Teorio
Speed limit
When you see the sign
Adjust your speed so that you do not drive faster than the number marked on the road. The number indicates the maximum permitted speed in kilometres per hour, but you must drive more slowly if the weather, road conditions, visibility or traffic conditions require it.
Rules
- The road marking indicates the maximum permitted speed in kilometres per hour.
- The speed limit applies from the marking until it is changed or cancelled by a new speed limit, sign or other valid regulation.
- The number is an upper limit, not a speed you are always entitled or required to maintain.
- A lower speed limit takes precedence over a higher general limit; for example, a marked 60 km/h limit applies even though the general limit outside built-up areas is 80 km/h.
- No speed limit relieves the driver of the duty to adjust their speed to the location, road conditions, visibility and traffic conditions.
Tips
- Ease off the accelerator early and make sure your speed has been reduced when you reach the marking.
- Look for a corresponding circular speed-limit sign at the side of the road, as road markings are often used to make the speed limit more visible.
- Pay extra attention to the marking after junctions, roundabouts or in places where many drivers may be unsure which speed limit applies.
- Do not rely blindly on the car's traffic-sign recognition; check the number on the road and any signs yourself.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the number indicates a recommended speed. It indicates the maximum permitted speed.
- Some people think the speed limit is always 110 km/h on motorways. A motorway without a specially posted higher speed limit has a default limit of 80 km/h, and the highest posted speed limit in Norway is 110 km/h.
- Some people think they can maintain the marked speed regardless of the conditions. You must reduce your speed when visibility, road conditions or traffic make the marked maximum speed unsafe.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this road marking mean?
- AIt indicates a recommended speed in kilometres per hour.
- BIt indicates the highest permitted speed in kilometres per hour.
- CIt indicates the distance to the next speed limit in kilometres.
- DIt indicates the lowest permitted speed in kilometres per hour.
Medium
The marking shows 80, but the road is slippery and visibility is poor. What should you do?
- AMaintain 80 km/t because the marking gives you the right to do so.
- BReduce your speed to what is safe in the circumstances.
- CIncrease your speed until visibility and road conditions improve.
- DMaintain 80 km/t because this is always the safest speed.
Hard
You are driving outside a built-up area and pass a marking showing 60. Later you pass a white lane line, but no new speed regulation. What applies?
- AThe highest permitted speed becomes 50 km/t.
- BThe highest permitted speed is determined by the lane line.
- CThe highest permitted speed becomes 80 km/t.
- DThe highest permitted speed is still 60 km/t.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, the trap may be the difference between the maximum permitted speed and a safe speed. If, for example, you see an 80 marking on an icy road with poor visibility, 80 km/h is the maximum limit, but the appropriate speed may be considerably lower.
Did you know
The speed limit may be repeated as a large number on the road to attract the driver's attention, particularly where the speed level changes or where it is important to remind drivers of the current limit. The number is shown without «km/t», but should always be understood as kilometres per hour.
Frequently asked questions
What does the number painted on the road mean?
It indicates the maximum permitted speed in kilometres per hour. A marked 50 therefore means that you may not drive faster than 50 km/h.
Do I have to maintain exactly the speed shown on the road?
No. The number is a maximum limit, and you must drive more slowly if the conditions make the marked speed unsafe.
Does the speed limit apply only until the next junction?
No, you should not automatically assume that a special speed limit ends at a junction. Follow the current regulation until the speed limit is changed or cancelled in a valid manner.
What should I do if a sign and the road marking appear to show different speed limits?
Follow the regulation that applies at the location, and be aware that the road marking may be old or worn. In the event of a genuine conflict, act cautiously and follow a clear, valid traffic sign.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
