Be safe while driving in Iceland

You’ve probably heard that driving in Iceland is very difficult and above all, dangerous. While it’s true that the weather and road conditions in Iceland can present certain challenges when it comes to driving, it’s certainly not impossible. 

If you make sure to check road and weather conditions ahead of time, use caution and practice common sense while adhering to the road laws of Iceland, you should not have any big problems during your trip.  

So that you stay safe and prepared for your journey across Iceland’s expansive roads, follow our safety tips and recommendations below.

Check these websites every day (especially when driving in the Icelandic countryside).

Check road conditions on the very informative Safetravel.is website. Information is updated by the hour and has information about wind speed, snow and icy roads in winter, if the road is closed and much more. Just click on the part you plan to be driving through. They always share the latest up to date information and it’s important that you follow any safety recommendations they make, even if it alters your travel plans. It’s always better to be safe than sorry - especially in Iceland!


Always check the weather forecast at the Icelandic Met office. You can choose the area you are driving through and scroll the forecast for information by the hour. Please note that the information is not updated throughout the day. 

Lastly, you can see actual road conditions on the Road.is webcam site. Be a little patient with the site, it is sometimes a little slow to show footage. What’s great about this site is that you can see up to date images of what nearly any road in Iceland looks like, allowing you to know what you’re getting into when you drive on that road. This can help you alter any travel plans should you need to do so, or get snow chains or any other equipment you may need. You should also check our Covid-19 policy information before travelling to Iceland.

 

Driving in Iceland with Elfis


Check out videos made by the Icelandic Road Administration (drive.is). 

 

Information sites about Driving safely

Drive.is - Official site full of information and videos about specific dangers on the Icelandic roads, for example speed limits, blind hills and blind curves. Including the 5 most important things you should consider when driving in Iceland!
Road Conditions
Reduce Speed
Seat Belts For All
Photo Locations
Headlights

Road.is - Driving safely in Iceland

How to drive in Iceland by the Icelandic transport authority

Blog about driving in Iceland by SADcars car rental

Information about car seats for children

Get to know the Icelandic traffic signs

Apps for mobile phones - Two helpful apps for your travel safety in Iceland; The 112 app and Icelandic Traffic signs

Calculate distances between places in Iceland (only in Icelandic) 

Compare fuel prices at gas stations in Reykjavik

We urge you to be insured, check out the insurance options we offer here

And lastly, a good rule is to always check with the locals before you go ahead on your journey. Find the local tourist information office, ask the people at your accommodation or the gas station. Local people often know the forecast by heart and can guide you through bad weather. 

 

5 most important things you should consider when driving in Iceland
Photo from drive.is.

 

Top 10 tips from Driving in Iceland

by Drive.is 

  1. 1. Everyone in the car needs to wear a seatbelt.
  2. 2. Do not stop or park the car on the road except in case of emergency.
  3. 3. Lower your speed when you approach and drive on a gravel road.
  4. 4. Choose the speed in accordance with the road surface.
  5. 5. Check the weather and road surface in advance on road.is and safetravel.is. 
  6. 6. Make sure you get enough sleep in summer when there´s daylight 24 hours. 
  7. 7. Be sure that you have the driving lights always on - night and day. 
  8. 8. The car that approaches a single lane bridge first, crosses first. 
  9. 9. Sheep and other livestock you see near the road can suddenly run across the road. 
  10. 10. Don't risk your life and safety by driving on to a CLOSED road (marked Impassable or ÓFÆRT).