This Act applies to all traffic by motor vehicle.  It also applies to other traffic, but then only on roads or in areas with normal motor vehicle traffic.

In this Act, traffic or travel also includes being on a road or in an area where there is general access to and it is customary to drive a motor vehicle.

The King may decide that the Act shall apply in whole or in part to an area other than that mentioned in this Section, or that it shall not apply in whole or in part to such an area.

For Svalbard and Jan Mayen, the Act applies with the changes that the King may determine due to the local conditions.

In this Act, road also means street and space, including storage space, car park, bus stop, bridge, ferry quay or other quay that is in immediate connection with a road.

By vehicle is understood equipment that is intended to run on the ground without rails.  A motor vehicle means a vehicle that is propelled by an engine.

The Ministry can decide that other devices must also be considered vehicles accor­ding to this Act.  Correspondingly, the Ministry can decide that equipment which accor­ding to the preceding paragraph is a vehicle, shall not be covered by the Act.  The Ministry can also decide that a vehicle which according to the preceding paragraph is a motor vehicle shall nevertheless not be considered a motor vehicle according to this Act.

The King may determine the extent to which provisions in or pursuant to this Act shall apply to traffic with trams or other rail vehicles traveling on or over roads.

Everyone must travel with consideration and be alert and careful so that no danger can arise or damage be caused and so that other traffic is not unnecessarily obstructed or disturbed.

Road users must also show consideration for those who live or stay by the road.

The King provides general rules for driving, riding and walking traffic.

The Ministry can issue special traffic regulations for a municipality or part of a muni­cipality.  The Ministry may delegate such authority to the Norwegian Public Roads Admini­stration, or in regulations grant such authority to the municipality or local police autho­rity.

Everyone must pay attention to public traffic signs, signals and markings and must comply with the prohibitions and orders given in this way.

The Ministry provides rules on public traffic signs, signals and markings, including which authorities may make decisions on the installation and marking, and the review of sign decisions.  The Ministry may issue regulations stating that the authority to make decisions on the installation and markings shall be given to municipalities and county authorities.

The competent authority has the right on private and public property to set up pub­lic traffic signs, signals, traffic control equipment and fixings for such devices and to make markings.  For damage and inconvenience caused by such measures, compen­sation is provided at discretion.  As far as public roads are concerned, expenses for the measures are covered as road expenses according to the rules in the Roads Act, but if a measure is taken out of consideration for the interests of a particular person, he can be ordered to reimburse the expenses in whole or in part according to rules issued by the Ministry.  In the case of private roads, the Ministry can issue rules on who will bear the costs.

Public traffic signs, signals or markings must not be used on or by the road without permission from the competent authority.  The same applies to signs, signals or mark­ings that can be confused with public ones.  If a sign or signal has been put up or a marking made without permission, this can be removed or required to be removed by the authority.

It is prohibited to change, remove or damage public traffic signs, signals, traffic con­trol equipment, markings or devices for roadblocks.

The driver of a vehicle must adjust the speed according to the location, driving, visibility and traffic conditions so that no danger can arise or cause inconvenience to others, and so that other traffic is as little hindered or disturbed as possible.  The dri­ver must always have full control of the vehicle.

Unless another speed limit is specified by a public traffic sign, in built-up areas the speed may not exceed 50 km/h, and outside built-up areas the speed may not exceed 80 km/h.  The Ministry can delegate to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration or in regulations give the police or the municipality the authority to decide whether an area shall be considered a densely populated area under this Act, and to determine the boundaries of the densely populated area.

In traffic rules issued in accordance with Section 4 and sign regulations issued in accordance with Section 5, further provisions can be laid down on speed limits, includ­ing on a lower speed limit for certain groups of motor vehicles and a lower speed limit, for a fixed or indefinite time, also out of consideration for the environment.

The Ministry can issue special rules on speed limits for areas off roads, or on roads closed to general traffic.

As an experimental scheme, the Ministry can set lower general speed limits than what is determined in the second paragraph for certain areas and/or for certain times.

The speed limits do not apply to competitive driving, training for competitive driving or other organized driving which, with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's permission, is held on a special track or road that is closed to all other traffic.  The Norwegian Public Roads Administration can set conditions in the permit in accordance with the purpose of the Act.

The King or someone he authorizes can ban certain groups of vehicles.  The ban can be limited to apply on or off certain roads and within a certain period of time.  It can likewise apply to certain groups of road users.

A temporary decision can be made to ban all traffic or to regulate other traffic on the road if conditions on the road or in its surroundings, work on the road or the condi­tion of the road so indicate.  Such a decision is made for national roads and county roads by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and for municipal roads by the municipality.

The Directorate of Public Roads can make further provisions in regulations that the transport of certain types of dangerous goods shall only be permitted on certain roads, at certain times or under other special conditions.

Bicycle racing on a road that is fully or partially open to general traffic is prohibited without permission from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.  Before the Nor­wegian Public Roads Administration makes a decision, the police must make a state­ment.

In the decision, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration may give permission to deviate from Section 4, 5 and 6, or provisions laid down pursuant to these sections, to the extent that it is necessary and justifiable.  The Norwegian Public Roads Admini­stration can also make demands on sign plans, traffic regulation and the use of private guards.

The police decide whether private guards can be used for the individual cycle race.

The Ministry may, in regulations, issue rules on the authority under the first and sec­ond paragraphs, and on the execution of cycle races as mentioned in the first para­graph, including on sign plans and plans for traffic regulation.

In regulations, the Ministry can also issue rules on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's allocation of authority within the framework of Section 9 for tempo­rary traffic regulation to private guards, on the uniforming of such guards and marking of their vehicles, and on the guards' minimum age, fitness and competence.  Rules on competence may, among other things, apply to certificates of competence, approval of the curriculum for providers of competence-giving courses, supervision of providers of competence-giving courses, fees for issuing certificates of competence, orders to carry certificates of competence during on-call duty and validity periods for and revocation of certificates of competence.

The Ministry can, in regulations, issue rules on driving on a closed track or other restricted area, including detailed rules on permission, on the organization and imple­mentation of such driving, and on insurance.

The King can, in regulations, issue rules on the parking of vehicles that takes place against payment, with a time limit or on other conditions, and that takes place on a road that is open to general traffic (conditional parking).  In regulations, the King can also issue rules on the enforcement of conditional parking on roads that are not open to general traffic, and the enforcement of parking restrictions on and along private roads and off roads.  In the regulation, rules can also be given about:

• requirements for businesses that want to offer conditional parking, including requi­rements for notification before they can offer conditional parking, requirements for registration and place of business, requirements for comprehensive liability insurance, as well as for the age and connection to the Kingdom or another EEA state for the owner and other responsible persons in the business,
• requirements for the person who must enforce the rules, including requirements for theoretical and practical training with a final exam and regular re-approval test and requirements for approval and re-approval of the teaching plan and fees for such approvals,
• requirements for the individual parking area, including requirements for sign plans and the use of signs.  The use of private signs can be restricted and pro­hibited in areas where conditional parking is offered to the public,
• supervision, including information and reporting obligations and the right to issue orders for rectification, compulsory fines, separation of parking areas, as well as fees and charges for supervision of parking businesses.  The fees and the levy shall cover the costs of supervising the parking operations,
• requirements for user-friendly and universally designed payment solutions,
• obligation to offer payment exemptions in municipal parking spaces subject to a fee for people with reduced mobility with a parking permit,
• the right to offer payment exemptions for electric and hydrogen-powered motor vehicles in tolled municipal car parks and the obligation to offer charging faci­lities for electricity.  Rules may also be issued stating that the charge for electric and hydrogen-powered motor vehicles in all or certain municipal car parks sub­ject to a fee shall not exceed half of the lowest rate in the relevant parking area for petrol or diesel-powered motor vehicles,
• imposition of control sanction, including amount of sanction and joint and seve­ral liability between driver and owner,
• when vehicles can be removed and taken into custody, including requirements that the vehicle must be in the way or in breach of the conditions for parking, requirements for notification and information obligations, as well as the obliga­tion to hand over vehicles that have been removed, and the sale of vehicles that have been removed, cf. Section 37, fifth to eighth paragraph,
• universal design of parking areas and special arrangements for holders of park­ing permits for people with reduced mobility, including requirements for reser­vations,
• the municipalities' rights and obligations regarding parking facilities on public roads,
• creation of a central register with an overview of businesses, parking areas, and of parking permits for people with reduced mobility and institutions, require­ments for using the register and fees for such use.  Such a register must be in accordance with the regulations in force at all times.

The King can issue regulations on the municipality's right to reserve parking after needs testing in a more closely defined area for people living in the area or others with a particular need for such parking.  The same applies to the right to reserve certain parking spaces for certain vehicles, groups of vehicles or people, or to give them access to park beyond any maximum time on the spot.

The King may make further provisions on the right to appeal against an imposed control sanction and removal in accordance with the first paragraph, including the right to appeal to an independent parking appeal board.1  Further provisions may be made regarding organization and tasks, case management, user funding, including require­ments for reporting the number of control sanctions, and remuneration to the appeal board's members.  Provisions can be made that the tribunal's decisions have legal force if they are not brought before the courts.  A provision can be made that as long as a dispute is pending in the appeals board, a party cannot bring it before the ordi­nary courts.  Provision can also be made that if a lawsuit has been brought before the ordinary courts and a party wants the dispute resolved by the parking appeals board, the relevant court can stop further proceedings until the parking appeals board's deci­sion is available.

For parking other than conditional parking, the King can in regulations issue rules on the removal and storage of a motor vehicle that has been placed illegally on private land when the location is a danger or a significant inconvenience.

The police can regulate the traffic as the conditions in each individual case require, and can also deviate from what is established in or pursuant to Section 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The police can also, as part of traffic regulation, completely or partially block a stretch of road for a shorter period of time.

Everyone is obliged to comply immediately with the orders and prohibitions on regu­lation of traffic that the police give orally, or by signs, signs, signals or in any other way.

The driver of a vehicle must immediately stop for a check when required by the police or the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.  The driver is obliged to produce documents that are required to be carried while driving, and to immediately comply with orders issued pursuant to this Act.

The Ministry can give other public officials the authority to carry out inspections and issue orders as mentioned in the first paragraph.1

The King issues rules on the right to deviate from what is stipulated in or in accor­dance with Section 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 for drivers of emergency vehicles, drivers of vehicles in police service and drivers of road-working machines or other vehicles used for work on or by the road.  The same applies to drivers of vehicles in the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's service and public parking control service.

Anyone who, with or without fault, is involved in a traffic accident must immediately stop and help injured persons and animals, and otherwise participate in the measures that give rise to the accident.  This duty also has, if necessary, others who are nearby or who are present.

Those involved in traffic accidents have a mutual obligation to provide their name and address.  The driver of the vehicle must also state the owner's name and address and the vehicle's licence plate number.

If a traffic accident has resulted in death or injury to a person and the damage is not insignificant, those involved in the accident must ensure that the police are notified of the accident as soon as possible.  Before the police arrive after such an accident, those involved must not leave the scene unless it is necessary or the police's consent has been obtained.  If someone involved in an accident as mentioned must leave the scene, he must immediately inform the police of his involvement in the accident and his name and address.  If a traffic accident has caused material damage, and there is no one present who can look after the injured party's interests, the person who caused the damage must notify the injured party or the police of the accident as soon as pos­sible.

Vehicles which, following a traffic accident, are positioned in such a way that they may be a danger or an obstacle to traffic, must be immediately moved to a suitable location.  If considerations of road safety allow it, those involved in the accident must have the opportunity to measure and mark before the vehicle is moved.  If the traffic accident has resulted in death or serious injury to a person, the vehicle involved must only be moved with the consent of the police or if it leads to significant danger or dis­proportionate obstruction of traffic if the vehicle is left standing until the police arrive. If a vehicle involved in such an accident must be moved before the police arrive at the scene, those involved in the accident must, as far as possible, ensure that the vehicle's location is measured or marked.

Before the police arrive after a traffic accident that has resulted in death or serious injury to a person, traces must not be removed and other conditions of importance for the investigation must not be changed unless strictly necessary.  Those involved in the accident must seek to prevent the removal of traces and the alteration of other impor­tant conditions.

Vehicles must be built, arranged, equipped and maintained so that they can be used without causing unnecessary danger or inconvenience and without damaging the road.

The Ministry provides further provisions on use, and on construction, equipment, weight, dimensions and equipment, including protective equipment, etc. for the diffe­rent groups of vehicles, and on loads and the number of people the vehicle can carry.

The Ministry can lay down regulations that vehicles with a permissible total weight of more than 3,500 kg must be equipped with an electronic payment device associated with a valid agreement for driving on public roads.  The Ministry can issue further pro­visions on the scheme, including provisions on the scope and which groups of vehicles are to be covered.

The Ministry can determine that vehicles must be equipped with a tachograph for recording driving and rest time, working time, holiday and sick leave, speed, the vehic­le's positions including border crossings, loading and unloading, etc., cf. Sec­tion 21, second paragraph.  Such registrations can be used to check compliance with rules given in and pursuant to this Act, the Occupational Transport Act, the Working Environment Act and the Public Access Act.  The Ministry provides further provisions on the approval, installation and control of tachographs.  The costs of acquiring, instal­ling and checking tachographs are covered by the vehicle's owner.

Modifications that increase the maximum speed or performance of motorcycles (including mopeds) beyond the limits set for the relevant group of motorcycles in accordance with the second paragraph must not be made.

With the consent of the Ministry, a municipality can introduce a fee for the use of studded tires in a specified area.  The Ministry can provide further provisions on such measures.  The Ministry can order a municipality to implement an arrangement as mentioned in this paragraph.

With the consent of the Ministry, a municipality can introduce a low-emission zone in a specified area in order to limit environmental disadvantages from road traffic.  The Ministry can make further provisions on the obligation to bring documentation of the vehicle's emission level, the right to demand information and to store vehicle informa­tion and information about the owner and user, etc. for use in payment and control contexts, including the right to require the use of an electronic device on board a motor vehicle for electronic identification.  The Ministry can issue provisions on fees for driving in the zone, additional fees for breaches of the provisions, and provisions on enforcement and use of income from the scheme.

In a motor vehicle, it is prohibited to possess or use equipment that has the pur­pose of:

• notify or interfere with traffic controls
• override or manipulate a tachograph as mentioned in Section 13, fourth para­graph, speedometer, alcohol interlock, pollution control equipment or other required technological equipment so that the use of the equipment leads to misleading or incorrect information or signals.

The prohibition under the first paragraph includes equipment that blocks or hides signals or information from or to equipment for the control and monitoring of traffic, or that changes how required technological equipment is used.

The Ministry can by regulation prohibit the manufacture, distribution, marketing and/or sale of equipment as mentioned in the first paragraph.  The Ministry can also issue regulations with further provisions to specify and complete the prohibitions in this section.

In order to safeguard Norway's obligations under the EEA Agreement, the Ministry can lay down rules on emission requirements etc. in regulations for manufacturers of vehicles in category M, N and O, including rules on:

• requirements for emissions of CO2,
• infringement fee,
• surveillance,
• reporting,
• innovative technologies, including approval.

The Ministry provides further provisions on examination and approval (including type-approval) of vehicles and of parts and equipment for vehicles.

The Ministry can decide that certain parts or equipment for vehicles or for the pro­tection of drivers, passengers or others in traffic must be approved (or type-approved) before they are allowed to be used, and can prohibit trade in parts or equipment that have not been approved.

The Ministry can decide that a fee must be paid for approval as mentioned in the first or second paragraph.  The Ministry can provide further provisions on fees for fai­lure to produce vehicles for administrative control at the Norwegian Public Roads Admi­nistration.

Motor vehicles shall be registered.  The Ministry provides further provisions on regi­stration of motor vehicles, on identification marks (licence plates) and on vehicle licences.  The Ministry may decide that trailers for motor vehicles shall be registered as motor vehicles.

Anyone who shall register a motor vehicle is obliged to provide the information required in connection with the registration.

When a motor vehicle changes ownership, both the former and the new owner shall notify the registration authority in writing within 3 days.  The owner of a motor vehicle is obliged to notify the registration authority of a change of address within 3 days.

Registration cannot take place without submitting a declaration of insurance from an insurance company in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Liability Act or proof that the motor vehicle does not need to be insured under the said Act.

The costs for licence plates are borne by the owner of the motor vehicle, unless the Ministry decides otherwise.

The Ministry can exempt certain groups of vehicles or certain uses of vehicles from the obligation to register pursuant to Section 15.

The registration authority may permit the use of a motor vehicle for a shorter period of time or for a single occasion without the motor vehicle being registered pur­suant to Section 15.  In such a case, the motor vehicle must be in a proper condition and be fitted with special identification marks. Before the permit is granted, in accor­dance with the Motor Vehicle Liability Act, a declaration of insurance from an insurance company or proof that the motor vehicle does not need to be insured under the said Act must be submitted.

The Ministry may issue further provisions on permits for use of a motor vehicle as mentioned in the second paragraph and may set special conditions for the permit, including the requirement to pay a fee.

Insofar as nothing else follows from Section 16, motor vehicles or other vehicles subject to registration must not be used unless they have been registered and affixed with legal licence plates and a vehicle licence has been issued.  The vehicle licence must always be carried in the vehicle while driving.  A vehicle subject to registration that has been deregistered or is without legal licence plates must not be parked for more than 14 days on public roads or on private roads marked with public traffic signs.

The owner of a motor vehicle or the person who has control over it on behalf of the owner, is obliged to ensure that the person he allows to use the motor vehicle meets the conditions for driving it.

The Ministry may, in regulations, demand installation of an alcohol interlock in vehicles used for transport for remuneration, and provides further provisions on the approval, installation and inspection of the alcohol interlock.  The costs of acquiring, installing and inspecting the alcohol interlock shall be covered by the person operating the transport for remuneration.  The Ministry may issue further provisions on the scheme, including provisions on the scope, which groups of vehicles are to be covered, and on orders for rectification during roadside inspections.

The owner of a vehicle or the person who has control over it on the owner's behalf must present the vehicle for inspection when the police or the Norwegian Public Roads Administration require it.  The person must also provide information about the vehicle when required.

The Ministry may, in regulations, issue rules on the inspection of vehicles pursuant to the first paragraph and on fees.  In regulations, the Ministry can also issue rules on the inspection of vehicles along the road and on criteria for selecting vehicles for such inspection.  In the regulations, more detailed rules can be given on requirements for competence for inspectors, including personnel who carry out company inspections pursuant to Section 21, on requirements for inspection equipment and on inspection fees.

The Ministry can issue regulations that vehicle manufacturers and their contact points must make available technical information about vehicles for use in vehicle inspections.

Periodic vehicle checks can only be carried out by approved businesses with appro­ved inspectors and an approved technical manager.  For approval, the controller and technical manager must present an ordinary police certificate to show that the person in question is fit for the task.

The Ministry can issue regulations on conditions and transitional arrangements for approval as mentioned in the first paragraph, on training activities, on the approval and supervisory authority and on fees for approval and supervision.  In regulations, the Ministry can also issue rules on orders for rectification, warnings and revocation of approval, on suspension of business and on compulsory fines.

Repair, maintenance, rebuilding, construction and extension work on motor vehicles and trailers for motor vehicles can only be carried out by approved businesses.  The same applies to the installation, control and repair of tachographs.  In order to obtain approval to install, check and repair speed recorders, the company's responsible mana­ger must present an ordinary police certificate to show that the person in question is fit for the task.

The Ministry can, in regulations, issue rules on the approval of workshops that are to install, check and repair safety or environmental devices in vehicles.

The Ministry may, in regulations, issue rules on the conditions and transitional arrangements for approval of businesses as mentioned in the first and second para­graphs, approval of the business's manager, and on supervision of such business.  The Ministry can also issue rules on approval and supervisory authority, on the duty to assist the supervisory authority and on fees for approval and supervision.  In the regu­lations, the Ministry can issue rules on orders for correction, warning and revocation of the approval, on suspension of the business and on compulsory fines.

In regulations, the Ministry can make exceptions to the requirement for approval for certain types of vehicles, for certain types of work and for certain businesses and persons under specified conditions.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration can, according to detailed rules laid down by the Ministry in regulations, inspect motor vehicles, trailers and equipment subject to approval in establishments where this is sold.

The Ministry provides provisions on the extent to which and under which conditions a motor vehicle or trailer that is registered or resident in a foreign state may be per­mitted to be used here in the country.1

No one must drive or attempt to drive a vehicle when he is in such a condition that he cannot be considered fit to drive safely, whether this is due to his being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating or narcotic substances, or that he is ill, weake­ned, tired or fatigued, or due to other circumstances.

The Ministry can issue regulations on driving and rest time, on the use of tacho­graphs, on working hours and on working conditions for drivers, groups of drivers, other employees within road transport and contractual parties in transport assignments. The Ministry can also issue regulations on the obligation to register information as mentioned in the first sentence, on holiday and sickness absence and on the storage, downloading, retention, submission and control of the information and on the control authorities' access to businesses, vehicles and control devices.  The Ministry can also issue regulations on fees for issuing tachograph cards.

No one must drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating or narcotic substances.

If he has a greater alcohol concentration in his blood than 0.2 per mille or an amount of alcohol in his body that can lead to such a high alcohol concentration in his blood, or a greater alcohol concentration in his exhaled air than 0.1 milligrams per liter of air, he is in all cases considered to be under the influence of alcohol in in accordance with the provisions of the law.

If the concentration in the blood of another intoxicating or narcotic substance exce­eds the limits laid down in regulations issued pursuant to law, or an amount of such a substance in the body that can lead to such a high concentration of such a substance in the blood, he is in all cases considered to be under the influence in relation to the pro­visions of the law.  However, this does not apply where the excess is due to medication taken in accordance with the current prescription from a doctor or dentist.

Delusion with regard to the amount of alcohol concentration does not exempt from punishment.  The same applies to delusions with regard to the size of the concentration of other intoxicating or anesthetic agents, unless such agents have been taken in accor­dance with the current prescription from a doctor or dentist, cf. third paragraph.

The driver of a motor vehicle must not drink alcohol or take any other intoxicating or narcotic substance in the first six hours after he has finished driving, when he under­stands that there may be a police investigation due to the driving or shows gross negli­gence in this regard.  However, this prohibition does not apply after a blood sample or breath sample has been taken, or the police have decided that such a sample should not be taken.

The Ministry can issue regulations on limits for concentrations in the blood of other intoxicating or anesthetic agents as mentioned in the third paragraph and Section 31, second paragraph.

The police can take a breathalyzer test (provisional breathalyzer test) and a preli­minary test of whether the motor vehicle driver is under the influence of other intoxi­cants or anesthetics when:

• there is reason to believe that he has violated the provisions of Section 22 or Section 22 b,
• there is reason to believe that he has contravened other provisions made in or pursuant to this Act, and the Ministry has decided that the contravention may have such an effect,
• he, through or through no fault of his own, is involved in a traffic accident, or
• he has been stopped at a traffic control.

If the test result or other circumstances give reason to believe that the driver of a motor vehicle has violated the provisions of Section 22 or Section 22 b, the police can carry out a special investigation into whether there are signs and symptoms of intoxi­cation and produce him for a breath test, blood test, saliva test and clinical medical examination to seek to determine the impact.  Such representation must generally take place when the driver refuses to take part in a breathalyzer test or a preliminary test of whether the driver is under the influence of another intoxicating or anesthetic agent.

A breath test is taken by the police.  A blood sample and saliva sample can be taken by a doctor, nurse, health secretary or bioengineer.  A clinical medical examination is carried out when there is suspicion of the influence of substances other than alcohol or other special reasons justify it.

The Ministry provides further provisions on the examinations mentioned in the pre­ceding paragraphs.

Anyone who drives a motor vehicle in a position or profession that entails the tran­sport of people or goods must not drink alcohol or take other intoxicating or narcotic substances during the time of duty.

The period of service includes the period from the time when, in accordance with their duties, the person in question begins the performance of such work as the posi­tion requires and until the work is finished.  The ban also applies for a period of 8 hours before the service hours begin.

The Norwegian Customs can take an alcohol test (provisional breathalyzer test) and a preliminary test to determine whether the motor vehicle driver is under the influence of another intoxicating or anesthetic agent when the motor vehicle is stopped for inspection pursuant to Section 8–1, first paragraph, cf. Section 8–2, letter b, of the Transport of Goods Act.

If the test result gives reason to believe that the driver of the motor vehicle has breached the provision in Section 22, the police must be notified immediately.  The customs authorities can detain the driver by force if the driver tries to evade testing or until the driver is handed over to the police.  The use of force must be necessary and commensurate with the seriousness of the situation, the purpose of the act of service and the circumstances in general.

Before the drive begins, the driver must make sure that the vehicle is in a safe and legal condition and that it is properly and legally loaded.  He must ensure that the vehicle is also in good condition and properly loaded during use.

The owner of a vehicle or the person who has control over it on behalf of the owner, is obliged to ensure that the vehicle is not used if it is not in a safe condition.

In the case of a transport assignment, the transport company must enable the driver to fulfill his duties according to the first paragraph so that the vehicle is properly and properly loaded.  The Ministry can, in regulations, issue detailed rules on the tran­sport company's duties, including detailed rules for certain types of vehicles.

The King1 can decide that personal protective equipment and other equipment to protect people must be used when driving a motor vehicle.  The King can issue further rules on the scope of use and exceptions to the order.  It may be decided that the driver shall be responsible for passengers under the age of 15 using protective equip­ment as mentioned in the first sentence.

The Ministry can provide further provisions on the prohibition of the use in motor vehicles of electronic equipment that may disturb the driver.

The person who is to drive a motor vehicle must have a driving licence and have acquired a driving licence where this is required, as well as a valid certificate of compe­tence, for the relevant group of motor vehicles.1  When driving, the driver must always have a driving licence and certificate of competence with them.

The Ministry can decide that public proof of age or proof of having undergone spe­cific training must be carried when driving licence-free motor vehicles.

Anyone who is to obtain a driving licence for a passenger car must be 18 years of age.  The Ministry can set a higher or lower minimum age limit for driving rights for certain driving licence classes.

The person who is going to get a driving licence must be sober, and there must be nothing to say about his character otherwise.  He must have sufficient vision and dex­terity, the necessary physical and mental health and have passed a driving test.  When driving to the driving test, the candidate is considered the driver of the motor vehicle.

The Ministry can issue regulations on driving tests and driving licences, including fees, validity periods, prescribed driver training prior to driving tests, health requirements, requirements for additional training and conditions and restrictions on driving licences. By regulation, the Ministry can lay down further provisions that those who fail a driving test, call-out test or test for professional driver competence can be prohibited from taking a new test for a period of up to two months (quarantine).

The Ministry can issue regulations on driving licences and certificates of competence, including fees, driving licence classes, validity period, issue, replacement, exemptions from driving licence requirements, temporary driving permits, proof of age and proof of having undergone specific traffic training.

If the holder of a driving licence no longer meets the requirements laid down for vision, health and driving ability under the fifth paragraph, he is obliged to notify the County Governor, who must notify the police, cf. Section 34.

The Ministry can issue further provisions on the issuance of a Norwegian driving licence on the basis of a valid foreign driving licence.  Provisions may be made below regarding the submission of the foreign driving licence, as well as the collection of information about the person concerned.  It can also be decided that a driving test can be waived or that the person concerned must have passed a simplified driving test.

The Ministry can set special conditions in addition to the conditions in the third and fourth paragraphs for those who want to have a driving licence for certain driving licence classes or for certain groups of motor vehicles.

The Ministry can issue regulations on qualification requirements, including basic and further training for driving test examiners.

Anyone who intentionally or grossly negligently cheats or attempts to cheat on the driving test can be placed in quarantine for up to one year and can be refused a test in other driving licence classes during this period.  The Ministry can, by regulation, lay down further provisions on such quarantine.  The Ministry can, by regulation, establish corresponding rules for the call-out test and the test for professional driver compe­tence.

Anyone who has driven a motor vehicle without having a driving licence for the rele­vant driving licence class cannot obtain such a driving licence for the first time until 6 months have passed since the illegal driving took place.  If he is younger than the legal minimum age for such a driving licence, the suspension period runs until 6 months have passed from the day he reaches the minimum age.  If major damage has been caused while driving, the suspension period after the first and second sentence shall be one year.  The same also applies to anyone who illegally changes the maximum speed or performance of a motor vehicle in violation of Section 13, fifth paragraph.

If a person who does not have a driving licence is punished for an offense which would have led to the loss of the right to drive a motor vehicle for a certain minimum period or forever according to mandatory rules in or pursuant to Section 33, the same judgement, subpoena or decision shall if transferred to the conflict council, a blocking period is set for granting driving rights to the person concerned.  The deadline shall not be set shorter than the period for loss of driving rights which should have been deter­mined in accordance with Section 33.

If the person who does not have a driving licence is, with reasonable grounds, sus­pected of a criminal offense that may affect the access to a driving licence, the Chief of Police or the person he gives authority to can decide that a driving licence cannot be acquired until the case is finally settled, however not for more than 3 months without a ruling from the District Court.

Driving practice must not be a danger or an unnecessary inconvenience to other traffic.  Due to the traffic conditions, the police can prohibit or limit driving practice in certain places and at certain times.

Driving practice with a motor vehicle must not take place earlier than 2 years be­fore the time when the student, based on his age, can obtain a driving licence for the relevant motor vehicle group.  The Ministry can set stricter age requirements for driv­ing practice for certain groups of motor vehicles.  If the practice drive is part of driver training for a fee, it can only take place when an approved learning vehicle is used and the student is accompanied in the vehicle by an approved teacher.  In other cases, the student must be accompanied in the motor vehicle by a person who has reached the age of 25 and has a valid driving licence for the relevant motor vehicle group and has had such a driving licence uninterrupted for at least 5 years.  The Ministry can, by regulation, deviate from the requirement for an approved teacher and an approved training vehicle, cf. third sentence, and determine additional requirements for driving practice with certain motor vehicles.

Compulsory training in smooth driving can only be carried out on practice tracks that have been specially approved by the Directorate of Public Roads.

The Ministry can issue regulations on driving practice and may, subject to conditi­ons, allow driving practice with certain motor vehicles or in certain areas without a teacher or chaperone accompanying the vehicle.

During driving practice, the teacher or companion is considered the driver of the motor vehicle.  What is determined in or pursuant to Chapter II and Sections 21, 22 and 22 a, nevertheless also applies to the student.

Driver's licence training for a fee can only be provided by public schools and appro­ved businesses with approved traffic teachers and an approved professional manager. Anyone who is to be approved as a traffic teacher must submit a certificate of good conduct showing that the person in question is fit for the task.

The Ministry can by regulation:

• provide rules on the approval and operation of businesses pursuant to the first paragraph, make exceptions to the requirement for approval pursuant to the first paragraph and provide more detailed rules on the implementation of driv­ing licence training, including setting limitations for the classes and subjects in which training can be provided,
• set requirements for the person who is to provide training for a fee and the pro­fessional responsible, including conditions for approval, requirements for age, education, driving licence, sobriety and health, additional requirements for teach­ing in certain classes, subjects or certain tasks, requirements for legal approval and continuing education as well as determine transitional arrangements,
• provide rules on supervision of training subject to approval, including require­ments for the supervisory authority and supervisory personnel as well as the supervisory subject's duty to cooperate,
• provide rules on orders for correction and suspension of the business, warning and revocation of approval, compulsory fines and on interruption and rejection of training, including that teaching in public schools can be interrupted and rejected,
• provide rules on fees for approval and supervision.

The Ministry can make further provisions on theoretical and practical training against remuneration for persons who want to acquire a driving licence, certificate of competence or proof of having undergone other specified traffic training.  A curriculum for the teaching can be determined below.  The Ministry can decide that the teaching trolley and training material must otherwise be approved by the competent authority.

The Ministry can provide further rules on the approval of the price for the use of practice tracks for compulsory training for drivers of heavy vehicles.

Anyone who is to drive a motor vehicle for remuneration must satisfy the require­ments for basic and further education in regulations issued by the Ministry.  Proof of completed education must always be carried when driving.

The Ministry can issue regulations on basic and further training, tests, fees, evi­dence, as well as conditions for the approval and operation of training and testing centres, including requirements for personnel.  The Ministry can also issue regulations on the supervision of learning and testing places.

Training with the aim of acquiring a certificate of competence for emergency driving can only be given by the Police Academy and approved course organizers with an approved emergency instructor and teaching officer.

The Ministry can by regulation:

• provide rules for the approval and operation of training institutions pursuant to the first paragraph, determine limitations on the right to operate, make excep­tions to the requirement for approval pursuant to the first paragraph and regu­late the implementation of the training,
• set requirements for the on-call instructor and training officer, including conditi­ons for the approval, education, driving licence and experience to hold such approval, requirements for further training and legal approval as well as deter­mine transitional arrangements,
• provide rules on supervision of training subject to approval, including require­ments for the supervisory authority and supervisory personnel as well as the supervisory subject's duty to cooperate,
• provide rules on orders for correction and suspension of the business, warning and revocation of approval, compulsory fines and on interruption and rejection of training, including that teaching in public schools can be interrupted and rejected,
• provide rules on fees for approval and supervision.

The Ministry issues regulations on the extent to which and under what conditions the holder of a valid driving licence and other required proof of competence issued in a foreign country must be able to drive a motor vehicle in this country.

Anyone who intentionally or negligently violates provisions made in or pursuant to this Act, is punished with fines or with imprisonment of up to one year, if the situation does not fall under stricter penalties.  In the same way, violation of conditions in indi­vidual decisions pursuant to this Act and violation of prohibitions pursuant to Section 35 and Section 36 are punished.  Attempts are not punished, with the exception of Sec­tion 22, first paragraph.  Anyone who, by using a motor vehicle, negligently causes significant bodily harm or the death of another, is punished according to Section 280 or 281 of The Penal Code.

Anyone who violates Section 22, first paragraph, is usually punished

• with a fine for alcohol concentration in the blood up to and including 0.5 per mille or alcohol concentration in exhaled air up to and including 0.25 milligrams per liter of air, or for a more specifically determined concentration in the blood of another intoxicating or anesthetic agent,
• with a fine and conditional or unconditional imprisonment if the alcohol concen­tration in the blood is above 0.5 to 1.2 per mille or the alcohol concentration in the exhaled air is above 0.25 to 0.6 milligrams per liter of air, or if the concen­tration in the blood of other intoxicating or narcotic substance,
• with a fine and unconditional imprisonment if the alcohol concentration in the blood exceeds 1.2 per mille or the alcohol concentration in the exhaled air exceeds 0.6 milligrams per liter of air, or if the concentration in the blood of another intoxicating or anesthetic agent is specified.

The degree of influence in drivers who have taken medication in accordance with the current prescription from a doctor or dentist is assessed concretely.

When assessing the penalty according to the second paragraph, particular conside­ration is given to the degree of influence and the dangers the driving has entailed. Anyone who violates Section 22, first paragraph, cf. Section 31, second paragraph, letter a, and who has previously been punished according to Section 22, first para­graph, cf. Section 31, second or fourth paragraph, is usually punished with a fine or a fine and conditional imprisonment.  Anyone who violates Section 22, first paragraph, cf. Section 31, second paragraph, letter b or c, and who has previously been punished under Section 22, first paragraph, cf. Section 31, second or fourth paragraph, is usu­ally punished with a fine and unconditional imprisonment.

Instead of a fine and conditional imprisonment, a fine and conditional imprisonment may be imposed with conditions as mentioned in Section 37, letter f, of The Penal Code.

Violation of Section 22, fifth paragraph, is punishable by a fine and imprisonment.

Parking violations that are not covered by provisions made in accordance with Section 8, and violations of the prohibition against stopping are only punished if the parking has caused or could have caused serious traffic obstruction or danger to per­sons or goods. Otherwise, a fee is imposed according to Section 31 a.

According to further rules issued by the King, a fee may be imposed instead of a penalty also in the event of a breach of other rules issued in or pursuant to this Act.

Fees under Section 31 shall be imposed by the police.  The King may grant other public bodies similar authority to impose fees.

The King may, after obtaining a statement from the relevant Chief of Police, issue regulations to the effect that such authority as is granted to the police under this sec­tion shall also be exercised by the municipality.  The King may issue regulations on the implementation of such schemes and how municipally levied fees shall be used.

If a fee is not paid within three weeks of the imposition, late payment interest shall accrue in accordance with the Late Payment Interest Act.  This applies even if the fee has been appealed.

The imposition of a fee may be appealed to the district court within a specified time limit.  If an appeal is lodged after the expiry of the time limit, it shall be dismissed un­less the court finds that the violation cannot be attributed to either the owner or user of the vehicle and the appeal was lodged as soon as possible.  The court may revoke the imposed fee if it finds that the conditions for imposition were not met.  The decision shall be made by ruling and may be appealed.  The imposition of a fee cannot be challenged during the enforcement of the fee.

The imposed fee and additional fee may be recovered in accordance with the rules in Sec­tion 38, fourteen days after notification of recovery has reached the owner of the vehicle.

The King determines the amount of the fee and issues further rules on the imposi­tion and recovery, on the payment and appeal deadlines and on the appeals process.

The King can decide that fines can be imposed on the spot or subsequently for offenses of a specified nature by means of a simplified fine at fixed fine rates.  In such a notice, the sentence and the criminal offense may be indicated by key words or in a similar way.

Fines printed on the spot are dropped if they are not immediately adopted.  Sec­tion 256, fifth paragraph, of the Criminal Procedure Act applies accordingly to fines issued subsequently.  Such a proposal will lapse if it is not adopted within the deadline. The King can issue further rules on the procedure when the fine is issued afterwards.

The public prosecutor's office can, in favor of the accused, revoke an adopted fine.

A police officer who otherwise does not have fine authority can be given the autho­rity to issue a simplified fine.

The King provides further rules on the use of simplified fines and sets fine rates and subsidiary prison sentences for the various offenses which the scheme shall cover.

The Ministry can issue regulations stating that businesses and drivers who, on the territory of a foreign state, have broken the driving and rest time regulations given in accordance with Section 21, second paragraph, can be punished here in the country in accor­dance with Section 31.  This applies regardless of the driver's citizenship, the company's head office, or the like.

• If the person who has the right to drive is sentenced to a penalty, the same jud­gement, order or decision on transfer to the conflict council may determine the loss of the right to drive a motor vehicle subject to a driving licence for a speci­fied time or forever, if considerations of traffic safety or public considerations otherwise require it.

  The loss of the right to drive is determined for at least one year if the driving licence holder is penalized for violating Section 22, cf. Section 31.  This does not apply to offenses as mentioned in Section 31, second paragraph, letter a.  If a penalty is imposed as mentioned in Section 31, second paragraph, letter a, for driving during a probatio­nary period, a loss of driving licence for up to one year is nevertheless determined.

  If the driving licence holder has previously been punished for a breach of Sec­tion 22, cf. Section 31, and he is punished for a new breach of Section 22, cf. Section 31, which was committed no later than 5 years after the reaction was determined for the previous breach, the right to drive a motor vehicle requiring a driving licence is permanently revoked.  However, this does not apply to viola­tions as mentioned in Section 31, second paragraph, letter a.

  The right to drive a motor vehicle requiring a driving licence shall be revoked forever if the holder of the right has caused or contributed to a traffic accident by using a motor vehicle and is punished for having failed to provide assistance to someone who was injured in the accident, cf. Section 12.

  The King issues regulations with detailed rules on determining how long the loss of driving rights will last and on when a new driving test must be required.

  The loss of driving rights can be set shorter than the minimum period in or in accordance with the provision here, if it would otherwise seem unreasonably harsh and there are particularly mitigating circumstances in the relationship that is the basis for the loss of driving rights.  The same applies when other very spe­cial reasons argue for going below the minimum period.

• The King may issue regulations that the right to drive a motor vehicle subject to a driving licence shall be lost for a specified period of time for reasons of traffic safety or public considerations, if the licencee has had specified criminal offenses registered a specified number of times during a specified period of time.  Diffe­rent registration of different criminal offenses can be determined, and depending on whether the person concerned has a driving licence with or without a trial period.  Conditions can be set to get your driving licence back.
• If the police find that the driver or owner of a motor vehicle or the person who, on behalf of the owner, has control over the motor vehicle is reasonably suspec­ted of a criminal offense that may result in the loss of the right to drive a motor vehicle subject to a driving licence, a police official may temporarily revoke the right to drive and take away the driving licence from him.  The question of main­taining the temporary revocation of the driving licence and the attachment must be submitted to an official who belongs to the public prosecution as soon as pos­sible.  The decision must be in writing.  If the suspect does not agree to the temporary revocation of the driving licence and seizure, the matter must be sent to the district court for a decision within 3 weeks.
• The Chief of Police or the person he gives authority to can make a decision to deprive someone of the right to drive a motor vehicle subject to a driving licence, if the holder of the right has been punished abroad during the last 6 months for an offense which would have led to the loss of the right to drive motor vehicle for a certain minimum time or forever according to rules in or pursuant to Section 33.
• When the loss of the right to drive has been legally determined, or a decision has been taken to temporarily revoke the right to drive a motor vehicle and tempora­rily confiscate the driving licence, the holder of the right must immediately deliver the driving licence to the police.  When the loss of driving licence is stipulated in the decision on transfer to the conflict council, the licence holder is obliged to deliver the driving licence to the police as soon as the case has been transferred to the conflict council.

If the police have reasonable grounds to believe that the holder of the right to drive a motor vehicle subject to a driving licence no longer meets the requirements laid down for vision, health and ability to drive for such a driving right, including that the holder must not abuse alcohol or other intoxicating or narcotic substances, or that the holder does not have the knowledge or the driving skills required in the interests of road safety, the Chief of Police or the person he gives authority to can order the holder – if he still wishes to use his driving licence – within a fixed period to submit to such medical examination as is required and present himself to completely or partially new driving test.  If the police find it necessary, they can order him to hand over his driving licence to the police until further notice.

If the holder fails to comply with orders under the first paragraph, or the medical exa­mination is not satisfactory, or if he does not pass the driving test, the Chief of Police or the person he gives authority to can revoke the right to drive.  Section 33 no. 5 applies accordingly.

If the result of the medical examination does not prevent him from doing so, or if he passes the driving test, the competent authority can issue him a new driving licence, possibly with a limited period of validity or under special conditions.

The Chief of Police or the person he gives authority can revoke the driving licence when the holder has not presented the necessary medical certificate within the set deadline, cf. Section 24, fifth and sixth paragraphs.

If the holder of the right to drive is not sober or his conduct is otherwise such that he is not considered fit to drive a motor vehicle, the Chief of Police or the person he gives authority to, may revoke the right to drive a motor vehicle subject to a driving licence for a specified time or until further notice, if the consideration of traffic safety or public considerations otherwise require it.

The person who is punished can, in the same judgement, order or decision on transfer to the conflict council, be prohibited from driving a motor vehicle for which a driving licence is not required for a specific time or forever, if considerations of traffic safety or public considerations otherwise require it.

The Chief of Police or the person he gives authority to can prohibit a person for a specified time from driving a motor vehicle for which a driving licence is not required, if the person has been deprived of the right to drive a motor vehicle in accordance with Section 34, or lacks the characteristics necessary to drive such motor vehicle or for other reasons is considered unfit to drive such motor vehicle, and considerations of traffic safety or public considerations otherwise require it.

• The police or the Norwegian Public Roads Administration may prohibit the use of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle trailer for as long as necessary, if
  • the vehicle is not re-registered when it is determined in accordance with Section 15,
  • the vehicle is not produced for inspection in accordance with Section 19 or the order to remedy the defect has not been complied with within the spe­cified time,
  • the vehicle is not in good condition or the vehicle's load is not properly secured,
  • the vehicle's wheels are not secured with sufficient road grip through the use of studded tires, chains or the like, when driving conditions make this necessary,
  • orders given pursuant to Section 36 a, fourth paragraph, have not been complied with,
  • rules given in accordance with Section 7, third paragraph, are significantly violated or orders given in accordance with these are not complied with,
  • the vehicle has been modified in violation of Section 13, fifth paragraph,
  • tachograph is not installed, or where the tachograph has been manipulated or otherwise changed so that the information from the tachograph does not correspond to actual driving or other regulated use.
• When considerations of traffic safety require it, the Chief of Police or the person he gives authority can prohibit the use of a motor vehicle and trailer for a motor vehicle for a specified period of up to one year, if the owner or someone who con­stantly uses the vehicle with his consent,
  • has driven a vehicle that has been modified in violation of Section 13, fifth paragraph, or
  • has used a vehicle with a significant overload, or with dangerous goods in violation of regulations given in or pursuant to this Act, or with improperly placed loads, or on a road where the vehicle must not drive according to gi­ven provisions regarding axle and bogie loads, length, width, height etc., or
  • has used the vehicle for driving otherwise in violation of provisions in or pursuant to this Act, and he has previously been sentenced or convicted for violations of such provisions or for violation of Chapter 25 of The Penal Code while using a motor vehicle or trailer for a motor vehicle, or
  • has driven the vehicle in an irresponsible manner.
• When the use of a motor vehicle, or trailer for a motor vehicle, is prohibited pur­suant to no. 1, no. 2 or no. 5, the police, the Norwegian Public Roads Administra­tion and the Norwegian Customs may confiscate the number plates and licence plates if the vehicle is registered.  The same applies in the case mentioned in Section 14–11, first paragraph, of the Tax Payments Act, and if traffic insurance is not kept in force, cf. Section 19 of the Motor Vehicle Liability Act.  Prohibition of use as mentioned in the first sentence can, if necessary, be ensured by the use of mechanical or electronic equipment.  When using such a device, the vehicle can be detained until the costs associated with the use of the device have been paid.
• When considerations of traffic safety require it, the Chief of Police or the person he authorizes may prohibit the use of vehicles other than motor vehicles and motor vehicle trailers for a specified period of up to 6 months, if the vehicle is not in a safe condition, or if the owner or someone who constantly uses it with his consent, has used it for reckless driving in breach of provisions in or pursuant to this Act.
• If the vehicle is handed over to others after the conditions for prohibiting its use according to no. 2 and no. 4 have been met, a ban on use can also be imposed against or maintained against the person to whom the vehicle is transferred.

  If the police find reason to assume that the use of the vehicle will be prohi­bited pursuant to no. 2 or no. 4, the police may temporarily prohibit the use of the vehicle until a decision can be made pursuant to no. 2 or no. 4.

• In the case mentioned in no. 3 and no. 4, the police can take the vehicle into cus­tody when it deems it necessary.  If it is not collected within three months after the end of the prohibition period, it can be sold according to the rules in Sec­tion 37, fifth to eighth paragraphs.
• The Ministry can decide that a fee must be paid to get back licence plates and vehicle licences in cases where these have been confiscated.
• The Ministry can decide that a separate confirmation of this can be assigned to vehicles as proof that there are no grounds for separation as mentioned in no. 3, and provides further provisions on issuance and on placement on the vehicle.  It can also be decided that vehicles without such confirmation can be separated where found and that driving without such confirmation is prohibited.
• The Ministry may, in regulations, give the police and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration the authority to issue orders to carry out the necessary rest when provisions made in accordance with Section 21, second paragraph, have been breached.  If necessary, orders to rest can be secured by using mechanical or electronic devices.  When using such a device, the vehicle can be detained until the costs associated with the use of the device have been paid.

Owners of vehicles, transporters or consignors who significantly violate or contri­bute to significantly violating regulations on permitted weights and dimensions may be charged a fee.

In the event of an infringement which entails an obligation to pay a fee according to the first paragraph, the police or the Norwegian Road Administration can take the vehicle into custody at the expense and risk of the person responsible or prohibit its use until the fee and any costs associated with the detention have been paid or such security has been provided for the claim as mentioned in Section 3–4 of the Enforce­ment Act.  Storage and prohibition of use can, if necessary, be secured by using mec­hanical or electronic equipment.  An imposed fee can be appealed to the district court according to the rules in Section 31 a, fourth paragraph.

The fee is a compulsory basis for disbursement also with the motor vehicle owner, cf. Section 38, second paragraph.  The provisions in the second paragraph, first sen­tence, can also be applied to the motor vehicle, and it is subject to security according to the provisions in Section 38, first paragraph.

The Ministry can issue regulations on:

• Weighing, measuring and relevant documentation from the sender and the con­trol authorities' access to such documentation,
• obligation to drive to the designated control point,
• fee rates, including higher rates in case of repetition,
• imposition, payment deadline and collection of fees,
• complaint processing and complaint deadline,
• access to fee waivers in special cases and
• confiscation of identification marks and documents in the case mentioned in the second paragraph.

The police, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and the Norwegian Customs can detain a motor vehicle and vehicles towed by a motor vehicle, if the owner has been fined or is believed to be liable to a fine or infringement fee for breaching pro­visions given in or pursuant to the Act here.  Equal to the owner is the person who has the right to dispose of the motor vehicle or the vehicle towed by the motor vehicle.

Withholding can only be decided when it is necessary to ensure payment of fines, infringement fees and any costs linked to the execution of the withholding and when such withholding is proportionate.  In the assessment, account must be taken of the size of the fine or infringement fee and the other circumstances.  The withholding shall cease when the payment has been completed or such security has been provided for the claim as mentioned in Section 3–4 of the Enforcement Act.

Where the detention is to ensure payment of a fine, the vehicle can be detained until the public prosecutor has decided whether a fine should be imposed.  The public prosecutor's office then decides whether the detention should continue.

If necessary, restraint can be ensured by using a mechanical or electronic device.

Impounded vehicles can be sold according to the rules in Section 37, fifth to eighth paragraphs, if the amount has not been paid within three months of a legally binding decision or a final infringement fee.  The provisions in Section 38 apply correspon­dingly to the costs associated with the detention.

The police can demand removal, or if necessary remove or impound the vehicle

• which is placed in violation of a provision in or pursuant to this Act, or
• which is placed in such a way that it otherwise obstructs traffic or snow plowing or other work on the road, or
• which is placed on private or public property to the detriment or disadvantage of the owner or user or against their prohibition.

If the vehicle is parked in an area that is not open to general traffic, this only applies if the owner or user of the land demands that the vehicle be removed.

Authority under the first paragraph letter b can also be exercised by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

The King may, after obtaining a statement from the relevant Chief of Police, issue regulations to the effect that authority under the first paragraph shall also be exercised by the municipality.

Vehicles that have been impounded in accordance with this section can be sold if they have not been collected within 3 months after the owner has been notified by registe­red letter of the impoundment and that the vehicle will be sold if it is not collected.  If the owner or his address is not known, the notice may be announced in the press or in some other way.  If the police or the Norwegian Public Roads Administration finds that the vehicle must be considered a wreck, it can dispose of the vehicle in an appropriate man­ner without regard to the deadline ahead and, if necessary, without notice to the owner.

The provisions in the Act of 29 May 1953 on the right for tradesmen and others to sell things that have not been picked up, apply accordingly to sales under the fourth paragraph and to payment of the sale price.

Vehicles taken into custody are at the owner's expense and risk.  If necessary, storage can be secured using mechanical or electronic equipment.  When using such a device, the vehicle can be detained until the costs associated with the use of the device have been paid.

If the owner claims back a vehicle that the police or the Norwegian Public Roads Administration is in the process of removing or has taken into custody, he must first pay the expenses incurred by the police or the Norwegian Public Roads Administration in connection with the removal and detention.

Overdue fees pursuant to Section 31, cf. Section 31 a, and Section 36 a are secu­red by a lien on the vehicle in question.  The same applies to fines imposed or imposed under road traffic legislation, where the driver and owner are the same person.  This lien takes precedence over all other rights in the vehicle, but ceases if the vehicle is transferred to a new owner who did not know or should have known about the lien. The lien nevertheless subsists in claims for taxes and fees to the state and municipality that are secured by a lien on the vehicle, when the enforcement proceedings are regis­tered before the fees or fines accrue.

Fees pursuant to Section 31 are grounds for enforcement against the guilty party and against the party who was registered as the owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation, unless this was then withdrawn from the party by an offence.  Fees pursuant to Section 36 a are grounds for enforcement against the party who was the owner or registered as the owner of the vehicle at the time of the overloading.  Claims as men­tioned in this section that accrue to the state are collected by the Collection Authority unless the Ministry decides otherwise.

For complaints about the police's decision to revoke the right to drive a motor vehicle subject to a driving licence etc. according to Section 34 and the ban on driving a motor vehicle without a driving licence according to Section 35, second paragraph, no time limit applies.

Regardless of whether a complaint has been lodged, the Ministry can extend the withdrawal period set by the police, if a notice of reversal is sent to the person con­cerned within 3 months after the police's decision was validly made.  If there is a signi­ficant mismatch between the set revocation period and the circumstances that are the basis for the revocation of the driving licence, it is nevertheless sufficient that notifi­cation of the extension is sent to the person concerned within 2/3 of the set revocation period.  Decisions on refusal of use pursuant to Section 36 no. 1 and Section 36 no. 2, letters a and b, can be appealed to the Directorate of Public Roads.  The police's refusal of use under Section 36 no. 2, letters c and d, Section 36 no. 4 and Section 36 no. 5 can be appealed to the Ministry.

If special reasons justify it, the Chief of Police or the person he gives authority can shorten the period for loss of the right to drive a motor vehicle etc. which is determi­ned by judgment, order or decision on transfer to the conflict council, cf. Section 33 no. 1 and no. 2, cf. no. 5.  If there are very compelling reasons for this, the period can be shortened even if the minimum period according to law or regulation has not expi­red.

The provision applies correspondingly to the blocking period pursuant to Sec­tion 24 a, second paragraph, and driving ban pursuant to Section 35, first paragraph.

The County Municipality has a responsibility to recommend and coordinate measu­res to promote traffic safety in the county.

The Ministry can issue regulations with further provisions that the county council, in Oslo municipality, is required to prepare and implement various measures related to traffic safety, including measures on the road network and measures in connection with school transport.

The Ministry can issue regulations that require the municipality to prepare and imple­ment various traffic safety measures in connection with school transport.

A transport operator who is responsible for carrying out transport which, due to its length, width, height or weight, requires special cooperation from the public authority, may be ordered to cover the expenses incurred by the competent authority for such cooperation.

For vehicles that have been sold with reservation of ownership for the seller, the buyer is considered the owner with regard to the provisions of this Act.

The King may make exceptions to the provisions in or granted pursuant to this Act for the Armed Forces' and the Civil Defense's vehicles and the use of these vehicles.

The King may issue transitional rules and regulations otherwise for the implemen­tation and completion of the provisions of this Act.

When it comes to rules on approvals, certificates of competence, etc. which, in accordance with the Road Traffic Act, are required to carry out certain types of activity, the Ministry can issue regulations on case management rules to complement the rules in the Service Act, including on the case management deadline and legal effects of exceeding the deadline.  Exceptions to Section 11, second paragraph, of the Service Act can only be made when it is justified on the basis of compelling public considera­tions, including consideration of private individuals' interests worthy of protection.  The case management rules may deviate from the rules in the Public Administration Act.

Public authorities can process personal data, including personal data as mentioned in Articles 9 and 10 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), when it is neces­sary to carry out tasks in accordance with this Act with regulations.  Personal data may also be processed as mentioned in connection with traffic safety and accident analysis work.

Personal data, including personal data as mentioned in Articles 9 and 10 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), can be disclosed from the Norwegian Pub­lic Roads Administration's motor vehicle register and driving licence register to the police without hindrance of confidentiality when necessary for police purposes or quality control of information in the police's registers.  Personal data, including personal data as mentioned in Article 9 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), can be disclosed from the image and signature register to the police without hindrance of the duty of confidentiality when it is necessary for

• to find a missing person
• to identify a dead person or a person whom it is the police's duty to help
• to identify a person who can be brought in or is to be arrested or placed in police custody
• to clarify the identity of a person who, according to the Immigration Act, is obli­ged to provide information about their own identity
• prevention or investigation of an act which, according to the law, may result in a higher penalty than imprisonment for six months
• quality control of information in police registers.

Disclosure of personal data pursuant to this section can be done by direct search.

Personal information in the driving licence and motor vehicle register may be han­ded over to, or otherwise made available to, foreign authorities when this is necessary to fulfill Norway's international obligations.

The Ministry can issue regulations with supplementary provisions on the processing of personal data, for example on the purpose of the processing, which data can be processed, conditions for possible disclosure, use of automated decisions, deletion routines, compilation and further processing of data.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration may, without being hindered by the obli­gation of confidentiality, obtain information from the population register authority that is necessary to carry out tasks under this Act or other tasks stipulated in or pursuant to law.

Investigation of certain categories of traffic accidents and traffic accidents must be carried out by the authority determined by the Ministry.

The investigating authority must clarify the course of events and causal factors with the aim of improving traffic safety.

The investigating authority shall not take a position on civil or criminal guilt and liability.  The investigation must take place independently of any other investigation or investigation.

The Ministry can issue supplementary regulations on the investigation authority's work.

The police and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration must notify the investi­gating authority of specified traffic accidents and traffic accidents in accordance with regulations laid down by the Ministry.

The investigating authority has the right to use private land and can demand to examine and take possession of vehicles and wreckage.  It must also be given access to documents, results from other investigations in connection with the traffic accident or traffic accident, including of persons who were involved, and autopsies of victims, as well as other things to the extent necessary to be able to carry out their task.  The investigating authority can require a breath test, blood test and clinical medical exami­nation to be carried out in accordance with Section 22 a.  If necessary, the investi­gating authority can request assistance from the police.

Everyone is obliged, on request and without regard to confidentiality, to provide the investigating authority with the information he or she has about matters that may be of importance to the investigation.

The investigating authority can require the securing of evidence outside of court pro­ceedings in accordance with the rules in Section 28–3, third paragraph, and Section 28–4 of the Disputes Act.  Claims for securing evidence are submitted to the district court where those to be questioned live or reside or real evidence is to be examined.

Anyone who performs service or work for the investigating authority has a duty of confidentiality in accordance with the Public Administration Act regarding what they become aware of during the performance of their work.  Section 13 b, first paragraph no. 6, of the Administration Act does not apply.

When persons as mentioned in the first paragraph receive information which is sub­ject to a stricter duty of confidentiality than that which follows from the Public Admini­stration Act, a similarly strict duty of confidentiality shall apply, unless weighty public considerations dictate that the information should be passed on or the information is necessary to explain the cause of the traffic accident or the traffic accident.

Persons mentioned in the first paragraph also have a duty of confidentiality regard­ing all information that has been revealed during an explanation to the investigating authority in accordance with Section 47, unless weighty public considerations dictate that the information should be passed on or the information is necessary to explain the cause of the traffic accident or accident.

The duty of confidentiality as mentioned in the second and third paragraphs does not prevent the information from being passed on to the extent that the person entitled to confidentiality consents, if the information is in statistical form, or if it is generally available elsewhere.

Information the investigating authority receives in accordance with Section 47 can­not be used as evidence in a subsequent criminal case against the person who provi­ded the information.

An employee who gives a statement in accordance with Section 47 shall not, as a result, be subject to any form of sanctions from the employer.  The first sentence does not apply to measures that the employer takes with the main purpose of improving the employee's qualifications.

The first paragraph does not apply if the information received shows that the em­ployee does not meet the health requirements to hold his position, or that the employee himself has acted grossly negligently in connection with the accident or mishap.  The first paragraph also does not apply to circumstances relating to the employee or his actions and omissions that have become known in any other way than through the employee's explanation pursuant to Section 47.

The Ministry can issue further regulations on the cases in which the investigating authority must draw up a report, how the reports must be drawn up, and about the case management, etc.

The investigating authority's draft report is not public.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration must investigate road traffic accidents in order to clarify the course of events and causal factors with the aim of improving traffic safety.

For this purpose, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's accident analysis group shall carry out in-depth analyzes of all fatal road accidents in Norway.  The acci­dent analysis group shall not take a position on civil or criminal guilt and liability in con­nection with the road traffic accident.  The accident analysis group shall, without being hindered by statutory confidentiality obligations, be provided with case information from the police that is necessary for the group's work and autopsy reports on traffic fatalities.

The Ministry can issue regulations on the accident analysis group's work.

This Act enters into force from the day the King decides.1  It may be decided that certain parts of this Act shall enter into force earlier than other parts.2

Administrative regulations, permits, prohibitions, conditions, etc. which have been given or determined in accordance with the Acts mentioned under no. 1, 2 or 5 below, continue to apply until they are amended or repealed pursuant to this Act.

From the entry into force of this Act, the following Acts and provisions are repealed or amended:

The provisions in Section 33 and Section 34 of this Act on driving licences, driving licences and motor vehicles requiring a driving licence shall apply correspondingly to moped driving licences and associated driving licences.

Decisions on delegation of authority issued before the entry into force of the Act on amendments to sectoral legislation to ensure that tasks to municipalities and county authorities are assigned in Acts and Regulations shall continue to apply.3