Tips on Driving in Iceland

Cars and Roads

1. Do bear in mind that Iceland cars are left-hand drives, which means the driver will be sitting on the left side of the vehicle.

2. People in Iceland drive on the right side of the road. (This shouldn't take that much of a getting used to if you are a proficient driver, just pay more attention to your right and left turns.) I

3. In the outskirts, roundabouts are a way to regulate traffic. When you enter a roundabout, remember that the vehicle in the inner circle will have the right of the way.

4. You also may come across many one-way bridges: slow down and ensure that there is no vehicle coming from the opposite side before you proceed. It will also be useful to use your hyperbeams to indicate to oncoming vehicles, or to check for oncoming vehicles before heading onto these bridges.

5. DO NOT STOP AS AND WHERE YOU WANT. Although self-driving accords you the privilege of travelling and stopping in your own time, be considerate and do not stop in the middle of the road. Especially when there are only two narrow lanes, find an appropriate space to stop and walk to your destination. (We experienced a few inconsiderate travellers who stopped in the middle of the road to take pictures with horses, the sunrise, sunset, and the amazing view.)

Driving Regulations

1. Drivers are obliged by law to ensure that headlights are switched on at all times.

2. The speed limit in the cities are 30km/h to 50km/h, 80km/h on gravel roads, and 90km/h on paved roads

3. Drivers and passengers will need to put on their seatbelts at all times. Younger children and infants will need to be seated in safety seats.

4. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Additional Safety Tips

1. Get your car rental company's emergency number and store it in your phone

2. National Emergency Assistance Number: 112

3. Use Road.is to check for weather and road conditions before heading off

4. Download the Safe Travel App to update your location so that help can come when you need it!

Iceland is generally quite a safe place to drive, if you adhere to the above. Just be careful that sometimes there will be errant drivers, so stay alert and slow down whenever you are unsure. Happy driving! :)

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