Driving in Iceland: Essential Information for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
Welcome to Iceland
Exploring Iceland by car offers you the freedom to experience the island’s stunning landscapes at your own pace. This guide provides essential information to ensure your journey is safe and enjoyable.
General Driving Rules in Iceland
- Drive on the right: In Iceland, drive on the right-hand side of the road, and overtake on the left.
- Seatbelts are mandatory: All passengers must wear seatbelts.
- Headlights must always be on: Headlights and taillights must be on at all times, day or night.
- Speed limits:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph).
- Gravel roads: 80 km/h (50 mph).
- Paved roads: 90 km/h (56 mph).
- Loose gravel or ice: Both can cause accidents. Drive slowly and cautiously.
- No stopping in the road for photos: Always pull over safely when taking pictures to avoid accidents.
- Strong winds: Be cautious when opening car doors in windy conditions, as strong winds can cause damage by blowing doors into the body panels.
Parking in Iceland
- In Reykjavik: Parking is zoned by P1-P4, with P1 being the most expensive. Parking can be paid via meters or apps like Parka and EasyPark.
- Outside Reykjavik: Many tourist attractions also require paid parking, such as Seljalandsfoss, Kirkjufell, Mývatn, and many other popular sites. These areas often have cameras that capture your vehicle’s license plate. If you don’t pay the parking fee, a fine will be sent to Lotus Car Rental, which will increase the cost. To avoid this, always use the Parka or EasyPark apps when visiting these attractions. Look for signs indicating whether parking is free or requires payment.
- Illegal parking may result in fines, especially in protected areas.
Tolls and How to Pay Them
Iceland’s only toll road is the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel in the north. You must pay the toll online after driving through the tunnel. Visit tunnel.is for payment.
Driving on F-Roads (Mountain Roads)
F-roads are rugged highland roads that are ONLY accessible and allowed for 4x4 vehicles, and only when they are open during summer (June to September).
- 4x4 vehicles are required: Driving a non-4x4 vehicle on F-roads is illegal and dangerous.
- Unbridged rivers: Some F-roads have rivers that need to be crossed. Only cross when it's safe, and note that insurance does not cover water damage.
- Always check road conditions on road.is or with the Vegagerðin app before setting out.
Winter Driving in Iceland
Winter conditions can be challenging with snow and ice, so exercise caution.
- Studded tires will be on rental vehicles in winter for better grip.
- Slow down: Even when the speed limit is 90 km/h, icy conditions may require much slower speeds.
- Black ice: This invisible ice is common in the morning or evening and is a major cause of accidents.
- Check road conditions daily at road.is or safetravel.is
- Carry emergency supplies: Always have blankets, food, and a flashlight in case you get stranded.
Safety Tips for Driving in Iceland
- Sheep on the roads: Sheep often cross rural roads. If you hit an animal, you may be held responsible for damages, and regular insurance won’t cover it (only covered by Platinum Insurance).
- Single-lane bridges: Common throughout Iceland, the rule is that the closest car has the right of way. Slow down and assess the situation.
- Blind crests: These are common in Iceland, especially in the highlands. Always slow down and keep right to avoid oncoming traffic.
- Speed cameras: Iceland has many speed cameras, and fines for speeding are very high. Always respect speed limits.
- Off-road driving is prohibited: Driving off marked roads can cause irreversible damage to Iceland’s fragile nature and result in hefty fines.
Additional Resources
- Road.is: Live road conditions and closures.
- Vedur.is: Weather updates and forecasts.
- SafeTravel.is: General safety advice for travelers.
- For any questions, feel free to contact the Lotus Car Rental team at (+354) 787 4444 or email us at lotus@lotuscarrental.is.