Driving in Iceland is the best way to explore the country. However, as a different country with all sorts of unique and interesting terrain, there may be a few rules and roadsides that are not the same as back home. This is why we created this comprehensive guide to Iceland’s road signs.
This article will give you a comprehensive overview of all our local signs, and give you a few other local tips and insights so you can explore the island confidently. So, without further ado, let’s dive into Iceland’s road signs before you head the road.
Getting Ready to Drive in Iceland
The following will help you plan and prep for your road trip ahead:
Research & Planning: Our Changing Weather & Road Conditions
Iceland’s seasons and our fickle weather can impact our road conditions. Here’s what you need to know when planning your trip:
Most recommend planning a road trip during our summer season (June to August) since that period offers the best weather and road conditions, and you’ll have plenty of daylight hours (up to 24-hour days mid-summer!). But you’ll still need to take note of the routes you're planning on taking. If it includes many gravel roads, it’s best to get a 4x4 camper. If it includes any F-roads, you are legally allowed to only drive them with a 4x4.
Winter is generally not recommended for road-tripping in Iceland for inexperienced drivers, especially if you want to explore the north or the more remote regions such as the Westfjords or the Highlands. You’ll have very limited daylight hours and contend with extreme weather conditions, such as blizzards, and the roads are covered in ice and snow. In fact, it’s these weather conditions that can lead to the sudden closure of roads and attractions, and some roads, like the F-roads, are kept closed throughout the colder months.
Be prepared for emergency situations. Always download offline maps or have a few hard-copy maps in case technology and signals let you down. Also, keep a few extra rations of food and water if you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for help. It doesn’t need to be at an apocalyptic basement scale, but just enough not to add food and water to your list of concerns in such circumstances. It’s also a good idea to have a first-aid kit just in case.
Booking a Rental Camper in Iceland
Choosing the right rental is essential when road-tripping through Iceland. Consider the following when choosing your rental:
2WD & Compact campers
Renting a compact and 2-wheel drive camper is ideal if you plan on traveling shorter distances and sticking to our cities and towns with paved and well-maintained roads.
4WD & SUVs with roof tent
Renting a 4x4 camper is ideal for longer trips where you’ll be traveling in some of our more remote regions and on some of our rougher roads. As already mentioned, it will also be legally required if you’re going to drive on the F-roads in Iceland. SUVs and other bigger rentals are ideal for bigger families and groups of friends.
RVs
Motorhomes are ideal for longer road trips and if you’re looking for a convenient and group-friendly way of exploring the island. Not only will a RV take care of both your transport and accommodation needs, but you’ll also be able to camp in comfort at one of our many super-affordable campsites all across the country.
If you get our Camping Card, you’ll even get further discounts on campgrounds and gas. There are also many types of campervans, so you can get the perfect size for your party, and there are also 4x4 options available.
If you’re already looking for a home on wheels, explore the camper options at Campevan Reykjavik. We can't wait to help you start your adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice!
A Few Helpful Rental Tips
If this will be your first trip to Iceland or the first time you’ll be renting a vehicle in Iceland, the following is important to know:
Ensure you have the right and sufficient rental car insurance. It’s best to chat with your rental agent and discuss your plans and proposed route so you can get some local advice. For example, if you plan on traveling down the coast, having Sand and Ash Insurance is an absolute must since the winds can really batter a vehicle with beach sand. Tackling those rougher roads may also require gravel protection.
Many become very stressed over getting an International Driving Permit, but you won’t need it to get a rental car. As long as you have a valid driver’s license from your home printed in Latin characters, you’ll be able to rent a car in Iceland.
Plan out where to fuel up carefully. Different gas stations have different gas prices, and the more remote you go, the fewer gas stations you’ll come across. It’s recommended to always fuel up in the larger cities or towns.
Understanding Icelandic Road Signs
You will certainly drive around Iceland and recognize a few of our signs, while others might leave you scratching your head a bit. That’s because we have a good blend of both local and universal elements in our road signs. The following are a few basics to look out for, and that’s key to understanding Icelandic road signs:
Shapes & Colors
Red circle road signs – these are generally considered prohibition (“don’t do this”) signs, e.g., speed limits, no entry signs, etc.
Blue circle road signs – these are generally considered mandatory (“you must do this”) signs, e.g., turn left, etc.
Yellow diamond road signs – these are generally considered warning (“watch out!”) signs, e.g., sharp curves, animal crossings, etc.
Triangular road signs – yield warnings or priority changes (“look out for X!”) signs.
Common Signs in Icelandic
“Löggæslumyndavél” – Look out for a speed camera ahead.
“Einbreid bru” – A one-lane bridge. These signs are mostly found in the rural and more remote regions.
“Blindhæd” – A blind summit. These signs signal that it’s time to reduce your speed since oncoming traffic can’t see you just like you can’t see them.
“Malbik endar” – The end of a paved road, so reduce speed and get ready to hit some gravel.
Key Road Signs to Know Before Driving in Iceland
The following are some of the most common road signs in Iceland:
Warning & Restriction Signs
Below are all the warning or restriction signs you’ll come across most often here on the island:
Speed Limit Signs
Keep an eye out for the following:
Speed limit signs of 50 km/h – These are generally found in our urban areas and are not to be trifled with. Except for traffic officers, who strictly enforce speed restrictions here in Iceland, we also have speed cameras in our cities and towns that will catch you red-handed.
Speed limit signs of 80 km/h – These are generally found along our rural roads.
Speed limit signs of 90 km/h – These are generally found along our main roads, which are considered our paved highways. This includes our famous Ring Road.
*Although the above-mentioned is a good guideline as to general rules and where to look out for these signs, there are always exceptions to the rule. So, keep a lookout. “I didn’t see it” doesn’t make a good legal argument, and violating speed restrictions can easily leave you with a fine of 70,000+ ISK (+/- $500+).
No Entry Signs
Take note of the following no-entry signs:
A red circle with a yellow bar road sign – These mean absolutely no vehicles allowed. You’ll most often see these in pedestrian areas and next to private roads.
A red circle road sign with a truck, bus, bicycle, etc. in the middle – These are no entry signs for very specific vehicles (the ones pictured in the middle of the circle).
No Stopping or Parking Signs
The following marks the spots where stops or parking are not allowed:
Blue circle with red diagonal line road sign – These are no parking signs, and usually for good reason, such as nearby fire hydrants. So, don’t try your luck.
Blue circle with red cross road sign - These are no stopping (including no parking!) signs usually found near bridges and tunnels.
End of Zone Sign
If there would ever be a reset sign in a computer game, this would be it. The sign, consisting of four diagonal black lines, essentially means the end of prior restrictions. For example, overtaking is allowed again.
Stop & Yield Signs
Below are some of the Iceland traffic signs that may look familiar but the Icelandic text might throw you:
“Stödvun” – This sign that looks like a common stop sign is indeed an Icelandic stop sign. These are typically found at intersections, and you’ll need to stop here (don’t treat it as a yield sign).
“Undanbegid” – Once again, what may appear to look like a common yield sign is indeed a yield sign with some Icelandic text. Here, you’ll yield to cross-traffic, especially at our roundabouts.
Other Essential Prohibitory Signs
The following are a few additional prohibitory signs to look out for:
Weight or height restriction road signs – These are usually found at bridges or tunnels, such as our infamous Hvalfjördur Tunnel.
No U-turn road signs – This sign is characterized by a red diagonal line over a U-shaped arrow.
No overtaking road signs – This sign is characterized by two cars with a red slash across them. You’ll often find these signs along our narrow, winding mountain roads, such as the Ring Road section going through the Eastfjords.
Traffic Lights
While our traffic lights have many of the same features as in other countries, we also have a few unique features:
Red – Ensure you’ve stopped behind the line, and don’t attempt any right turns while the light is on red.
Flashing yellow – Warning lights telling you to proceed with caution.
Pedestrian lights – Looks like a little man. When the little man is red, no pedestrians are allowed to cross, and vehicles have the right of way. When the little man is green, the pedestrians have the right of way, and all vehicles must wait for them to pass.
Priority lane lights – Traffic lights that work similarly to pedestrian lights, but instead of a little man, it has specific vehicles, such as a bus or a bicycle. These lights apply to dedicated lanes for the specific vehicles displayed with green meaning “go” and red “stop.”
Countdown timers – If you’re an impatient person, this will be right up your alley. Some of our lights actually have timers that display the exact time till the next light change.
*As a side note, although these lights work exactly the same as any other general traffic light, we highly recommend you check out our heart-shaped traffic lights in Akureyri (our so-called capital city of the north).
Road Signs Applicable to Very Specific Circumstances
You may see the following Icelandic road signs. These only apply to very specific circumstances:
Animal Crossing Signs
Road signs with a sheep on them – Iceland is full of free-roaming sheep, so whenever you see this sign, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for a wandering sheep wandering into the road.
Road signs with a reindeer on them – Iceland still has plenty of free-roaming wild reindeer. You may see these signs in the areas where they’re most prevalent and also serve as a warning to look out for any crossing the road.
Road Condition Signs
“Slett” – A road sign warning of slippery conditions on the road, often caused by gravel or ice.
“Malbik I vinnslu” – A road sign warning of loose chippings, often found at roadworks. Just reduce your speed and be careful so you don’t end up with a cracked windshield.
Right of Way Signs at Single-lane Bridges
You’ll find special red/yellow triangle yield signs that indicate which direction on the bridge has the right of way.
F-road Road Signs
The following are signs that you’ll especially come across along our adventurous F-roads:
River crossing road signs – These signs will warn of any river crossings. It’s incredibly important to only take these on with the right vehicle and not to cross if the current is too strong or the water too deep. A good rule of thumb is not to attempt a crossing if the water is higher than the bumper of the vehicle.
4x4 only road signs – You’ll often spot these little reminder signs along the F-roads. These signs must be taken seriously since it is illegal to drive the F-roads with any other vehicle, and you’re sure to damage the car.
Some Basic Driving Etiquette and Safety Tips
Keep the following in mind to ensure you have a memorable and safe trip:
Always keep your headlights on for better visibility (not for you, but for others who need to see you). It’s even recommended to do so in the daylight.
Always remember that those in the inner lane have priority in a roundabout here in Iceland. So, you’ll always need to yield to the cars already inside the roundabout.
It is illegal to stop next to the road here in Iceland. If you have an emergency, look out for our Mot signs, where you’ll find designated pullouts.
Iceland is not the place to DIY off-roading adventures. Not only are the Land of Fire and Ice’s landscapes not to be trifled with, but our ecosystems can also be extremely sensitive. That’s why any illegal off-roading can lead to fines of up to 500,000 ISK (+/- $ 3,600)!
Be Sure to Adhere to Iceland’s Road Signs on Your Road Trip
We’ll always recommend exploring the island via a road trip, and the best (and most affordable!) way to do that is by renting a campervan in Iceland. Just ensure that you keep to the rules of the road and adhere to any/all road signs along the way.
Otherwise, you’ll not only end up with a hefty fine, but you’ll also need to do some explaining at your rental agent. Stay on the right side of the law and you’re guaranteed a safe and memorable trip here in Iceland.