The clear stretch of road needed for overtaking and the overtaking distance are often mistaken as the same thing.

The overtaking distance ('forbikjøringsstrekning') is just the distance it takes to pass another vehicle (from pulling out behind it until you pull back in in front of it).

While the clear stretch of road needed for overtaking ('fri veistrekning') includes

The overtaking distance

The distance travelled by oncoming ('møtende') vehicles while you are overtaking The distance travelled by oncoming ('møtende') vehicles while you are overtaking

A safety margin ('sikkerhetsmargin') A safety margin ('sikkerhetsmargin')

The clear stretch of road needed for overtaking is generally about 3 times the overtaking distance. The clear stretch of road needed for overtaking is generally about 3 times the overtaking distance.