Pedestrian crossingIceland
Traffic rules
Iceland
1. Pedestrian crossing
A pedestrian crossing is a designated place where pedestrians may cross a road. It is commonly indicated by road markings, traffic signs, signals or a combination of these measures.
Drivers must approach with appropriate caution and give way when required by local law. Pedestrians must also observe approaching traffic and follow any pedestrian signals or instructions from authorised traffic controllers.
When must drivers give way at a pedestrian crossing in Iceland?
At a crossing without police or traffic-light control, drive so that pedestrians on it or about to enter it face no danger or inconvenience, and stop if necessary to let them cross. At a controlled crossing, let pedestrians already crossing pass even when you may proceed. After turning, drive slowly and wait for pedestrians on the crossing or about to enter it.
🔗 althingi.is • Iceland, Althingi, Road Traffic Act 77/2019, edition 1 October 2026
Are all pedestrian crossings controlled the same way in Iceland?
No. Pedestrians at a crossing controlled by police or traffic lights must follow those controls. Drivers must still let pedestrians already crossing pass. At an uncontrolled marked crossing, protect pedestrians on it or about to enter it and stop if necessary; a warning sign alone does not create the same facility.
🔗 althingi.is • Iceland, Althingi, Road Traffic Act 77/2019, edition 1 October 2026
Crossing for pedestrians.
English • Traffic sign 516 • Pedestrian crossing. Indicates a crossing for pedestrians to cross the carriageway. The pedestrian symbol faces towards the crossing.
Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 516 • Gangbraut. Merki þetta gefur til kynna gangbraut sem ætluð er gangandi vegfarendum til að komast yfir akbraut. Merkið tekur breytingum þannig að táknmynd gangandi vegfaranda stefnir í átt að viðkomandi gangbraut.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Fry1989 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2023-01-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a pedestrian crossing.
English • Traffic sign 140 • Pedestrian crossing. Indicates a pedestrian crossing ahead.
Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 140 • Gangbraut. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að fram undan sé gangbraut.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 8. gr.
SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
May I enter a pedestrian crossing if the road beyond it is blocked in Iceland?
No. Drivers must not stop on a pedestrian crossing. Wait before it until the exit is clear, and keep pedestrians on the crossing or about to enter it free from danger or inconvenience.
🔗 althingi.is • Iceland, Althingi, Road Traffic Act 77/2019, edition 1 October 2026
Must Icelandic pedestrians use a nearby crossing, footbridge or pedestrian tunnel?
Yes. Article 16 requires using nearby pedestrian crossing facilities.
How should Icelandic pedestrians cross without a nearby crossing facility?
Straight across the carriageway, normally as close to a junction as possible.
Do Icelandic pedestrians have crossing duties when traversing a cycle path?
Yes. Take particular care regarding approaching vehicles and cross without unnecessary delay.
Do Icelandic wheelchair users follow pedestrian crossing rules?
Yes. Article 2 extends pedestrian rules to people operating wheelchairs or comparable devices themselves.
