Am I allowed to drive after drinking alcohol in Norway?
No, in practice — the alcohol limit is just 0.2, among the strictest in the world. Under Road Traffic Act §22 the limit is 0.2 per mille (0.1 mg/l in breath). The penalty rises in three bands: 0.2–0.5 brings a fine, 0.5–1.2 brings a fine and suspended prison, and over 1.2 brings a fine and unconditional prison. At the higher levels the fine is often set at 1.5 times gross monthly income. The licence is lost for at least one year, and over 1.2 for at least two. A repeat within five years can bring a lifetime loss. Even one drink can put you over, so don't drive.
📋 The rules
- Alcohol limit 0.2 (0.1 mg/l in breath)
- 0.2–0.5: a fine
- 0.5–1.2: a fine and suspended prison
- Over 1.2: a fine and unconditional prison
- Licence loss at least 1 year (at least 2 years over 1.2)
🔓 Exceptions
- The fine can be lower at very low levels, but rarely under 10,000 kr
- A repeat within five years can bring a lifetime loss of licence
- "Topping up" alcohol after driving to hide the level is forbidden
⚠️ Penalties & fines
0.2–0.5: a fine. 0.5–1.2: a fine and suspended prison. Over 1.2: a fine and unconditional prison, often with a fine of 1.5 times gross monthly income. Injury or death can bring up to three years prison.
📎 Official sources
- Road Traffic Act §22 · Lovdata →
- Licence-Loss Regulation ch. 3 · Lovdata →
- Director of Public Prosecutions · Circular 2/2021 →
❓ Frequently asked
How many drinks can I have and still drive?
In practice none. The 0.2 limit can be reached by a single drink, depending on body and time.
What is the penalty for drink-driving?
0.2–0.5 brings a fine, 0.5–1.2 a fine and suspended prison, and over 1.2 a fine and unconditional prison.
How much is the fine?
At the higher levels the fine is often set at 1.5 times gross monthly income, rarely under 10,000 kr.
Do I lose my licence?
Yes, for at least one year. Over 1.2 you lose your licence for at least two years.
What happens on a repeat?
Drink-driving again within five years can bring a lifetime loss of licence.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I drive after one beer norway”
- “alcohol limit 0.2 norway”
- “penalty drink driving norway”
- “over 1.2 prison norway”
- “licence loss drink driving”
- “fine drink driving monthly income”