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Getting ready to drive around Iceland on your upcoming trip? As well as finding your perfect rental vehicle in Iceland, it’ll serve you well to learn about the different Iceland road signs you may come across when on your travels.
As Iceland is an increasingly popular tourist destination, many cars on the road are actually visitors on vacation – all the more reason to study the Iceland road signs, as you can’t always rely on the driver in front of you to know the rules of the road.
Driving in Iceland - Get ready in advance!
Driving in Iceland is an unforgettable adventure, offering breathtaking landscapes at every turn. However, to make the most of your journey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Iceland road signs and Iceland driving regulations before hitting the road.
Icelandic roads can be unpredictable, with weather conditions changing rapidly and unique terrain that requires extra caution. By understanding the local signage and following essential Iceland driving tips, you’ll ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Study the road signs: Icelandic road signs may differ from those in your home country. Look out for warnings about single-lane bridges, animal crossings, and sharp curves.
- Respect speed limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, and fines are steep. Stick to 90 km/h on paved roads and 80 km/h on gravel roads.
- Be prepared for weather changes: Iceland’s weather can shift in an instant. Always check the forecast and road conditions (via Umferdin Road Conditions) before heading out.
- Drive cautiously on gravel roads: Gravel roads are common in rural areas, so reduce your speed to avoid skidding or damaging your vehicle.
- Watch out for sheep: Sheep often roam freely near roads, especially in rural areas. Stay alert and drive slowly in these zones.
Ready to hit the road? Book your perfect camper or RV with Campervan Iceland today! With a wide range of vehicles and comprehensive insurance options, we’ll ensure your Icelandic road trip is as smooth and memorable as the landscapes you’ll explore. Start your adventure now!
What do road signs mean in Iceland?
From prohibitory signs that tell you what not to do, to quirky warnings that reflect Iceland’s unique culture, each sign plays a vital role in keeping you on track. In this section, we’ll break down the meaning behind Iceland’s road signs, so you can hit the road with confidence and make the most of your adventure.
Prohibitory Road Signs
Prohibitory road signs in Iceland are designed to keep drivers safe by indicating actions that are not allowed. From no-entry zones to speed limits, these signs are crucial for understanding what to avoid on the road. Knowing these signs will help you stay compliant with Iceland driving regulations and ensure a smooth journey.
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No Parking: Parking is not allowed in this area.
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No Stopping or Parking: Both stopping and parking are prohibited.
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No Entry: Vehicles are not allowed to enter this road.
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No Right Turn: Right turns are not permitted.
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No Overtaking: Overtaking is not allowed in this section of the road.
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Stop Sign: Requires drivers to come to a complete stop.
Warning Road Signs
Iceland’s warning road signs are your first line of defense against potential hazards. Whether it’s sharp curves, slippery roads, or wildlife crossings, these signs prepare you for what’s ahead. Paying attention to these warnings is one of the most important Iceland driving tips for navigating the country’s diverse and sometimes challenging terrain.
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Yield Ahead: Drivers must give way to other traffic.
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General Warning: Alerts to a hazard not otherwise specified.
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Strong Winds Warning: Cautions about potential strong gusts of wind.
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Loose Gravel: Warns of gravel that may cause reduced traction or windshield damage.
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Crossroad Ahead: Indicates an upcoming intersection.
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Pedestrian Crossing: Alerts drivers to a pedestrian crossing area.
Obligation Road Signs
Obligation road signs in Iceland tell drivers what they must do, such as following a specific direction or using snow chains in winter. These signs are essential for staying on the right path, especially in unfamiliar areas. Understanding them will help you drive confidently and safely.
- Straight Ahead Only: Vehicles must continue straight.
- Left or Right Turn Only: Drivers must turn left or right at this point.
- Pass on Either Side: Indicates that vehicles can pass an obstacle on either side.
- Keep Left: Vehicles must keep to the left of an obstacle.
- Roundabout Ahead: Indicates the entrance to a roundabout.
- Pedestrian Pathway: Marks a designated walking path.
Informational Road Signs
Informational road signs in Iceland provide helpful details about your surroundings, from distances to nearby towns to the location of services like gas stations and rest areas. These signs are invaluable for planning your route and making the most of your Icelandic road trip.
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General Parking Area: Indicates a designated parking zone.
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Covered Parking Available: Shows a parking area with shelter.
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Camper Parking: Marks a parking area specifically for campervans.
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Right of Way Over Oncoming Traffic: Drivers on this road have priority over vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
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Residential Zone – Slow Down: Warns that this is a shared area with pedestrians and children.
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Toll Road Stop: Indicates a toll station where payment is required.
Traffic Lights
While Iceland’s vast landscapes might make you think traffic lights are rare, they’re still an important part of driving in urban areas like Reykjavík. Understanding how they work, including unique features like flashing green lights, will help you navigate cities with ease.
- Red Light: Stop and wait.
- Red & Yellow Light: Prepare to move; green light will follow.
- Green Light: Proceed if the way is clear.
- Yellow Light: Slow down and prepare to stop
Fun Signs
Iceland’s road signs aren’t all about rules and warnings—some are downright quirky! From signs warning of elves to those depicting puffin crossings, these fun signs add a touch of Icelandic charm to your drive. Keep an eye out for these unique gems as you explore the country!
- Dog hotel: Indicates a designated shelter or rest area for dogs.
- Ice Cream shop: Marks a location where ice cream is sold.
- Snack kiosk: Points to a place offering hot dogs and drinks.
- Whale Watching Tours: Indicates a location where whale-watching tours depart.
- Hot Spring or Geothermal Pool: Shows a spot with a hot spring or thermal bath.
- Heritage or Cultural Site: Marks an area of cultural or historical significance.
Top Tips for Reading Iceland Road Signs
Whether you're exploring remote highlands or city streets, understanding these signs is essential for a safe and smooth journey. Here’s a quick guide to help you recognize their meanings at a glance:
- Triangle signs give a warning.
- Circle signs mean that something is prohibited.
- The word ‘stans’ means stop, which you’ll often see at a junction or toll booth.
City Traffic Signs in Iceland
- A red circle with a yellow bar through it means ‘entry prohibited’, meaning you can’t enter the road from the direction you are approaching it from, but you can access it from a different direction.
- A yellow circle bordered by red means ‘driving prohibited’. You can’t drive in this area at all.
- A blue circle bordered by red with a red diagonal line through it indicates that ‘parking is prohibited’.
- A blue circle bordered by red with two red diagonal lines crossing each other indicates ‘no parking or stopping’.
Meanings of Common Iceland Road Signs
Here are some of the most common and important Iceland road signs and their meanings, which will be particularly useful when travelling through Iceland’s natural landscapes.
Speed Signs
Speed signs in Iceland are in yellow circles bordered by red. The speed is written in kilometers per hour.
Average speed limits in Iceland are:
- 30 kph (around 18 mph) for residential areas
- 50 kph (31 mph) for other built-up areas
- 80 kph (49 mph) for gravel roads
- 90 kph (55 mph) for paved roads, such as the Ring Road
There are also suggested speed limits in Iceland, which are indicated by blue square signs with white numerals within a white circle. While they are not mandatory, these advisory speed limits are offered to guide you when navigating the Icelandic roads. We recommend following these guidelines to ensure you’re safe while exploring Iceland.
Gravel Road Surface Change Sign
An important one to note when driving around Iceland, gravel road signs indicate a change in the road surface that can affect your car’s response to the road. Iceland’s F-roads can be uneven with a loose surface.
You’ll see a double sign with the top sign being a black exclamation mark in a yellow triangle bordered by red and the bottom sign showing a picture of a road with the words ‘malbik endar’, which means ‘asphalt ends’. It’s particularly important to pay attention to these traffic signs in Iceland as the grip of your wheels will be affected by the change in road surface, which will, in turn, increase stopping distance.
4x4 Road Signs
4x4 vehicles are required to reach certain destinations in Iceland, such as the Icelandic Highlands, which can only be reached via the country’s mountainous F-roads. Some of these roads cross rivers and traverse challenging terrain, so it’s important to make sure you have a sturdy, reliable 4x4 vehicle rental in Iceland before tackling these roads.
This Icelandic street sign is a yellow rectangle bordered by red featuring a black car symbol that says ‘4x4’ on it and the phrase ‘óbrúadar ár’ below, which means ‘river crossing with no bridge’. The most difficult F-roads of all are marked by a sign that says ‘torleidi’, which means ‘extremely difficult terrain’ – be warned that driving these roads require expert skill.
You'll also find some roads with the text "Illfær vegur" which in Icelandic means "impassable road" or "difficult road." It indicates that the road ahead is extremely rough, potentially dangerous, and not suitable for regular vehicles.
Animal Road Signs
Iceland’s spectacular natural scenery is home to a diverse range of wildlife, with some species existing in close quarters to the Icelandic road network, particularly in more rural areas. Being vigilant when traveling along roads with animal signs will help to protect the precious Icelandic animals.
These road signs in Iceland are yellow triangles bordered by red with a black symbol of the animal type that lives nearby. Sometimes there will be a distance sign underneath that indicates where the animals are located along the road.
One-Lane Bridge Sign
When driving around Iceland by campervan, you’ll come across many unusual roads due to the country’s unique geology. This is also the case if you choose to rent a motorhome. While there are rivers to cross and mountains to traverse, there are also many one-lane bridge roads that require special care to drive across. Although you may not immediately think this type of road is dangerous, quite a few accidents occur on these bridges, especially when road conditions are icy.
But don’t worry, you can cross these roads safely by slowing down on your approach to the bridge and ensuring you can see far enough up the road ahead. The sign to look out for is another double sign with a black exclamation mark in a yellow triangle bordered by red at the top and a drawing of a bridge with a single car crossing above the words ‘einbreid bru’.
Exploring Iceland by campervan
Now you’re all clued-up about Iceland street signs, it’s time to book your rental vehicle in Iceland ready for your big trip. Let’s hit the road and explore all the breathtaking natural wonders the Land of Ice and Fire has to offer!
