Driving abroad
Driving in Iceland: safe roads, wild weather
Your UK licence is enough, and Iceland's roads are among the safest in Europe. The risks are weather, gravel and single-lane bridges. F-roads (highland tracks) are open only in summer and need a 4x4. Off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined.
- Very safe roads
- Generally safe
- Take care
- High risk
Check road.is and the Icelandic Met Office every morning. Winds can blow car doors off their hinges, which is why hire firms sell wind damage cover. In winter, the Ring Road can close at short notice.
Where driving differs
- Ring Road and Golden CircleVery safe roads
Paved and well signed, but narrow, with few places to stop.
- F-roads (summer only)High risk
4x4 only, with unbridged rivers. Many hire contracts ban them.
- Winter (Oct to Apr)Take care
Ice, darkness and closures. Studded tyres come fitted.
Road types
- Paved roads: the Ring Road and main routes. Speed limit 90 km/h.
- Gravel roads: limit 80 km/h. Slow down where paved roads turn to gravel, as loose stones cause many crashes.
- F-roads: highland tracks, 4x4 only, usually open from late June to early September.
- Off-road driving is illegal and fines are heavy.
Things to watch for
Single-lane bridges are common: whoever reaches the bridge first goes first. Sheep wander onto roads in summer. Never stop on the road to photograph the northern lights or a waterfall. Petrol stations are far apart in the east and the Westfjords, so fill up when you can.
Before you go
- Never stop on the road to photograph the northern lights or horses.
- Emergency number: 112.
Official advice: FCDO road safety advice for Iceland
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