IcelandIceland
Traffic rules
Iceland
1. Iceland
Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic, close to the Arctic Circle and geographically separated from mainland Europe. Traffic drives on the right, but driving conditions can change quickly because of strong winds, snow, ice and rapidly changing weather. Outside Reykjavík and other towns, drivers may encounter long stretches of open road, gravel surfaces, narrow roads and single-lane bridges. The mountainous interior is reached by seasonal highland routes, including rough F-roads that may require four-wheel-drive vehicles and can remain closed well into summer.
Icelandic is the official language and is used for place names and most text on road signs. The Icelandic alphabet includes distinctive letters such as ð, þ and æ, which foreign drivers may notice on destination signs. Two rules are particularly important when exploring the country: legally required driving lights must remain on whenever a motor vehicle is being driven, and driving away from authorised roads or tracks is generally prohibited because off-road driving can cause lasting damage to Iceland's fragile landscape.
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Iceland?
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.
🔗 althingi.is • Iceland, Road Traffic Act 77/2019, Article 49 and child-restraint/airbag provisions
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Iceland?
Built-up areas: The general maximum speed in built-up areas is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit. Lower limits are common in residential areas.
Gravel roads: The general maximum speed on gravel roads outside built-up areas is 80 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
Paved rural roads: The general maximum speed on paved roads outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
What are the seat-belt and child-restraint rules in Iceland?
Seat belts are mandatory for everyone occupying a seat equipped with one while the vehicle is moving.
Children shorter than 135 cm must use an approved child seat, booster or other suitable child restraint. Choose a restraint that matches the child’s height and weight and use it according to its instructions.
A child shorter than 150 cm must not sit in front of an active frontal airbag. This restriction also applies to a forward-facing child, not only to a rear-facing baby seat.
🔗 althingi.is • Iceland, Road Traffic Act 77/2019, Article 49 and child-restraint/airbag provisions
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Iceland?
A driver may not use a mobile phone, smart device or other distracting electronic equipment while driving without hands-free equipment.
🔗 samgongustofa.is • Icelandic Transport Authority, hands-free use of smart devices
Must cars use lights during the day in Iceland?
Yes. The legally required driving lights must always be switched on while a motor vehicle is being driven, including during daylight.
When must children use a child seat in Iceland?
Children shorter than 135 cm must use a car seat appropriate for their age, height and weight. Install it correctly and make sure the child is secured before every journey.
🔗 samgongustofa.is • Icelandic Transport Authority, driving in Iceland
Who has priority when exiting a two-lane roundabout in Iceland?
The inner lane has priority when exiting a two-lane roundabout; drivers in the outer lane must give way. Watch the other lane closely and follow the signs and markings at the individual roundabout.
🔗 samgongustofa.is • Icelandic Transport Authority, driving in Iceland
