Safe driving in Iceland

While enjoying your travels in Iceland, with its outstanding scenery and rugged landscape, please note that Icelandic road conditions vary considerably and can even be dangerous. Especially to those unfamiliar with the particularities of the terrain such as gravel roads and the free roaming Icelandic sheep.

For safe driving, you may have to rely more than usually on your good sense and judgement. The main route, Highway 1, is mostly paved and easy to drive, but other country roads can be hazardous. When encountering one-lane bridges or entering gravel roads extra caution is needed.

Please note that the use of seat belts is obligatory in Iceland for the driver and passengers. The headlamps should be lit 24 hours a day, while the vehicle is in operation.

Mobile phone connection can be unstable in rural areas, so please do not rely on the mobile as a safety measure. Before planning a trip to the highland, make sure that smaller roads and gravel tracks are open and please be sure that you have the appropriate vehicle for such a trip. Some tracks may be passable by larger 4x4s only. Driving off designated roads or tracks is illegal in Iceland.

Some road signs particular to Iceland:

Road number and name.
Road number and name. “F” marked roads are mountain/highland roads.		 An unbridged river should never be crossed in a rental car. The driver is liable for any damages.
An unbridged river should never be crossed in a rental car. The driver is liable for any damages.		 Blind hilltop ahead.
Blind hilltop ahead. Slow down and keep on the right.
Road passable only by large 4x4 vehicles, with sufficient ground clearance
Road passable only by large 4x4 vehicles, with sufficient ground clearance.		 The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h unless indicated otherwise. In rural areas the limit is 90 km/h on paved roads and
The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h unless indicated otherwise. In rural areas the limit is 90 km/h on paved roads and 80 km/h on gravel roads.		 Domestic animals may cause
Domestic animals may cause hazard by crossing the road unexpectedly.
Unpaved gravel road ahead. Slow down.
Unpaved gravel road ahead. Slow down.		 This road is closed.
This road is closed.		 Single-lane bridge ahead. Slow down.
Single-lane bridge ahead. Slow down.
Road number and name.
Road number and name.		 In case of emergency
In case of emergency
dial 112.

Further informationa and useful links:

  • Keflavik Airport Location
    Blikavollur 3
    235 Reykjanesbaer
    Tel.: +354 515 7110
    Fax: +354 515 7167
    Opening hours
  • Reykjavik Location
    Bildshofdi 8
    110 Reykjavik
    Tel.: +354 515 7110
    Fax: +354 515 7167
    Opening hours
  • Akureyri Location
    Tryggvabraut 5
    600 Akureyri
    Tel.: +354 515 7110
    Fax: +354 462 7635
    Opening hours
  • General Information
    Dollar Thrifty independent licensee in Iceland is Brimborg
    booking@dti.is
    Reg. No: 701277-0239
    Emergency tel.: +354 515 7110