Icelandic Traffic Laws: Everything You Need to Know

Icelandic Traffic Laws: Everything You Need to Know

Lukas Reinhardt
(Updated: )
5 min read

Driving in Iceland offers an incredible way to explore the island at your own pace. But before you hit the road, it's important to understand how traffic rules work here. This guide is packed with everything you need to drive safely and legally in Iceland.

Use the Jump to Chapter links if you're looking for something specific.


Rules and Regulations

Basic Driving Rules

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Handheld phone use while driving is forbidden. Use hands-free options.

Right of Way

Traffic from the right has the right of way unless otherwise indicated by signage or traffic lights.

Sign Meaning
Yellow Diamond Roads with this sign have the right of way.
Bus Sign Give way to buses indicating to leave a stop.
Tunnel Sign One-way tunnel ahead. Use pull-outs on the right if another car approaches.
Emergency Sign Always yield to emergency vehicles. Move to the side if needed.
Pedestrian Sign Pedestrians at zebra crossings have the right of way.

Speed Limits

Speed limit in Iceland

Keep an eye on speed limit signs as limits can change quickly. Fines range from ISK 5,000?70,000.

Area Limit
Countryside 90 km/h (56 mph)
Gravel Roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
Urban Areas 50 km/h (31 mph)
Residential 30 km/h (19 mph)

Additional notes:

  • Vehicles with trailers: max 90 km/h.
  • Trailers over 750kg without brakes: max 80 km/h.

Tires

Rental cars should already have compliant tires. Still, here are legal requirements:

  • Nov 1?Apr 14: Studded tires allowed. Minimum tread: 3mm
  • Apr 15?Oct 31: Studded tires prohibited. Minimum tread: 1.6mm

Sheep on the Road

Sheep in Iceland

With over 800,000 free-roaming sheep, animal crossings are common. Slow down if you see sheep near the road. If there's an accident, notify local authorities so farmers can care for injured animals.


Accidents & Emergencies

By law, everyone must help at the scene of an accident.

  • Injuries involved?: Call 112 immediately.
  • No injuries?: Exchange insurance details. No need to call emergency services.

Useful numbers:

  • Emergency (police, ambulance, fire): 112
  • Police Station: 444-1000
  • Landspítali Hospital ER: 543-2000
  • Dental Emergency: 575-0505
  • Disability Support (Sjálfsbjörg): 550-0300
  • Search and Rescue: 570-5900

Roundabouts

Roundabout

  • Don't signal when entering, only when exiting.
  • Inner lane: for second, third, or later exits (has right of way).
  • Outer lane: for immediate exits.

If you're stuck in the wrong lane, keep indicating inward but stay in your lane until it's safe to exit.


Tunnels

Tunnel

Tunnels are common and safe. Longest: over 9 km. Remove sunglasses before entering.

  • Hvalfjörður Tunnel: Free since 2018.
  • Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel: ISK 1,500 for normal cars; higher for trucks.

One-Lane Bridges

One-Lane Bridge

Whoever arrives first crosses first. Bright orange signs mark these.


More Important Rules

  • Headlights required at all times, day or night.
  • Blood alcohol limit: 0.02%
    • Fines start at ISK 100,000.
  • Off-roading is illegal
    • Fines up to ISK 400,000.
  • Never stop on highways to take photos. Use designated pull-outs marked with an "M".

Complete Iceland Traffic Signs

Road Markings Supplementary Signs Lane Markings Route Signs Warning Signs Prohibition Signs Traffic Signals Information Signs Other Signs Service Signs


Related Info


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