23 of 39 party buses banned in 2025 — here are the russ 2026 rules

What changed on 1 January 2026?

From 1 January 2026, a stricter version of the Norwegian Regulation on Vehicle Use § 3-1 applies. The rule states that side-facing seats and standing positions are not permitted while a bus is in motion. The change was part of the government's work for a safer russ period and was formally adopted on 15 September 2025 after a public consultation round in autumn 2024.

The ban applies regardless of where the bus is registered. A Swedish-registered bus with side-facing seats is not legal to use on Norwegian roads, even if the setup is approved in Sweden.

Which seats are forbidden?

In short: any seat that does not face forward or backward in the direction of travel. The classic russ-bus layout with sofa groups along the sides, large seating groups around tables and corner seats — all of it is illegal to use while the bus is moving.

Standing positions are also forbidden. Every passenger must sit in a legally mounted seat and wear a seatbelt.

There are a few exceptions in the regulation, but they don't apply to russ buses:

• Scheduled buses and rail replacement services on fixed routes
• Vintage buses approved before 16 November 2016, used under 50 km/h at historical events
• Class III conference buses with a professional driver

Why were the rules tightened?

Side-facing seats provide poor protection in a collision. The body is thrown sideways with no natural support in the direction of travel — which is why ordinary cars and buses are built with seats facing the direction of travel.

Statens Vegvesen carried out extensive inspections of party buses in 2025. Of 39 inspected buses, 23 received driving bans on the spot, and 10 were reported to the police. All four Swedish-registered buses that were inspected received driving bans. Source: regjeringen.no, press release 15 September 2025.

What happens if the bus breaks the rules?

A driving ban on the vehicle is the most common consequence. It means the bus cannot be used until the setup is changed to comply with the regulation. For the russ students, that can mean the russ celebration comes to a halt until the bus is rebuilt.

A police report is also a real consequence. It can lead to fines for both owner and driver, and in the worst case can affect the driving licence of the person behind the wheel.

Organisers and others who book the bus can also be held financially liable if the contract includes a clause that the bus must be legal.

How do you know your russ bus is legal?

Before signing a contract with a bus supplier, ask for:

• Photos or video of the seating layout actually used while driving
• Confirmation of type approval and that the bus meets § 3-1 from 2026
• A contract clause allowing the bus to be rejected without cost if it doesn't meet Norwegian rules in a roadside inspection

Verbal promises are not enough. It is the use of the bus that is checked, and the consequence hits the russ students who rent — not the owner who supplies.

Also check that the driver has the correct driving licence for the bus (class D or D1) and that driving and rest-time rules are followed.

What does this have to do with the theory test?

The safety thinking behind the new rules is the same as you meet in the theory test: passive safety, collision dynamics and the value of correct seat mounting and seatbelts. The knowledge you practise with Prøve.no is directly relevant to understanding why russ-bus rules are what they are — and for your own driving long after the russ period is over.

Enjoy the russ period. The best russ celebration is the one everyone gets home from safely.