Slippery 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.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Iceland

1. Slippery road

A slippery road has reduced tyre grip and can make steering, braking and acceleration less effective. Roads may become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances on the surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration. Extra caution is needed in bends, on bridges and wherever the road surface changes unexpectedly.

What can make roads slippery in Iceland?

Rain, ice, snow, mud or other material can reduce grip. A surface can be slippery even when it looks clear, and grip can change within a short distance. Reduce speed and increase following distance for the actual conditions.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation signs 116.1-116.2; Act sections 18,36

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

How should you drive on a slippery road in Iceland?

Reduce speed early, increase the gap to the vehicle ahead and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Do not rely on the posted maximum as a safe target when grip is poor.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation signs 116.1-116.2; Act sections 18,36

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

Does a slippery-road warning sign in Iceland automatically impose a lower number?

The warning sign highlights a reduced-grip risk; it normally does not itself prescribe a new numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign, temporary restriction or local condition may still apply. Travel below the legal maximum when necessary for safety.

🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation signs 116.1-116.2; Act sections 18,36

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

Warning for a slippery road surface.

English • Traffic sign 116.1 • Slippery road. Warns of a section with a particular risk of a very slippery surface.

Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 116.1 • Sleipur vegur. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að fram undan sé vegarkafli þar sem sérstök hætta er á að vegur sé mjög sleipur eða háll.

Sources

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

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-01-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.