Svalbard Living here
What is different on Svalbard: the rules, practices and advice a newcomer needs, from the authorities that set them.
Getting around
Rule
Snowmobiles only in the mapped areas, on snow or frozen ground
Residents may drive snowmobiles, tracked vehicles and e-bikes off road only on snow-covered or frozen ground, in the yellow zones on the regulation map, and in green zones until 1 March. Visitors get fewer areas. Spring sea-ice closures apply in several fjords.
Rule
No off-road driving on bare ground
Motor traffic outside established roads and spaces is prohibited. On bare or thawed ground the ban is almost absolute, with exceptions only for work in the planning areas or by permit from Sysselmesteren (the Governor of Svalbard). This covers ATVs and any motor vehicle.
Practice
Vehicles are registered locally, with no driving test on the islands
The Svalbard service office in the government offices (Statens hus), Vei 227, handles plates and registration, by booked appointment only. Statens vegvesen (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration) calls vehicles in for annual inspection at the garage of Sysselmesteren (the Governor of Svalbard). The office offers no practical driving test; you must take it on the mainland.
Rule
A Svalbard-registered car can go to the mainland for 93 days a year
Residents on the Svalbard register may use a Svalbard-registered vehicle on the mainland for up to 93 days in any 12 months. Report the period to Skatteetaten (the Norwegian Tax Administration) first, then re-register the car temporarily. If you move to the mainland for good, you pay customs and fees on the vehicle.