SlopeIceland
Traffic rules
Iceland
1. Slope
A slope is a section of road that rises or descends noticeably. A steep slope can affect vehicle speed, braking distance, traction, visibility and the ability of heavy or low-powered vehicles to maintain a steady speed.
Warning signs may indicate a steep ascent or dangerous descent and may show the gradient as a percentage. Drivers should adjust their speed early, select a suitable gear and remain prepared for slow vehicles, bends and changing road conditions.
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Iceland?
Iceland’s traffic-sign rules provide for steep-gradient warnings. Check the road surface, weather and sight distance as well as the gradient; a warning does not make an icy or gravel descent safe at the maximum speed.
🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation sign 104; Act sections 22,25,36
🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act 77/2019, edition 1 October 2026
Warning for a steep ascent.
English • Traffic sign 104.1 • Steep hill. Indicates a steep hill with the gradient shown as a percentage. The sign varies for ascent (104.1) or descent (104.2).
Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 104.1 • Brött brekka. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að fram undan sé brött brekka með þeim halla, sem fram kemur á skiltinu í prósentum. Merkið tekur breytingum eftir því hvort ekið sé upp (104.1) eða niður (104.2) brekkuna.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 8. gr.
SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-01-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a steep descent.
English • Traffic sign 104.2 • Steep hill. Indicates a steep hill with the gradient shown as a percentage. The sign varies for ascent (104.1) or descent (104.2).
Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 104.2 • Brött brekka. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að fram undan sé brött brekka með þeim halla, sem fram kemur á skiltinu í prósentum. Merkið tekur breytingum eftir því hvort ekið sé upp (104.1) eða niður (104.2) brekkuna.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 8. gr.
SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2013-01-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should I approach a steep descent in Iceland?
Reduce speed before the descent and select a suitable gear to help control the vehicle. Keep enough following distance and avoid building up speed that requires continuous heavy braking. A warning gives no fixed safe descent speed: the gradient, surface, visibility, load and vehicle can require a speed well below the legal maximum.
🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation sign 104; Act sections 22,25,36
🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act 77/2019, edition 1 October 2026
What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in Iceland?
Keep enough room and a low enough speed to meet another vehicle safely. Follow signs and actual passing places, and do not overtake into an unseen section beyond a crest.
🔗 reglugerd.is • Iceland: Regulation sign 104; Act sections 22,25,36
🔗 althingi.is • Iceland: Road Traffic Act 77/2019, edition 1 October 2026
