Skip to main content

Norway plans self-driving car tests on public roads

The Norwegian Government is to consult on a proposal for a new law that would allow self-driving vehicles on the country’s roads, with the aim of passing the bill in the spring of 2017. The objective is to facilitate the testing of self-driving vehicles on Norwegian roads by the public within the framework of traffic safety while protecting the integrity of personal information. By allowing the public to test self-driving vehicles in Norway, the Government hopes to facilitate the development and testing
January 5, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
The Norwegian Government is to consult on a proposal for a new law that would allow self-driving vehicles on the country’s roads, with the aim of passing the bill in the spring of 2017. The objective is to facilitate the testing of self-driving vehicles on Norwegian roads by the public within the framework of traffic safety while protecting the integrity of personal information.

By allowing the public to test self-driving vehicles in Norway, the Government hopes to facilitate the development and testing of new technologies in Norway and keep Norwegian technology companies competitive.

The government plans to gradually introduce self-driving vehicles. Only technologically mature systems will be approved for testing, with the purpose of understanding the effects self-driving vehicles have on traffic safety, traffic efficiency and mobility – and what impact they will have on the environment. The consultation explains how an application process could be set up to issue permits to persons or companies that wish to test out this new technology on Norwegian roads. The consultation also suggests conditions for approving such permits.

Related Content

  • June 2, 2014
    Machine vision makes progress in traffic applications
    Machine Vision technology is easing the burden on hard-pressed control room staff and overloaded communications networks.
  • May 24, 2013
    Seminar urges the use of smart road technologies in Oman
    The recent Smart Road Technologies seminar in Oman discussed the development of transportation systems, not just the construction of new roads or infrastructure renovation, but also the use of information technology to link elements within the road system - vehicles, roads, traffic lights, message signs, among others – using intelligent technology to enable them to communicate with each other via wireless technologies. The seminar was held as part of the Digital Nation series of seminars organised by Knowle
  • February 26, 2021
    Creating foundations for European MaaS model
    Public transport is backbone of Mobility as a Service in Europe, says Piia Karjalainen
  • January 26, 2012
    Charging trial tests smartphones for road user charging
    A new project is under way in Minnesota, investigating whether smartphones are technically and publicly acceptable for use in road user charging. Jason Barnes reports. In Minnesota, trials have been launched to determine whether smartphones are technologically viable and acceptable to the public for distance based road user charging (RUC). The Midwestern US state has engaged with Battelle to explore RUC technology options in a project which falls under the auspices of the US Federal Connected Vehicle progra