IcelandIceland

Drive on the right and normally overtake on the left.

Call 112 for police, ambulance, fire, search-and-rescue or other emergency assistance.

Icelandic traffic law considers a driver with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.2‰ (0.2 g/l) or more unable to drive safely. The safest rule is therefore not to drink any alcohol before driving.

The general maximum speed in built-up areas is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit. Lower limits are common in residential areas.

The general maximum speed on gravel roads outside built-up areas is 80 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.

The general maximum speed on paved roads outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit. Icelandic law allows higher signed limits of up to 110 km/h on suitable roads where opposing traffic directions are separated.

Iceland has no nationwide motorway vignette and most roads are toll-free. The Vaðlaheiði Tunnel is tolled, and the Ring Road through Hornafjörður has also been subject to a toll since 1 September 2026.

Yes. The legally required driving lights must always be switched on while a motor vehicle is being driven, including during daylight.

Studded tyres are generally permitted from 1 November to 15 April. They may also be used outside that period when road conditions require them. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle and tyres are suitable for the conditions.

Seat belts are mandatory for everyone occupying a seat equipped with one while the vehicle is moving.

A child shorter than 135 cm must use an approved child seat, booster or other suitable restraint appropriate for the child's size.

A child shorter than 150 cm may not sit in a front seat with an active frontal airbag. The airbag must be deactivated before the child may use that seat.

Motorcycle and off-road-vehicle riders and passengers must wear an approved protective helmet. Children younger than 16 must also wear a helmet when cycling or using a small powered personal vehicle.

A driver may not use a mobile phone, smart device or other distracting electronic equipment while driving without hands-free equipment.

At an intersection where priority is not otherwise regulated, a driver must generally give way to traffic approaching from the right. Signs and other specific priority rules can override this rule.

Drivers entering a roundabout must give way to traffic already circulating. In a two-lane roundabout, a driver taking the first exit should use the outer lane, and a driver in the outer lane must give way to a driver leaving the roundabout from the inner lane. Drivers may not change between the inner and outer lanes while circulating in the roundabout.

At an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, drivers must give pedestrians who are on or entering the crossing the opportunity to cross safely and must stop when necessary.

When overtaking a cyclist or light moped, drivers must leave a lateral distance of at least 1.5 metres.

In a designated vistgata, or residential traffic-calmed street, the maximum speed is 15 km/h. Drivers must give particular consideration and priority to pedestrians.

Where a road is too narrow for two vehicles to pass safely, the driver who arrives first generally has priority. The later-arriving driver should stop, pull aside or reverse where possible. Drivers should still follow any signs controlling priority at a particular bridge or narrow section.

It depends on the road. Some highland routes can be used by general traffic during summer, but many are extremely rough and may include unbridged rivers. Roads classified as F2 require suitable four-wheel-drive vehicles, while F3 routes are intended only for large, well-equipped four-wheel-drive vehicles or superjeeps. Always check current road conditions and vehicle-rental restrictions before entering the highlands.

There is no fixed opening date. Mountain roads remain closed until snow, thawing ground and other conditions allow them to carry traffic without damage. Some routes do not open until late June or July and may be accessible for only a short part of the year.

Driving off authorised roads and tracks is generally prohibited. Iceland's vegetation and volcanic surfaces can be extremely fragile, and vehicle tracks may cause long-lasting damage.

Red means stop. A steady amber light also means stop unless the vehicle is already so close to the signal that stopping would create a danger.

If a vehicle stops involuntarily on the carriageway, use the hazard warning lights where possible and always place a warning triangle to warn approaching traffic.