Driving in Iceland
When visiting Iceland and planning to self-drive to all the wonderful places or to chase the Northern lights, there are several things you need to know before you get behind the wheel. Please take note of the following safety precautions before you start driving in Iceland.
Although Icelanders are known to be hospitable, the Icelandic climate and nature may not be, especially if you tend to visit Iceland during winter. In order for you to get along with Icelandic weather and the nature, you have to stick to some strict guidelines and policies to ensure the safety of everybody. Icelanders follow them too, so as a tourist you should respect the rules to fully enjoy your visit without having any accidents.
Never Ignore Rules and Restrictions
Driving restrictions are implied in Iceland for everyones safety. Never ignore these restrictions. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Driving off-roads, and driving on marked tracks, is strictly forbidden.
- Stay in your lane.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Driving while drunk or under the influenced of drugs will instantly put you behind bars.
- Talking on your mobile while driving is prohibited unless you have a headset.
- Drive slowly on mountain roads, roads with loose gravel and on national highways with a long stretch of asphalt to prevent tire slip. When the road changes from paved to gravel, you should also decrease your speed.
- Mountain roads are usually very narrow and winding so keep your speed down to avoid falling off the cliff.
- Never speed, even if there are no police around.
- Sometimes you will come across old and narrow bridges that only one car can cross at the time. When a car is coming from the other direction, stop your car and let the other car cross the bridge before you.
- There are lots of blind summits in Iceland so keep driving in your lane, on the right-hand side of the road, and be aware of other cars.
- Never drive too long during summer where the sun shines for 24 hours. Some tourists forget about this because they are used to using daylight and darkness as symbol of day and night. This is one reason why accidents in Iceland occur, tourists can drive for too long and accidentally doze off while driving.
- Icelanders care for their animals safety so keep in mind that if you see sheep or horses crossing the road, always let them cross first. If you hit them, you have to pay a fine or you could end up in jail. Better safe than sorry.
2WD vehicles are not allowed on road number 35 in KJÖLUR, road number 550 in KALDIDALUR and other roads that are marked F on Icelands official maps. You can get maps at gas stations, local tourist offices and in bookstores in Iceland. Please respect these rules and guidelines as they are to avoid any accidents. Drivers that do not comply with these rules, will have their insurance revoked and in many cases of accidents, whether it’s the driver driving 2WD fault or not, it will still be the one to be held reliable.
Other Useful Information
General Speed Limits
Here are the general speed limits in Iceland although there can always speed signs on the sides of the road too. It’s useful to memorise these:
Urban areas – 50 km/h
Rural areas (gravel roads) – 80 km/h
Rural areas (asphalt roads) – 90 km/h
Headlights
Motorists need to turn on their headlights all the time. Remember, there will be times that the sun does not shine in Iceland, even during daytime, so keep them turned on at all times.
Gasoline / Petrol
Petrol stations are open until 11:00 pm / 11:30 pm in most areas of Iceland. In Reykjavik, gas stations are open from 7:30am to 8:00pm during weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays they are open from 9:00am to 8:00pm. You can also find self-operated pumps at gas stations in Reykjavik that you ca use after closing time. They accept all major credit cards.
Insurance and Valid Driver’s License
If you are driving your own car then you must bring with you your “Green Card” or any third-party insurance proof. There can be exceptions on countries in Europe.
Always bring a valid drivers licence.
Mountain Roads
You can only drive on mountain tracks when you are driving a 4WD vehicle. It’s advisable, sometimes required, that two or more vehicles need to travel together. Please be aware that mountain tracks are slippery during winter period. Always ask the local tourist information offices about road conditions and check the weather forecast before you start your journey.
You will find many car rentals in Iceland where you can find a car that suits your needs, offering different car types for different budgets.
I noticed a few signs along the highway that showed what might have been a camera. Are these in areas where speed is measured automatically? Are spe
eders identified by license plate and fined?
Yes, that´s correct. They are measuring the speed. If you are driving too fast, a picture is taken and you are fined.
It´s also obligatory for both drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. If you are caught driving and either you/a passenger is not wearing the seat belt, you are fined. Same applies if you are caught talking on your mobile without a headset while driving.
I went zooming past a few of those signs in my rental car before figuring out what they probably meant…. Someday there might be a letter and bill from the rental company in my mailbox. 🙁
Well did they flash light at you? If they did not then you did not drive too fast!
Hello, I’ll be visiting Iceland next march and I have a question: do I need a 4×4 car to drive the ring road? Thanks in advance.
To be on the safe site my answer is Yes. Of course we dont know how the weather is but most likely there will be snow and icy roads. It is also you are used to driving in the winter condition. Weather can change in couple of hours and you need to be well equipped. Most people do guided tours in the winter time.
Thank you for the advice!