MotorwayIceland

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.


2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Motorway
Road 41 through Kópavogur between Keflavík and Reykjavík. (Iceland)
Wikimedia.org • Hansueli Krapf • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to a major highway in Iceland?

The Ring Road is referred to as Hringvegur and Route 1. It is a national road around Iceland; its name does not mean that the whole route has motorway conditions.

🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act sections 3,7,22,36-37; Road Administration Ring Road and travel guidance

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Traffic Signs Regulation 250/2024

🔗 vegagerdin.is • Iceland: Road Administration, Ring Road

🔗 vegagerdin.is • Iceland: Road Administration, journey planning and conditions

🔗 vegagerdin.is • Iceland: Road Administration, Hringvegur (1) at Borgarnes

What speed limit applies to cars on a major highway in Iceland?

Follow the actual road surface and signs. The general maximum is 90 km/h on paved roads and 80 km/h on gravel roads outside built-up areas. Iceland’s main roads should not be assigned a foreign motorway limit.

🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act sections 3,7,22,36-37; Road Administration Ring Road and travel guidance

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Traffic Signs Regulation 250/2024

🔗 vegagerdin.is • Iceland: Road Administration, Ring Road

🔗 vegagerdin.is • Iceland: Road Administration, journey planning and conditions

Should I expect motorway-style conditions throughout Iceland’s Ring Road?

No. Be prepared for features such as single-lane bridges, changing weather and road conditions. Reduce speed before hazards and follow the signs; being on a major route does not remove these risks.

🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act sections 3,7,22,36-37; Road Administration Ring Road and travel guidance

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Traffic Signs Regulation 250/2024

🔗 vegagerdin.is • Iceland: Road Administration, Ring Road

🔗 vegagerdin.is • Iceland: Road Administration, journey planning and conditions

What should I check before a long highway journey in Iceland?

Check weather, road conditions and closures before setting out and during the journey. The Road and Coastal Administration’s Ring Road information links to official travel-safety information. Choose a route suitable for the conditions and your vehicle.

🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act sections 3,7,22,36-37; Road Administration Ring Road and travel guidance

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Traffic Signs Regulation 250/2024

🔗 vegagerdin.is • Iceland: Road Administration, Ring Road

🔗 vegagerdin.is • Iceland: Road Administration, journey planning and conditions

1 Iceland 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bridge 5 Give way 6 Priority road 7 Overtaking 8 Crossing animals 9 Curve 10 Traffic lights 11 Driving licence 12 Reversing 13 Licence plate 14 Dangers 15 Blind summit 16 Bus 17 Police 18 Ambulance 19 European emission standard 20 Pothole 21 Path 22 Particulates 23 Air pollution 24 Rush hour 25 Road code 26 Street gutter 27 Cargo bike 28 Forestry vehicle 29 Construction vehicle 30 Semi-trailer truck 31 Trolleybus 32 Speed pedelec 33 Delivery vehicle 34 Idling 35 Tow truck 36 Four-wheel drive 37 Bicycle 38 Motorcycle equipment 39 Rail track 40 Caravan 41 Trailer 42 Tow hitch 43 Fire truck 44 Siren 45 Convoy 46 Emergency vehicle lighting 47 Agricultural machinery 48 Electric bicycle 49 Electric vehicle 50 Pedelec 51 Quadricycle 52 Microcar 53 All-terrain vehicle 54 Van 55 Recreational vehicle 56 Scooter 57 Trikke 58 Personal mobility device 59 Skateboard 60 Segway 61 Kick scooter 62 Roller skates 63 Mailman 64 Hitchhiker 65 Toddler 66 Child 67 Disability 68 Motorail 69 km/h 70 mph 71 Speedometer 72 Ride height 73 Dirt road 74 Driving 75 Start-stop system 76 Manual transmission 77 Automatic transmission 78 Throttle 79 Tachometer 80 Steering wheel 81 Power steering 82 Visual scanning 83 Mirror 84 Fuel 85 Fuel gauge 86 Petrol 87 Diesel 88 Diesel exhaust fluid 89 Car insurance 90 First aid kit 91 Fire extinguisher 92 High-visibility clothing 93 First aid 94 Concrete step barrier 95 Barriers 96 Vehicle lights 97 Street lights 98 Dipped beam 99 High beam 100 Fog lights ...