Give way to oncoming trafficIceland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Iceland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Iceland

1. Give way to oncoming traffic

Give way to oncoming traffic means that drivers must allow vehicles approaching from the opposite direction to pass first through a narrow section of road. The rule is normally indicated by a sign facing the direction that must yield and a corresponding priority sign facing oncoming traffic.

Drivers must reduce speed and stop when necessary before entering the narrow passage. They may continue only when they can do so safely and without obstructing oncoming traffic that has priority.

When must I give way to oncoming traffic in Iceland?

Give way when the installed sign or other applicable control requires it. At an uncontrolled passage too narrow for safe meeting, the driver who arrives first has priority; the later driver must, where possible, stop, pull aside or reverse. If the obstruction is on your side, stop when needed for an oncoming vehicle to pass.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Regulation 250/2024 signs 106,212; Act 77/2019 sections 4,22

Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers.

English • Traffic sign 212 • Give way to oncoming traffic. Drivers must give priority to traffic approaching from the opposite direction.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 212 • Skylt að veita umferð sem kemur á móti forgang. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að ökumanni sé skylt að veita umferð sem kemur á móti forgang.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 11. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-01-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Does a road-narrows warning automatically give oncoming traffic priority in Iceland?

Not necessarily. A warning of a narrow carriageway is not itself the same as an instruction to give way. Check whether there is a separate priority sign, signal or temporary traffic control, and take account of any rules for an obstruction on your side.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Regulation 250/2024 signs 106,212; Act 77/2019 sections 4,22

What if an oncoming vehicle is already entering a narrow passage in Iceland?

Reduce speed and wait where you can do so safely rather than forcing two vehicles into insufficient space. Even if a sign gives your approach priority, that does not justify a collision or endangering another road user.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Regulation 250/2024 signs 106,212; Act 77/2019 sections 4,22