Rental car rules target safer winter roads in northern Norway

NHO Reiseliv has launched a national industry standard for rental cars aimed at preventing accidents and improving safety on demanding winter roads in northern Norway, NRK reported.

The standard was presented during Arendalsuka and developed in cooperation with the country’s largest rental car companies. It comes as winter tourism in northern Norway continues to grow, bringing more challenges on the roads.

Many international visitors have limited experience with the polar night, narrow roads, icy conditions and rapidly changing weather, NHO said in a press release.

“This is a very good and practical measure. As winter tourism grows, we must do what we can to ensure that our guests, local residents and commercial transport are safe on the roads,” said Hans Christian Hansson, regional director of NHO Nordland.

New rental car requirements

The standard recommends studded tyres on cars rented north of Trondheim during winter. It also requires newer, well-maintained vehicles and reflective vests for all passengers in cars rented in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark.

Rental companies must also provide safety information in several languages about local weather and difficult driving conditions, while introducing systematic training and accident prevention measures.