Traffic Signs in Iceland
Some Icelandic road signs look different from what you may be used to at home, and several of them are written in Icelandic. Here are the signs every visitor should know.
Speed limits
Speed limit signs are yellow circles with a red border, and speeds are always in kilometers per hour (km/h). Unless a sign says otherwise:
- Towns and residential areas: 30–50 km/h
- Gravel roads: 80 km/h
- Paved roads outside towns: 90 km/h
The sign below summarizes Iceland's general speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 90 km/h on paved roads (lower limits apply to vehicles towing a trailer).
One-lane bridges
Many bridges in Iceland have only one lane. Look for a warning triangle with an exclamation mark above a sign reading "Einbreið brú" (one-lane bridge). Slow down as you approach, check whether a car is coming from the other side, and let whoever reaches the bridge first cross first.
Asphalt ends
One of the most important signs in Iceland: a warning triangle with an exclamation mark, above a sign reading "Malbik endar" ("asphalt ends"). The road changes from paved to gravel, which reduces grip and increases braking distance – slow down before you reach the gravel. Read more in Gravel roads in Iceland.
4x4 road signs
Some roads, especially F-roads in the highlands, are only for 4x4 vehicles. These signs mean the road ahead is rough and closed to 2WD cars. See F-roads in Iceland before you go.
Animal warning signs
Sheep, horses and reindeer often wander close to or onto the road in rural areas, especially in summer. Animal warning signs are red-bordered yellow triangles with a black symbol of the animal, sometimes with a distance sign below. Slow down when you see them.
Signs in towns and cities
In towns you'll mostly meet signs about access, right of way and parking.
The sign on the left – a yellow circle with a red border – means no driving: no vehicles may enter from any direction. The sign on the right – a red circle with a yellow bar – means no entry from your direction (the road may still be entered from the other end).
Parking signs
Parking fines in Iceland are sent to the vehicle owner, and you are responsible for paying them even after you have left the country – so it's worth knowing the signs.
The first sign below shows parking for passenger cars (similar signs exist for trucks, motorcycles and electric vehicles). The second shows parking reserved for disabled drivers with a valid parking card, and the third shows a 30-minute time limit.
No parking and no stopping
A blue circle with a red border and one red line means no parking – you may stop briefly, for example to let someone out, but not leave the car. A blue circle with a red X means no stopping or parking at all.
