Norway Raises Speeding Fines Again Amid Safety Debate

Norway’s government has once again increased traffic fines to keep pace with inflation. This year’s adjustments follow a 30% hike in 2023, continuing a trend of rising penalties for road violations. Fines for failing to yield, running red lights, and using a mobile phone while driving have all gone up, from 10,450 kroner to 10,750 kroner. The Norwegian National Mobile Police Service announced the update on Facebook, urging drivers to obey speed limits, stay sober behind the wheel, and remain alert. Meanwhile, NAF—Norges Automobil-Forbund, an organization that advocates for motorists’ interests—has questioned whether these high fines actually improve road safety. Ingunn Handagard, NAF’s press chief, emphasized that penalties should be proportionate to the offense. NAF points to a report from the Institute of Transport Economics, a Norwegian research body focused on transport economics and traffic safety, which found that more frequent traffic controls have a stronger positive effect on safety than steep fines. NAF supports increased traffic enforcement and calls for income-adjusted fines, similar to those already used for drunk driving offenses. Recent NRK reporting noted that traffic violations haven’t decreased in recent years despite the higher penalties.