Legality and process

Safedrive is legal

Safedrive is a legal service under applicable law.

Section 13 a of the Road Traffic Act prohibits equipment that blocks, receives or interferes with signals from traffic control equipment. The provision does not cover indirect notification via mobile phone or the internet. This is apparent from the preparatory work for the Act and later legal commentaries.

The ministries have previously considered the issue of banning such reporting. In 2018, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security and the Ministry of Transport and Communications concluded that it was not appropriate to propose a ban, partly because it raises legal issues related to the sharing of publicly available information.

New political assessment

In 2024, the government announced that it wanted to investigate a possible ban on control notifications.

A working group was then established. The working group's report, with suggestions for how a ban could possibly be implemented, was sent for public consultation on 28 February 2025. The consultation generated significant engagement and nearly 20,000 consultation responses were received.

There are several problematic aspects and legal challenges associated with introducing a ban. This is also discussed in the consultation note from the Ministry. The proposals affect freedom of expression and the right to privacy – two fundamental rights protected by the Constitution and human rights obligations. In addition, the proposal raises questions related to the relationship with EEA law. These challenges have also been pointed out by several consultation bodies.

Where does the matter stand now?

• No specific legislative proposal has been notified to the Storting.
• No legislative proposal has been submitted.
• No majority has been determined in the Storting.

 

The government has also not decided whether it will move forward with a bill after the hearing.

If the government chooses to put forward a proposal, it must be processed through the ordinary legislative process in the Storting, with committee consideration, debate and voting. The government is currently in a minority, and all parties must take a position on a possible proposal before it can be adopted.

Even if adopted, a legislative amendment will only come into force at a later date.

Is it safe to buy Safedrive now?

Yes.

Safedrive is completely legal to use. No ban has been passed, and there is no specific bill pending in the Storting.

Any legislative change requires that the government first choose to submit a proposal, that it is then considered and adopted by the Storting, and that a date for entry into force is set. Such a process will in any case take time.

If the regulations should change, we will of course comply with the current law. We will inform our customers in good time and adapt the service in line with any new requirements.

Sources:
Media case, TA: He fights for the company – now he gets support from the EU
Safedrive's consultation response
The hearing from February/March 2025

Ministry of Transport and Communications statement, 15.01.2018
Ministry of Justice statement, 11.01.2018
Ministry of Justice's assessment, 22.04.2010
Road Traffic Act (Road Traffic Act) Section 13 a
Preparatory work for the Road Traffic Act Section 13 a Chapter 3.3