The purpose of the Act Relating to Motor Traffic on Uncultivated Land and in Watercourses is to protect natural environments and safeguard recreational values. The default position of the Act is to forbid all motorised traffic on uncultivated land and in watercourses. However, these regulatory requirements do allow for some essential traffic; for example in connection with emergency access or exercises by the armed forces.
Finnmark and Nord-Troms have their own rules regarding the use of motorised vehicles on uncultivated land, and as a result the County Governor holds more responsibilities here under the Act Relating to Motor Traffic on Uncultivated Land and in Watercourses.