Driving in Iceland: Rules and Safety Tips

Driving in Iceland is a highlight of any trip, but some rules and conditions may be new to you. Here are the essentials every driver should know before setting off.

The basic rules

• Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
• Headlights on at all times – day and night, all year round. This is required by law.
• Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car, in the front and the back.
• Children must use a child seat or booster seat suited to their height and weight.
• No phone in your hand. Using a phone while driving is only allowed with a hands-free system.
• Don't drink and drive. Iceland's legal alcohol limit is very low, so the only safe rule is not to drink at all if you are driving.
• Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 90 km/h on paved roads, unless signs say otherwise. See Speeding tickets in Iceland.

Off-road driving is illegal

Driving off marked roads and tracks is strictly prohibited everywhere in Iceland. Tire tracks can damage the fragile moss and soil for decades. The police enforce this rule, and fines are high. Damage caused by off-road driving is not covered by rental protection.

Don't stop on the road

It is tempting to stop for a photo of a waterfall, horses or the Northern Lights – but never stop on the road or on the narrow shoulder. Many accidents in Iceland happen this way. Drive on to a marked parking area or a safe pull-out before you stop.

Narrow roads and one-lane bridges

• Many roads are narrow, with no shoulder and steep edges. Keep to the right and slow down when you meet other cars.
• On one-lane bridges (Einbreið brú), the car that reaches the bridge first has the right of way. See Traffic signs in Iceland.
• Blind hills and blind curves are common. Look out for the signs and keep well to the right.

Animals on the road

Sheep graze freely in the countryside from spring to autumn and often cross the road without warning – lambs usually follow their mother, even across the road. Horses and, in East Iceland, reindeer can also appear. Slow down when you see animals near the road.

Plan ahead

• Check the weather at en.vedur.is and road conditions at umferdin.is/en every day before you set off.
• Distances are longer than they look on the map, and services can be far apart. Fill up the tank or charge the car when you have the chance.
• Driving between October and April? Read Winter driving in Iceland and Wind, sand and ash.
• Leave your travel plan at safetravel.is if you are heading to remote areas.
• In an emergency, call 112. For a breakdown, see What to do in case of an accident or breakdown.

Have a safe trip! 🚗