Priority roadIceland

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.


6. Priority road

A priority road is a road whose traffic is given priority over traffic entering from intersecting roads. It is normally identified by a priority-road sign, while an end sign indicates where that continuing priority status stops.

Drivers on a priority road must still obey traffic lights, authorised officers, speed limits, crossings and turning rules. Having priority never allows a driver to proceed when doing so would create danger or block an intersection.

Priority road
Priority-road sign on Route 1. (Iceland)
Wikimedia.org • CS • CC0
How does priority-road status work in Iceland?

Iceland uses signed priority-road controls, known as aðalbraut. Read the priority and end indications together with the junction’s other controls; a road being busy does not substitute for those rules.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Regulation 250/2024 articles 10-11,27, signs 206,208,815; Act 77/2019 sections 7,26

How can you tell where a priority road applies in Iceland?

Read the priority-road sign, the corresponding end indication and any supplementary junction diagram. Distinguish a continuing road designation from a sign that regulates only one junction. If a diagram shows the priority route turning, follow that diagram rather than assuming the straight-ahead road has priority.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Regulation 250/2024 articles 10-11,27, signs 206,208,815; Act 77/2019 sections 7,26

Does having road priority let you ignore other controls in Iceland?

No. Obey the applicable traffic signals and authorised directions, speed limits and crossing rules. Turning or changing lanes can require yielding, and having priority never permits entering a conflict that cannot be crossed safely.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Regulation 250/2024 articles 10-11,27, signs 206,208,815; Act 77/2019 sections 7,26

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