People using cars in Norway should know where and how much they will pay for using the road. This applies to some sections, as well as individual bridges and tunnels. The driver is also obliged to pay to enter the centers of larger cities. It is also worth knowing the general principles of operation of the download system fees in Norway.
General principles of charging fees
First of all, it is worth knowing that in Norway there is no subscription fee, the purchase of which would exempt you from the obligation to pay road tolls. Basically, there are two types of them. The first occurs on public roads and these are usually either the most frequently used sections or expressways. You can find out which sections are toll and how much they cost on the website: http://www.autopass.no/en/autopass. The second type of tolls is levied on private roads. They usually occur in the mountains and sometimes involve commuting to specific shelters.
It is worth remembering that the toll applies to some tunnels and bridges. However, there are literally a few such cases. You should also pay for the possibility of entering the centers of larger cities.
Autopass system
Although there is no single subscription, it is important to know that most of the toll charges can be automatically collected by the Autopass system. Compared to the formerly practiced toll collection at the gates, this solution is faster and more convenient. There is no need to wait in the traffic jams that usually form in front of toll stations. There are two ways to use this system.
. Autopass registration
The automatic toll collection system can be used after prior registration. As a result, the driver has the option of topping up his pre-paid account with a certain amount. When traveling on toll sections, the toll due will be automatically debited from this account.
Autopass without registration
However, the driver is not required to have such an account. If he does not register in the Autopass system, an invoice for the trips will be sent to his home address. It is issued by Euro Parking Collection based in London and shipped within six months for a given billing period.
How to start using Autopass?
In order to start using the Autopass system, you must sign a contract with the local operator and pay a deposit of NOK 200. In the contract, the driver specifies his bank account number from which the fees will be collected. It is also worth registering and topping up your pre-paid account. It is worth knowing that after the end of the contract, the Autopass device can be returned to the operator, who will return the deposit to the bank account provided.
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Fee for bridges and tunnels
Most bridges and tunnels are free to use. There are, however, isolated cases when you will have to pay for a ride on them. The entire list of such places can be found on autopass.no, and one of the most frequented is the Hardangebrua Bridge. It is located outside the village of Fjaerland.
Toll rules for trucks
It is worth knowing that from January 1, 2015, new rules apply for vehicles with a total weight exceeding 3,5 tons. Drivers of such trucks must take care of purchasing a vignette as proof of the toll. This obligation also applies to rental vehicles, including those that are rented abroad in Norway. For this reason, it is worth making sure that the vignette is inside the cabin upon receipt.
Entrance to major cities
Entry to cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Kristiansand is subject to toll. The intention was to encourage drivers to leave their cars on the outskirts of the agglomeration and use public transport. Important to note is that this toll may be automatically levied if the vehicle is equipped with the Autopass system.
What about private roads?
Private toll roads are not listed on autopass.no and therefore the toll will not be automatically collected by Autopass. Such sections are marked with the "Bromvei" road sign, and there is a barrier and a coin box in front of the entrance. Important information is that the toll can only be paid in cash, so it is worth having it with you when traveling in Norway.
Where are such roads and how much do they cost?
Private toll roads are usually in the mountains. They lead to places such as the Nigardsbreen glacier, shelters at Galdhoppingen or the Folgefonna ski resort. Usually, a toll of between NOK 50 and NOK 150 is charged.
