Roads Administration cracks down on roadside signs

In Bergen alone, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration handles around 30 cases each year involving distracting advertising along roads.

To put up advertising directed at road users, you must apply for permission, and much more counts as advertising than you might think. Even a sign announcing that your friends got married can be considered advertising. The Public Roads Administration considers the following as advertising:

"All expressions intended to promote specific commercial, political or ideological interests, or to announce private opinions or events."

Creative solutions are also not allowed

You’ve probably seen trailers with large advertising signs placed along roads. This also requires permission if the trailer is clearly visible from the road, is not in operation, and is placed there to function as advertising.

Prohibited on signs and road areas

It is also forbidden to hang posters and similar items on road signs, and advertising may not be placed on property belonging to public roads. This includes rest areas and road shoulders.

Why?

Why does the Public Roads Administration crack down on roadside advertising? There are mainly two reasons. First, advertising can be distracting and take attention away from driving. Second, advertising can sometimes obstruct visibility, which can naturally lead to dangerous situations.