Approval of vehicles subject to the Regulations relating to universal design of motor vehicles used for licensed transport

The requirements are set out in the Regulations relating to universal design of motor vehicles used for licensed transport etc. (Lovdata - Norwegian only).

As of today, you can book this vehicle test for individual vehicles, but we hope to be able to offer this approval test for vehicle fleets by 1 May 2025. Until then, for vehicle fleets you need to apply for an exemption from the ordinary approval process.

Vehicles covered by the requirements

The vehicles covered are described in Section 1 of the Regulations (Lovdata - Norwegian only). In short, these are the vehicles that are covered:

• Motor vehicles used for licensed passenger transport on regular services
• Motor vehicles used for licensed transport of persons with disabilities

Requirement for frontal protection

Category I buses are not covered by the requirements in the Regulations relating to universal design of motor vehicles used for licensed transport etc. (Lovdata - Norwegian only), with the exception of the requirement for frontal protection.

Buses in Categories I, II and III that are registered for the first time in Norway on or after 1 October 2023 are required to have frontal protection. The requirement for front protection applies to all licensed passenger transport, whether regular or non-regular (occasional).

Responsibility for ensuring that the vehicle is approved

It is the owner of the vehicle, or those who have been authorised by the owner, who can apply for additional approval.

At the same time, the requirements are related to the actual use of the vehicle. This means that it is the licence holder, the owner and/or the person who uses the vehicle who is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is approved as required.

The ordinary approval process where the vehicle is presented for testing

In order to obtain this approval, it is required that the vehicle has already been approved in accordance with the Regulations relating to the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers (bilforskriften - Lovdata - Norwegian only).

When you book a session for a vehicle test, you should select "Licensed passenger transport - additional approval". It is possible to book additional approval for a vehicle that is already registered, or you can book the additional approval at the same time as you book an ordinary first-time approval test.

Bring documentation to the test session

You need to bring all required documentation when you come to the test session.

The requirement for documentation is described in more detail in Section 3 of the Regulations relating to universal design of motor vehicles used for licensed transport etc. (Lovdata - Norwegian only). The documentation must be issued by the manufacturer of the bodywork, chassis, safety equipment or the complete motor vehicle, or by a competent independent laboratory.

You may use the checklist in this appendix (PDF - Norwegian only) as a way to structure the documentation.

See more information about:

Requirements applying to buses (Lovdata - Norwegian only)

Requirements applying to passenger cars (Lovdata - Norwegian only)

We will accept a statement that refers to relevant test reports and, if applicable, type approvals. It must be clear from the statement which requirements are met for the specific vehicle in question.

Special aspects of the requirement for frontal protection

With regard to the requirement for frontal protection in buses, it is possible to carry out virtual testing as an alternative to destructive testing. Read more about this in the consultation document of 3 May 2023 (PDF, regjeringen.no - Norwegian only)

Exemption from the ordinary approval process

Until 30 April 2025, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration may, subject to application, grant exemption from the ordinary approval process. The temporary exemption does not cancel the requirement that the vehicle must satisfy all of the requirements of the Regulations, but makes it possible to grant exemption from the ordinary requirement that all vehicles must be presented for testing, up to and including 30 April 2025.

You can apply for exemption for vehicles that

• were registered and taken into use on or after 1 October 2023
• are not registered, but will have first-time approval in Norway before 30 April 2025

Apply for exemption

You need to attach to your application all documentation for the vehicle. The application and documentation must be correct and structured, otherwise the application will not be processed.

You should send your application and documentation to:

Please use the following subject line: "Søknad om dispensasjon fra ordinært godkjenningsforløp"

Processing time and response to applications

We process applications continuously, but please note that capacity and system technical issues may affect our processing time. You can help speed up processing time by ensuring that all necessary documentation is attached to your application, and that the application is well structured.

We recommend that you consider the ordinary approval process if you need approval for only one vehicle.

If your application for exemption is granted, information about the vehicle will be updated in the National Vehicle Register.

You will be informed if your application is not granted.

You have the right to appeal against the result of your application.