Iceland Traffic Guide
Experience Iceland by car
Iceland, the beautiful island in the far north of Europe, has numerous sights to offer in a charming landscape. As the most beautiful places are spread all over the island and public transport is limited to the larger towns in Iceland, the best way to discover the country is by car.
In this article, you will find out what you should bear in mind when driving in Iceland, what the local traffic rules are and whether you need to hire a car or even come to Iceland in your own car.
Iceland's traffic rules at a glance
- In Iceland, driving is permitted from the age of 18. The usual EU driving licence in Germany is sufficient for this.
- Right-hand traffic applies throughout the island with the corresponding priority rules (right before left).
- A maximum speed limit of 50 km/h generally applies in urban areas. Out of town, a maximum speed of 90 km/h is permitted on tarmac roads and 80 km/h on gravel roads.
- n Iceland, dipped headlights must be used at all times of day and in all light conditions. Seat belts are also compulsory. Telephoning while driving is only permitted with a hands-free system.
- A first-aid kit, high-visibility waistcoat and warning triangle must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Carrying a fire extinguisher and a spare light bulb box is also recommended.
- The drink-drive limit for drivers in Iceland is 0.5.
- There are several single-lane bridges and roads in Iceland. As a rule, whoever arrives at the bridge first has right of way. On some bridges and tunnels, the right of way is also regulated by additional signs and stopping bays.
- Animals and herds always have right of way in Iceland, as herds of animals mostly roam freely here. This rule should definitely be taken seriously. If animals are injured in an accident, the driver of the car is usually deemed to have caused the accident.
- For environmental and safety reasons, cars are not allowed to leave the roads. Furthermore, stopping at the side of the road is not permitted everywhere. A yellow dotted line means that parking is prohibited at the roadside. A solid yellow line means no stopping.
- Roads marked F or 4x4 may only be driven on with suitable four-wheel drive vehicles. These so-called F-roads are generally only passable in the summer months.
Driving in Iceland
The roads in Iceland
Driving in Iceland poses a number of challenges due to the natural conditions. The larger towns and settlements on the Icelandic coast are connected by a well-developed road, the Ring Road. The ring road, the roads in the capital Reykjavík and some other roads in the island's towns are tarmac and easy to drive on.
In the interior, gravel tracks are predominantly available. Some roads in the highlands are marked as so-called F-roads and may only be travelled with a suitable off-road vehicle in the summer months (June to September).you should be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at all times on all roads, but especially on the unsurfaced gravel tracks and the F-roads that are difficult to drive on.
Weather conditions can change quickly on the volcanic island in the north. Caution is advised, especially in winter. Depending on the route and weather, you may need to equip your vehicle with snow chains.
Fuelling stations and charging points
Petrol and diesel: If you are travelling in Iceland with a diesel or petrol car, you will find a petrol station on average every 50 kilometres along the ring road. Trips inland should only be undertaken with a well-filled tank, as petrol stations are only available to a limited extent away from the ring road.
The few petrol stations in Iceland are almost exclusively unmanned petrol stations where you can only pay with a prepaid fuel card or a credit card with a 4-digit PIN.
Electric cars: In Iceland, electricity is particularly cheap and sustainable thanks to the abundance of geothermal energy. With the right preparation, the island can also be explored by electric car. However, the furthest distance between the charging stations is around 175 kilometres, which can be quite short given the range of an average electric car, and it should also be noted that the battery range can be shorter when driving in the Icelandic highlands due to the enormous differences in altitude and difficult weather conditions. It is therefore essential to familiarise yourself with the charging options along the way before a longer trip. The best way to do this is to use the apps of the electricity providers.
Hydrogen cars: Iceland was one of the first countries in Europe to have a public hydrogen refuelling station. Nevertheless, hydrogen cars can currently only be refuelled at two filling stations in the vicinity of Reykjavík. The hydrogen car is therefore not suitable for longer trips outside the capital.
Hire car or own car?
Iceland can be reached from mainland Europe by ferry with your own car. The ferry departs from the harbour of the Danish town of Hirtshals and, after a stopover on the Faroe Islands, docks at the Icelandic port of Seyðisfjörður.
Your car must have third-party liability insurance, which can usually be verified by the German car registration number, and the oval D sticker.
If you do not want to travel to Iceland in your own car, you have the choice between various car hire providers. The availability of hire cars in Iceland is good, but you should book well in advance during the most popular travel times in the summer months in order to get the vehicle you want at good conditions.
When choosing a vehicle, you should bear in mind that some roads in the highlands (F-roads) may only be used by certain off-road vehicles and that car hire is generally only available to drivers aged 19 and over. However, providers can also set higher age restrictions. Drivers under 25 are often subject to additional charges, and anyone travelling in Iceland in someone else's vehicle must be able to produce an authorisation from the owner if requested.
So make sure that the car hire company issues you with a corresponding document.
Fines
Fines can be levied directly on the spot by the police for offences against the traffic regulations.
Depending on the offence, the following fines are payable in Iceland:
- 20 km/h speeding: from 100 euros (approx. £85)
- 50 km/h speeding offence: from 400 euros (approx. £341)
- Violation of the seatbelt requirement: 80 euros (approx. £68)
- Drinking and driving: from 590 euros (approx. £504)
- Talking on the phone at the wheel: 40 euros (approx. £34)
- Red light offence: 125 euros (approx. £107)
- Parking offence: from 21 euros (approx. £18)
Conclusion: Special driving experiences in Iceland
If you want to experience Iceland in all its facets, you can hardly avoid travelling by car. Driving on the island poses a few challenges, especially inland, but these can be overcome with the right planning. The country can be explored in a hire car or by ferry with your own car and is suitable for both combustion engines and electric vehicles.
► Here you can find more information about the toll regulations in Iceland to be optimally prepared for your trip.