TunnelNorway

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Norway. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


5. Tunnel

A tunnel is a covered passage that carries a road through or beneath an obstacle such as a hill, mountain, building, waterway or another transport route. Road tunnels may contain one or more traffic lanes and can carry traffic in one or both directions.

Driving in a tunnel requires particular attention because visibility, available escape routes and space for avoiding hazards are limited. Drivers should follow the applicable lighting, speed, lane and following-distance rules and pay attention to emergency exits, traffic signals and variable-message signs.

Tunnel
Road sign for Bjørgatunnelen. (Troms, Norway)
Wikimedia.org • Snurre86 • CC BY-SA
What should I check before entering a tunnel in Norway?

Do not enter when the barrier is down or a red light is flashing at the entrance. Observe the safety equipment and escape routes and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

🔗 lovdata.no • Norway, Traffic Rules — Traffic Rules 3, 13, 15, 17; signs 312–322, 212/214, 570; traffic signals 1094

🔗 lovdata.no • Norwegian signing regulation — current sign catalogue, markings and signals

Does a tunnel sign in Norway set a universal speed limit?

No single speed can be read from the tunnel pictogram. Apply the road’s relevant limit and any permanent or electronic speed restriction, and drive more slowly when visibility, queues or another hazard require it.

🔗 lovdata.no • Norway, Traffic Rules — Traffic Rules 3, 13, 15, 17; signs 312–322, 212/214, 570; traffic signals 1094

🔗 lovdata.no • Norwegian signing regulation — current sign catalogue, markings and signals

Warning for a tunnel. Warning for a tunnel.

English • Traffic sign 122 • Tunnel.

Norsk bokmål • Skilt 122 • Tunnel.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Lovdata.no • Skiltforskriften § 4

SVG source: Peter J. Acklam converted the original EPS file to PDF with Ghostscript and the PDF file to SVG with Inkscape. • Public domain • Original revision 2013-07-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Is every tunnel in Norway open to pedestrians and cyclists?

No. Check the road category and access signs before entering. A motorway tunnel, a vehicle-restricted tunnel and a purpose-built walking or cycling underpass have different access arrangements. Emergency evacuation routes do not establish ordinary public access.

🔗 lovdata.no • Norway, Traffic Rules — Traffic Rules 3, 13, 15, 17; signs 312–322, 212/214, 570; traffic signals 1094

🔗 lovdata.no • Norwegian signing regulation — current sign catalogue, markings and signals

1 Norway 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Tunnel 6 Speed bump 7 Slope 8 Bus lane 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Priority road 12 Railway crossing 13 School area 14 Crossing animals 15 Rockfall 16 Aircraft 17 Curve 18 Roadworks 19 Radar speed sign 20 Traffic lights 21 Traffic lights warning 22 Driving licence 23 Cycling route 24 Parking 25 No parking 26 Parking disc 27 Reversing 28 Horse riding 29 City limit 30 Licence plate 31 Charging station 32 Dangers 33 Truck 34 Bus 35 Police 36 Ambulance 37 Taxi 38 European emission standard 39 Pothole 40 Path 41 Particulates 42 Air pollution 43 Rush hour 44 Road code 45 Street gutter 46 Cargo bike 47 Forestry vehicle 48 Construction vehicle 49 Semi-trailer truck 50 Trolleybus 51 Speed pedelec 52 Delivery vehicle 53 Idling 54 Tow truck 55 Four-wheel drive 56 Bicycle 57 Motorcycle equipment 58 Rail track 59 Caravan 60 Trailer 61 Tow hitch 62 Fire truck 63 Siren 64 Convoy 65 Emergency vehicle lighting 66 Agricultural machinery 67 Electric bicycle 68 Electric vehicle 69 Pedelec 70 Quadricycle 71 Microcar 72 All-terrain vehicle 73 Van 74 Recreational vehicle 75 Scooter 76 Trikke 77 Personal mobility device 78 Skateboard 79 Segway 80 Kick scooter 81 Roller skates 82 Mailman 83 Hitchhiker 84 Toddler 85 Child 86 Disability 87 Snowmobile 88 Motorail 89 km/h 90 mph 91 Speedometer 92 Ride height 93 Dirt road 94 Driving 95 Start-stop system 96 Manual transmission 97 Automatic transmission 98 Throttle 99 Tachometer 100 Steering wheel ...