Drive Safely in Iceland

Please be prepared for farm animals grazing by the roadside and straying into or crossing the road. Drivers who cause injury or death to such animals may be liable to claims for compensation.

Off-roading is strictly forbidden in Iceland. The amazing Icelandic nature is sensitive so let´s treat it gently and with respect. F-Road and Off-road driving is not the same.

Before crossing a river or a water make sure that no other route is possible! Be extremely careful when crossing rivers or water as it can be dangerous and the simplest mistake can drown the car. Keep in mind that damages caused by water or river crossing aren´t covered by insurances.

When driving in the country you will come across blind crests. Some of them are without any markings at all. Many of them however, are marked with the warning sign “OTHER DANGER” above the word “BLINDHÆД (BLIND CREST). Please show extra caution when crossing blind crests.

Please drive extra carefully on gravel roads. Many roads outside the urban areas in Iceland are gravel roads. The speed limit is lower on gravel roads for a good reason. Please slow down.

Many bridges are too narrow to allow more than one car to cross at a time. Before entering one lane bridges please slow down and make sure that another vehicle coming from the opposite direction is not entering the bridge.

The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads in rural areas and 90 km/h on hard-surfaced roads. Please note: special warning signs indicate danger ahead, such as sharp bends, narrow bridges, blind hill but there is generally no separate sign to reduce speed.

Seat belts are mandatory. All travelers are obliged to use safety seatbelts. This applies to those sitting in the back seats as well. Please note: The driver is responsible for making sure that all passengers are wearing a seat belt. Violation of these rules can result in fines!

Stopping the car on the side of the road can be dangerous and should be avoided unless there is an emergency. When such an emergency occurs make sure the “hazard lights” are on and place the warning triangle around 90 meters behind the car on the side of the road. *Please note: Stopping the car on the middle of the road for photo shooting can be extremely dangerous. We know the Northern Lights are beautiful, but they are not to die for so choose your photo locations carefully and with safety in mind!

Please be prepared for farm animals, sheep´s in particular, grazing by the roadside and straying into or crossing the road. Drivers who cause injury or death to animals may be liable to claims for compensation.

It is forbidden to drive a motor vehicle in Iceland after drinking alcoholic beverages.

Make sure to use the correct fuel type. Check the key chain or the sticker on the fuel cap if you are not sure. It can be a very expensive and time-consuming mistake if you pump the wrong fuel. Please note: Normally the diesel pump is black, and petrol is green.

Drivers are obliged to always drive with headlights on all year round. If a passing car is flashing you, it means that you do not have your headlights on.

Although it makes a good picture it is totally forbidden to stand or sit on the car in any circumstances and is considered major negligence. Please note: Violators are subject to substantial fines!