Driving Tips for Visitors from Abroad

Driving in Iceland may feel different from home – whether you come from the US, the UK, Europe or Asia. Here are the things visitors most often don't expect.

Used to driving on the left?

If you come from a country with left-hand traffic – for example the UK, Ireland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysia – remember that Iceland drives on the right.

• Take a few minutes in the parking lot to get used to the car before driving off.
• Be extra careful when turning, at roundabouts and when pulling out after a stop – this is when it's easiest to end up on the wrong side.
• Roundabouts go counterclockwise. See Roundabouts in Iceland.
• Ask a passenger to help you keep right during the first hours.

Coming from the US or Canada?

• No right turn on red. Turning right at a red light is not allowed in Iceland – wait for green.
• Kilometers, not miles. Speed limits are in km/h: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph, 80 km/h ≈ 50 mph, 90 km/h ≈ 56 mph.
• Liters, not gallons. 1 US gallon ≈ 3.8 liters.
• Headlights on at all times, day and night.
• Pay-at-pump needs a PIN. See Fueling up in Iceland.

Manual or automatic?

We have both manual and automatic cars – it depends on the car category. If you can only drive an automatic, check the transmission when you choose your car.

Good to know for everyone

• Distances are long and the weather changes quickly – check umferdin.is/en and en.vedur.is every day.
• Many roads are narrow, with one-lane bridges and gravel sections.
• Never stop on the road for photos – use a parking area.
• Off-road driving is illegal.

Read the full guide: Driving in Iceland: Rules and safety tips.