Welcome to Iceland!
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful country, but driving here can be quite different from what you're used to. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, here are some essential tips for driving in Iceland.
1. Know the Road Conditions
Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, and road conditions can change rapidly. Always check road.is for the latest updates on road closures, icy patches, and gravel roads.
Winter Driving: Expect icy roads, snowstorms, and limited daylight. If you are not experienced in winter driving, consider booking a 4x4 vehicle.
Gravel Roads: Many roads, especially in the countryside, are unpaved. Drive carefully to avoid losing control or damaging the rental car.
F-Roads (Mountain Roads): Only accessible with a 4x4 vehicle and often closed in winter. Driving on F-roads without proper authorization can result in fines and insurance voidance.
2. Speed Limits & Traffic Rules
Speed limits in Iceland are strictly enforced with speed cameras, so always pay attention to road signs.
Urban areas: 50 km/h
Rural paved roads: 90 km/h
Gravel roads: 80 km/h
Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers.
Headlights: Must be on at all times, even during the day.
Driving under the influence: Strictly prohibited and heavily penalized.
3. Beware of the Wind
Iceland is famous for its strong winds, which can make driving difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with such conditions.
Always hold the car doors firmly when opening them to prevent wind damage.
Be cautious when driving across open landscapes, as sudden wind gusts can push your car off course.
4. Crossing Rivers & Off-Road Driving
Never drive off-road – it’s illegal and can damage Iceland’s fragile nature. Heavy fines apply.
If you must cross a river (on an approved F-road), check the depth and current first. When in doubt, turn around.
5. Fuel Up Whenever Possible
Gas stations can be sparse in remote areas, so always fill up your tank before heading into the countryside. Most stations are self-service and require a credit or debit card with a PIN. We recommend using the discount key from Orkan, that's comes with the rental car.
6. Watch Out for Sheep and Wildlife
Sheep roam freely in Iceland, often crossing roads unexpectedly. If you hit a sheep, you must report it to the nearest farm or police station. Drive carefully in rural areas to avoid accidents.
7. Emergency Information
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.
For roadside help, contact our emergency number.
Always carry a charged phone and have GPS or an offline map for navigation.
If facing an emergency please notify Auto car rental as well.
Your Safety
Fatigue at the Wheel
Iceland may appear small on the map, but travel times between destinations can be long due to road conditions and changing weather. Driving while tired is dangerous, so we recommend breaking up longer trips and enjoying the journey at a relaxed pace.
Alcohol and Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Iceland. The legal blood alcohol limit is very low, and penalties are severe.
Stopping by the Roadside
Avoid pulling over unless absolutely necessary. Stopping on the roadside, especially for photos, can be extremely dangerous due to narrow roads and blind curves. Always find a safe, designated area for breaks and picture-taking.
Child Safety Seats
Drivers are legally responsible for ensuring all children are properly secured in age-appropriate safety seats. Auto Car Rental offers high-quality child seats for rent to help keep your family safe.
Seatbelt Use
Seatbelts are required by law for all passengers—front and back. Make sure everyone is buckled up before setting off.
Opening Doors in Windy Conditions
Iceland is known for sudden, strong winds. Please open car doors carefully and hold them firmly, as wind damage is common and typically not covered by insurance.
Sitting on the Car
Standing or sitting on the vehicle may seem harmless or make for a fun photo, but it is strictly forbidden and can cause damage to the car.
Fuel Types
Only two fuel types are available in Iceland: diesel and petrol. Double-check before refueling, as using the wrong fuel can be very costly. In most cases, petrol pumps are green and diesel pumps are black.
Headlights
Headlights must be turned on at all times, day or night. If another driver flashes their lights at you, it usually means your headlights are off.
