), and the city has aggressively reduced and removed central parking.

Sources: speedingeurope.com · nordicvisitor.com · lifeinnorway.net · visitnorway.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Russia to Norway?

Yes — Norway commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Norway recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Russia and Norway?

No. Both Russia and Norway drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Norway?

In Norway, dial 112 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 110 km/h motorways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Norway?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.