Can I drive on summer tyres in winter in Norway?
There is no fixed date forcing you to change tyres, but you are always responsible for having tyres suited to the conditions. In winter the tyres must have at least 3 mm tread depth (1.6 mm in summer). Studded tyres are only allowed in season: from 1 November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday, and in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark from 16 October to 30 April. If you use studs, all wheels must be studded; studless winter tyres are allowed all year. In Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim you must pay a studded-tyre fee to use studs in the city.
📋 The rules
- No fixed date rule — you must have tyres suited to the conditions
- Winter tyres: at least 3 mm tread (1.6 mm summer)
- Studded tyres: 1 Nov–first Sunday after Easter (16 Oct–30 Apr north)
- If you use studs, all wheels must be studded
- Studded-tyre fee in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim
🔓 Exceptions
- Studs or chains can be used out of season when conditions require it
- Heavy vehicles over 3,500 kg have their own winter rules
- Nordland, Troms and Finnmark have a longer studded season (16 Oct–30 Apr)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving on poor tyres or illegal stud use brings a fixed fine, often around 750 kr per tyre below the tread requirement. Using studs in a fee city without paying the pass brings a control fee.
📎 Official sources
- Road Administration · Tyres and chains →
- Studded-Tyre Fee Regulation · Lovdata →
- Vehicle Use Regulation · Lovdata →
❓ Frequently asked
Must I have winter tyres in winter?
There is no fixed date rule, but you must always have tyres suited to the conditions, with at least 3 mm tread in winter.
When can I use studded tyres?
From 1 November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday, and in northern Norway from 16 October to 30 April.
Must all wheels be studded?
Yes. If you use studded tyres, all four wheels must be studded. Studless winter tyres are allowed all year.
What is the studded-tyre fee?
A pass you must buy to use studs in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim, with a day, month or season price.
What does driving on poor tyres cost?
A fixed fine, often around 750 kr per tyre below the 3 mm tread requirement.
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