Mandatory 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.


Mandatory signs

A mandatory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what they must do. Instead of prohibiting actions, these signs impose obligations such as following a specific direction, using a particular lane, or keeping a minimum speed. Their purpose is to guide traffic safely and efficiently by ensuring that all road users follow the same required behaviour in places where it is necessary for order and safety.


Mandatory roundabout direction. Turning left mandatory. Turning left or right mandatory. Turning right mandatory. Pass obstacle on the left. Pass obstacle on either side. Pass obstacle on the right. Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory. Mandatory left. Mandatory right. Driving straight ahead mandatory. Mandatory path for pedestrians. Mandatory path for cyclists. Mandatory path for equestrians. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.
How are compulsory instructions shown in Iceland?

400-series signs give compulsory instructions. These differ from the 300-series prohibitions.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation articles 16-17, sign 402; Act section 27

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

What does a mandatory-direction sign require in Iceland?

Where a compulsory-direction sign is installed in Iceland, follow only the arrow direction or permitted combination of directions. The restriction applies at the location or movement it regulates; it is not an instruction to ignore other traffic controls.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation articles 16-17, sign 402; Act section 27

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

Does a mandatory-direction sign give me priority over pedestrians in Iceland?

No. The arrow prescribes direction. When turning at a junction, do not endanger or inconvenience pedestrians crossing the carriageway you enter. At an uncontrolled marked crossing, protect pedestrians already crossing or about to enter and stop when necessary.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation articles 16-17, sign 402; Act section 27

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

1. Mandatory roundabout direction

This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.

Mandatory roundabout direction.

English • Traffic sign 406 • Roundabout. Marks entry to a roundabout. The arrows show the circulation direction.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 406 • Hringtorg. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að ekið sé inn á hringtorg. Örvarnar gefa til kynna akstursstefnu í hringtorginu.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn left and may not continue straight ahead or turn right.

Turning left mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 402.5 • Compulsory direction. Drivers must follow the arrow or, with several arrows, one of their directions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 402.5 • Akstursstefnumerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni sé skylt að aka í ákveðna akstursstefnu. Ökumanni ber að aka í þá átt sem örin vísar eða í eina af þeim áttum sem örvarnar vísa, séu á merkinu fleiri en ein ör.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Turning left or right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left or right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic may turn either left or right but may not continue straight ahead.

Turning left or right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 402.8 • Compulsory direction. Drivers must follow the arrow or, with several arrows, one of their directions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 402.8 • Akstursstefnumerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni sé skylt að aka í ákveðna akstursstefnu. Ökumanni ber að aka í þá átt sem örin vísar eða í eina af þeim áttum sem örvarnar vísa, séu á merkinu fleiri en ein ör.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.

Turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 402.4 • Compulsory direction. Drivers must follow the arrow or, with several arrows, one of their directions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 402.4 • Akstursstefnumerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni sé skylt að aka í ákveðna akstursstefnu. Ökumanni ber að aka í þá átt sem örin vísar eða í eina af þeim áttum sem örvarnar vísa, séu á merkinu fleiri en ein ör.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Pass obstacle on the left

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the left.

English • Traffic sign 404.2 • Compulsory carriageway. Drivers must use the carriageway or part of it indicated.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 404.2 • Akbrautarmerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni beri að aka á þeirri akbraut eða þeim hluta akbrautar sem merkið vísar á.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Pass obstacle on either side

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on either the left or the right. Use either permitted side while following the road layout and any accompanying signs or markings.

Pass obstacle on either side.

English • Traffic sign 405 • Pass on either side. Drivers must pass on one side of the sign where the road divides and rejoins further ahead.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 405 • Akbrautarmerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni beri að aka öðru hvorum megin við merkið þar sem vegur greinist í tvennt en kemur aftur saman í framhaldinu.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Pass obstacle on the right

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the right.

English • Traffic sign 404.1 • Compulsory carriageway. Drivers must use the carriageway or part of it indicated.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 404.1 • Akbrautarmerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni beri að aka á þeirri akbraut eða þeim hluta akbrautar sem merkið vísar á.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn left. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning right is prohibited.

Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 402.7 • Compulsory direction. Drivers must follow the arrow or, with several arrows, one of their directions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 402.7 • Akstursstefnumerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni sé skylt að aka í ákveðna akstursstefnu. Ökumanni ber að aka í þá átt sem örin vísar eða í eina af þeim áttum sem örvarnar vísa, séu á merkinu fleiri en ein ör.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn right. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning left is prohibited.

Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 402.6 • Compulsory direction. Drivers must follow the arrow or, with several arrows, one of their directions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 402.6 • Akstursstefnumerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni sé skylt að aka í ákveðna akstursstefnu. Ökumanni ber að aka í þá átt sem örin vísar eða í eina af þeim áttum sem örvarnar vísa, séu á merkinu fleiri en ein ör.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Mandatory left

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the left. Traffic must proceed to the left at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the right.

Mandatory left.

English • Traffic sign 402.2 • Compulsory direction. Drivers must follow the arrow or, with several arrows, one of their directions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 402.2 • Akstursstefnumerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni sé skylt að aka í ákveðna akstursstefnu. Ökumanni ber að aka í þá átt sem örin vísar eða í eina af þeim áttum sem örvarnar vísa, séu á merkinu fleiri en ein ör.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Mandatory right

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the right. Traffic must proceed to the right at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the left.

Mandatory right.

English • Traffic sign 402.1 • Compulsory direction. Drivers must follow the arrow or, with several arrows, one of their directions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 402.1 • Akstursstefnumerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni sé skylt að aka í ákveðna akstursstefnu. Ökumanni ber að aka í þá átt sem örin vísar eða í eina af þeim áttum sem örvarnar vísa, séu á merkinu fleiri en ein ör.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. Driving straight ahead mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.

Driving straight ahead mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 402.3 • Compulsory direction. Drivers must follow the arrow or, with several arrows, one of their directions.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 402.3 • Akstursstefnumerki. Merki þetta mælir fyrir um að ökumanni sé skylt að aka í ákveðna akstursstefnu. Ökumanni ber að aka í þá átt sem örin vísar eða í eina af þeim áttum sem örvarnar vísa, séu á merkinu fleiri en ein ör.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a mandatory path for pedestrians. Pedestrians must use the designated path, while other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for pedestrians.

English • Traffic sign 412 • Footpath. Indicates a path mainly intended for pedestrians.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 412 • Göngustígur. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að stígur sé aðallega ætlaður umferð gangandi vegfarenda.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for cyclists.

English • Traffic sign 410 • Cycle path. Reserved exclusively for bicycles and class I light motorcycles.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 410 • Hjólastígur. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að stígur sé eingöngu ætlaður umferð reiðhjóla og léttra bifhjóla í flokki I.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for equestrians. Equestrians must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for equestrians.

English • Traffic sign 414 • Bridleway. Indicates a path specifically intended for horse riders.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 414 • Reiðstígur. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að stígur sé sérstaklega ætlaður fyrir umferð reiðmanna á hestum.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the same designated path rather than separate sections. They must share the space safely and follow the applicable local rules.

Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign 416.1 • Shared path. Reserved exclusively for the road users shown. The symbols vary with the users concerned. Users must show mutual consideration.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 416.1 • Sameiginlegur stígur. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að stígur sé eingöngu ætlaður þeirri umferð sem merkið sýnir. Merkið tekur breytingum í samræmi við tegund umferðar. Vegfarendur skulu sýna hver öðrum gagnkvæma tillitssemi.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign 418.2 • Separated paths. Indicates two parallel paths separated by markings, a level difference, an island or a similar feature. The symbols vary with the users concerned and their positions show which path each group must use.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 418.2 • Aðgreindir stígar. Merki þetta gefur til kynna tvo samhliða stíga sem aðgreindir eru með yfirborðsmerkingu, hæðarmun, eyju eða öðru sambærilegu. Merkið tekur breytingum í samræmi við tegund umferðar. Staðsetning táknanna á merkinu gefur til kynna hvor stígurinn er ætlaður hvorri tegund umferðar.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign 418.1 • Separated paths. Indicates two parallel paths separated by markings, a level difference, an island or a similar feature. The symbols vary with the users concerned and their positions show which path each group must use.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 418.1 • Aðgreindir stígar. Merki þetta gefur til kynna tvo samhliða stíga sem aðgreindir eru með yfirborðsmerkingu, hæðarmun, eyju eða öðru sambærilegu. Merkið tekur breytingum í samræmi við tegund umferðar. Staðsetning táknanna á merkinu gefur til kynna hvor stígurinn er ætlaður hvorri tegund umferðar.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.