School areaIceland

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.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Iceland

1. School area

A school area is a road or group of roads near a school where large numbers of children may walk, cycle, cross the road or enter and leave vehicles. It may be identified by warning signs, zone signs, road markings, traffic-calming measures or flashing lights.

Special speed limits, parking restrictions or access rules may apply permanently or only during school arrival and departure times. Drivers should reduce speed, watch carefully for children and be prepared to stop.

What speed rules apply around schools in Iceland?

A school warning is a reason to expect children, not proof that the whole road has a special universal school-zone speed limit; read any local speed signs.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation warning142; Act4,7,21,27,30-31,36-37

🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act77/2019, edition1October2026

Warning for children.

English • Traffic sign 142 • Children. Indicates that children may be expected beside the road ahead.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 142 • Börn. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að fram undan megi búast við börnum við veg.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 8. gr.

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-03-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Does a school warning sign in Iceland automatically set the speed limit?

A children or school warning alerts you to a potential hazard; the enforceable numerical speed limit depends on the applicable law, regulatory signs and any time or variable display. Slow further if children are near the road.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation warning142; Act4,7,21,27,30-31,36-37

🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act77/2019, edition1October2026

How should you pass a school entrance in Iceland?

Watch for children stepping out from between parked vehicles, obey crossings and any school patrol, and follow stopping or parking restrictions. Do not obstruct visibility near a crossing or school entrance; approach at a speed that permits a safe stop.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation warning142; Act4,7,21,27,30-31,36-37

🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act77/2019, edition1October2026