Information signsIceland

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.


Information signs

An information sign identifies a route, destination, facility or regulated road or area. Some carry legal consequences, so apply the actual sign meaning and local traffic code.


Start of a priority road. End of the priority road. Start of a built-up area. End of the built-up area. Start of a residential area. End of the residential area. National speed limits. Crossing for pedestrians. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way. Dead end street. Road with one-way traffic. Road with one-way traffic. Information about the next exit. Ramp destination. Overview of the lanes and their direction. Junction layout, directions and destinations. End of a lane. Parking allowed. Section control. Crossroad shape. Crossroad shape. Crossroad shape.
Which signs provide information in Iceland?

600-series signs provide information; 700 covers directions and services. Special-rule signs have a separate 500 group.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation articles 6,20-23, signs 544,546; Act section 37

🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act 77/2019, edition 1 October 2026

How can you recognise a built-up area in Iceland?

Look for the signs marking the built-up area, together with any local speed signs. Follow the designated boundary rather than assuming that every isolated building creates an urban zone.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation articles 6,20-23, signs 544,546; Act section 37

🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act 77/2019, edition 1 October 2026

1. Start of a priority road

This traffic sign indicates the start of a priority road. Drivers on the priority road normally have priority over traffic entering from side roads until the priority road ends, unless traffic lights, other signs or applicable traffic rules indicate otherwise.

Start of a priority road.

English • Traffic sign 206 • Priority road. Traffic on this road has priority over traffic from side roads.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 206 • Aðalbraut. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að umferð á vegi hafi forgang gagnvart umferð af hliðarvegum.

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.

2. End of the priority road

This traffic sign indicates the end of the priority road. The road no longer has continuing priority at subsequent intersections. Follow the applicable traffic lights, priority signs and default priority rules.

End of the priority road.

English • Traffic sign 208 • End of priority road. The road no longer has special priority over traffic from side roads.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 208 • Aðalbraut endar. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að aðalbraut endi og umferð á vegi hafi ekki lengur sérstakan forgang gagnvart umferð af hliðarvegum.

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.

3. Start of a built-up area

This traffic sign indicates the start of a built-up area. From this point, the traffic rules that apply to built-up areas take effect according to the applicable local regulations.

Start of a built-up area.

English • Traffic sign 544 • Built-up area. Marks entry to an area governed by built-up-area provisions of the Traffic Act.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 544 • Þéttbýli. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að komið sé inn á svæði þar sem ákvæði umferðarlaga um þéttbýli gilda.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.

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

4. End of the built-up area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the built-up area. The traffic rules specifically associated with the built-up area cease to apply from this point according to the applicable local regulations.

End of the built-up area.

English • Traffic sign 546 • End of built-up area. Marks exit from the area governed by built-up-area provisions of the Traffic Act.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 546 • Þéttbýli lokið. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að farið sé út af svæði þar sem ákvæði umferðarlaga um þéttbýli gilda.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Start of a residential area

This traffic sign indicates the start of a residential area. Special traffic rules apply within the area according to the applicable signs and local regulations. These rules may affect speed, parking and how different road users use the road.

Start of a residential area.

English • Traffic sign 540 • Residential area. Marks entry to an area governed by the Traffic Act's residential-area provisions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 540 • Vistgata. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að komið sé inn á svæði þar sem ákvæði umferðarlaga um vistgötur gilda.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. End of the residential area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the residential area. The special traffic rules associated with the residential area end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the area.

End of the residential area.

English • Traffic sign 542 • End of residential area. Marks exit from the area governed by the Traffic Act's residential-area provisions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 542 • Vistgata endar. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að farið sé út af svæði þar sem ákvæði umferðarlaga um vistgötur gilda.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. National speed limits

This traffic sign indicates the national speed limits. The applicable default maximum speeds depend on the road type, vehicle category and local traffic rules when no different speed limit is indicated.

National speed limits.

English • Traffic sign 656 • Maximum speed information. Gives the Traffic Act's general maximum speed rules for different conditions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 656 • Hámarkshraðaupplýsingar. Merki þetta gefur upplýsingar um almennar reglur umferðarlaga um leyfilegan hámarkshraða við mismunandi aðstæður.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 21. gr.

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

8. Crossing for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a crossing for pedestrians. It marks a designated place where pedestrians cross the road. Priority and crossing rules depend on the applicable traffic signs, signals and local regulations.

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.

9. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.

English • Traffic sign 214 • Oncoming traffic gives way. Indicates priority over oncoming traffic.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 214 • Umferð á móti veitir forgang. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að umferð á móti veiti 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 2012-12-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

Dead end street.

English • Traffic sign 652.7 • Dead-end road. Closed at one end. May indicate a continuing footpath, cycle path or shared path. Adapted to conditions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 652.7 • Botngata. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að vegur sé lokaður í annan endann. Á merkinu má gefa til kynna að göngustígur, hjólastígur eða sameiginlegur stígur sé í framhaldi af veginum. Merkið tekur breytingum eftir aðstæðum.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 21. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Vehicular traffic may travel only in the permitted direction, subject to any exceptions indicated by traffic signs or local rules.

Road with one-way traffic.

English • Traffic sign 526 • One-way traffic. Traffic is one-way in the arrow's direction.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 526 • Einstefna. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að einstefnuakstur sé um veginn í þá átt sem örin vísar.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Drivers may travel only in the permitted direction.

Road with one-way traffic.

English • Traffic sign 526 • One-way traffic. Traffic is one-way in the arrow's direction.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 526 • Einstefna. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að einstefnuakstur sé um veginn í þá átt sem örin vísar.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Information about the next exit

This traffic sign gives information about the next exit. It may show the exit number, destination, direction or distance to the exit.

Information about the next exit.

English • Traffic sign 715 • Exit lane direction sign. Stands at the beginning of an exit lane and identifies the destination it leads to.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 715 • Fráreinavísir. Merki þetta stendur við upphaf fráreinar og vísar á stað sem fráreinin leiðir til.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 23. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Ramp destination

This traffic sign gives information about the destination reached via the ramp. The displayed destination indicates where the ramp leads.

Ramp destination.

English • Traffic sign 703 • Junction route diagram. Gives a simplified view of route choices at the junction ahead before reaching it.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 703 • Staðarleiðatafla. Merki þetta sýnir einfaldaða mynd af leiðavali við vegamót sem eru fram undan, áður en komið er að vegamótum.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 23. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Overview of the lanes and their direction

This traffic sign gives an overview of the lanes and their direction. The arrows or other indications show how the lanes continue and which directions or destinations they serve.

Overview of the lanes and their direction.

English • Traffic sign 500 • Lane sign. Shows lanes and their permitted use, including travel directions, directions at junctions, merging and diverging lanes. White arrows on blue show permitted directions; other directions are prohibited. Temporary signs, for example for roadworks, use black arrows on orange. Lane-specific restrictions, reserved lanes and special rules appear through appropriate signs, such as mandatory or prohibition signs, and any supplementary plates within the lane diagram. Slow traffic must use a lane specifically marked for it. Designs must reflect the road layout under this article. The sign shows all lanes of the carriageway. Designs, numbers and names in use must be published on the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration's website. The signs in this article are examples with the following meanings.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 500 • Akreinamerki. Merkin gefa til kynna akreinar og heimila notkun þeirra, þ. á m. í hvaða átt umferð má aka, hvert heimilt sé að aka þegar komið er að vegamótum, hvar akrein sameinast annarri og hvar akreinar skiljast að. Heimilar akstursstefnur á akreinum eru gefnar til kynna með hvítum örvum á bláum grunni. Óheimilt er að nota akrein til aksturs í aðra akstursstefnu en gefin er til kynna á merkinu. Þegar akreinamerki eru notuð tímabundið, t.d. vegna vegavinnu, eru örvarnar svartar á appelsínugulum grunni. Takmarkanir á tiltekinni umferð um sérstakar akreinar, sérreinar og aðrar sérreglur um umferð á akrein eru gefnar til kynna á akreinamerki með viðeigandi umferðarmerki, t.d. boð- eða bannmerki, og eftir atvikum undirmerki á mynd viðkomandi akreinar. Hægfara umferð er skylt að nota akrein sem sérstaklega er merkt fyrir slíka umferð. Akreinamerki skulu útfærð eftir legu vegar á hverjum stað í samræmi við ákvæði þessarar greinar. Merkið sýnir allar akreinar viðkomandi akbrautar. Útlit, númer og heiti akreinamerkja í notkun skulu birt á vefsíðu Vegagerðarinnar. Merki sem sýnd eru í þessari grein eru tekin sem dæmi og hafa eftirfarandi merkingar:.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. Junction layout, directions and destinations

This traffic sign shows the junction layout, directions and destinations. The diagram shows how the roads are arranged and which direction leads to each indicated destination or route.

Junction layout, directions and destinations.

English • Traffic sign 703 • Junction route diagram. Gives a simplified view of route choices at the junction ahead before reaching it.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 703 • Staðarleiðatafla. Merki þetta sýnir einfaldaða mynd af leiðavali við vegamót sem eru fram undan, áður en komið er að vegamótum.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 23. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. End of a lane

This traffic sign indicates the end of a lane. The displayed lane arrangement shows which lane ends and how the remaining traffic lanes continue.

End of a lane.

English • Traffic sign 500 • Lane sign. Shows lanes and their permitted use, including travel directions, directions at junctions, merging and diverging lanes. White arrows on blue show permitted directions; other directions are prohibited. Temporary signs, for example for roadworks, use black arrows on orange. Lane-specific restrictions, reserved lanes and special rules appear through appropriate signs, such as mandatory or prohibition signs, and any supplementary plates within the lane diagram. Slow traffic must use a lane specifically marked for it. Designs must reflect the road layout under this article. The sign shows all lanes of the carriageway. Designs, numbers and names in use must be published on the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration's website. The signs in this article are examples with the following meanings.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 500 • Akreinamerki. Merkin gefa til kynna akreinar og heimila notkun þeirra, þ. á m. í hvaða átt umferð má aka, hvert heimilt sé að aka þegar komið er að vegamótum, hvar akrein sameinast annarri og hvar akreinar skiljast að. Heimilar akstursstefnur á akreinum eru gefnar til kynna með hvítum örvum á bláum grunni. Óheimilt er að nota akrein til aksturs í aðra akstursstefnu en gefin er til kynna á merkinu. Þegar akreinamerki eru notuð tímabundið, t.d. vegna vegavinnu, eru örvarnar svartar á appelsínugulum grunni. Takmarkanir á tiltekinni umferð um sérstakar akreinar, sérreinar og aðrar sérreglur um umferð á akrein eru gefnar til kynna á akreinamerki með viðeigandi umferðarmerki, t.d. boð- eða bannmerki, og eftir atvikum undirmerki á mynd viðkomandi akreinar. Hægfara umferð er skylt að nota akrein sem sérstaklega er merkt fyrir slíka umferð. Akreinamerki skulu útfærð eftir legu vegar á hverjum stað í samræmi við ákvæði þessarar greinar. Merkið sýnir allar akreinar viðkomandi akbrautar. Útlit, númer og heiti akreinamerkja í notkun skulu birt á vefsíðu Vegagerðarinnar. Merki sem sýnd eru í þessari grein eru tekin sem dæmi og hafa eftirfarandi merkingar:.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. Parking allowed

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.

Parking allowed.

English • Traffic sign 552.1 • Parking. Permitted unless contrary to the Traffic Act's stopping or parking provisions. Applies within a defined car park or on the sign's side from the sign to the next junction unless a plate states otherwise. A plate gives further restrictions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 552.1 • Bifreiðastæði. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að heimilt sé að leggja, sé það ekki í andstöðu við ákvæði umferðarlaga um að stöðva eða leggja ökutæki. Merkið gildir á afmörkuðu bifreiðastæði eða þeim megin vegar sem merkið stendur, frá merkinu og að næstu vegamótum nema annað sé tekið fram með undirmerki. Nánari lýsing á takmörkun kemur fram á undirmerki.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 19. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. Section control

This traffic sign indicates section control, also called average-speed enforcement. A vehicle’s average speed is measured over a defined section of road and compared with the applicable speed limit.

Section control.

English • Traffic sign 655.61 • Enforcement camera. Indicates an automatic enforcement camera ahead that may photograph a traffic offence.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 655.61 • Löggæslumyndavél. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að fram undan sé sjálfvirk löggæslumyndavél sem gæti tekið ljósmynd af umferðarlagabroti.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 21. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-09-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. Crossroad shape

This traffic sign shows the shape or layout of an upcoming junction. The diagram indicates how the approaching road and connecting roads are arranged.

Crossroad shape.

English • Supplementary plate 815.1 • Course of the priority road through a junction. A thick line shows the priority road; thin lines show non-priority roads with give-way or stop requirements.

Íslenska • Undirmerki 815.1 • Leið aðalbrautar á vegamótum. Merki þetta gefur til kynna leið aðalbrautar á vegamótum þar sem sver lína táknar leið aðalbrautar en mjó lína víkjandi veg með biðskyldu eða stöðvunarskyldu gagnvart aðalbraut.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 27. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Vegagerdin.is • official published diagram 815.1.

21. Crossroad shape

This traffic sign shows the shape or layout of an upcoming junction. The diagram indicates how the approaching road and connecting roads are arranged.

Crossroad shape.

English • Supplementary plate 815.3 • Course of the priority road through a junction. A thick line shows the priority road; thin lines show non-priority roads with give-way or stop requirements.

Íslenska • Undirmerki 815.3 • Leið aðalbrautar á vegamótum. Merki þetta gefur til kynna leið aðalbrautar á vegamótum þar sem sver lína táknar leið aðalbrautar en mjó lína víkjandi veg með biðskyldu eða stöðvunarskyldu gagnvart aðalbraut.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 27. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Vegagerdin.is • official published diagram 815.3.

22. Crossroad shape

This traffic sign shows the shape or layout of an upcoming junction. The diagram indicates how the approaching road and connecting roads are arranged.

Crossroad shape.

English • Supplementary plate 815.2 • Course of the priority road through a junction. A thick line shows the priority road; thin lines show non-priority roads with give-way or stop requirements.

Íslenska • Undirmerki 815.2 • Leið aðalbrautar á vegamótum. Merki þetta gefur til kynna leið aðalbrautar á vegamótum þar sem sver lína táknar leið aðalbrautar en mjó lína víkjandi veg með biðskyldu eða stöðvunarskyldu gagnvart aðalbraut.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 27. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Vegagerdin.is • official published diagram 815.2.