Reykjavík Rent A Car

Your Safety in Iceland

Driving in Iceland is one of the best ways to explore the country, but road conditions can change quickly. Weather, wind, gravel roads, snow, ice, single-lane bridges and remote routes can all affect your trip. This page brings together the most important safety information for your rental. Check it before you drive, use official road and weather sources every day, and contact us if something happens during your rental.

  • Check road and weather conditions before driving
  • Slow down on gravel roads and in bad weather
  • Never drive off-road
  • Use an approved 4x4 only on F-roads
  • Keep headlights on while driving
  • Wear seatbelts at all times
  • Contact us first if the car breaks down
Image of a 4x4 Kia Sorento in front of the Hallgrimskirkja

Check conditions before you drive

Always check road and weather conditions before you start driving, especially outside Reykjavik. Icelandic weather can change fast, and a route that looks fine in the morning can become unsafe later in the day.

Official websites to check

Use these official sources before and during your trip:

Do not drive if conditions are unsafe

If there are weather warnings, strong wind, poor visibility, icy roads or road closures, change your plan. Do not continue driving just because you already booked accommodation or planned a route. Closed roads are closed for a reason. Driving on a closed road can put you, your passengers and rescue teams at risk.

Speed limits and speeding in Iceland

Speeding is one of the most common mistakes visitors make in Iceland. Distances can feel open and quiet, but speed limits still apply everywhere.

Common speed limits

Unless road signs show otherwise, the common speed limits in Iceland are:

Speed cameras and fines

Iceland has speed cameras in areas where speeding and accidents are common. If a vehicle is recorded over the speed limit, the fine is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. For rental cars, this means the fine can be sent to the rental company and then charged to the renter, usually with an administration or service fee. Ísland.is explains that speeding can lead to fines, penalty points and, in serious cases, loss of driving privileges. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Drive for the road, not just the limit

The posted speed limit is not always the safe speed. Slow down for gravel roads, blind hills, blind curves, snow, ice, strong wind, animals near the road and narrow bridges.

Key driving rules in Iceland

These rules are simple, but they matter.

Seatbelts are required

Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt, including passengers in the back seats. SafeTravel states that drivers and all passengers must wear seatbelts, no matter where they are seated. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Headlights must stay on

Keep your headlights on while driving, day and night. This helps other drivers see you, especially in low light, rain, snow or fog.

Do not stop on the road for photos

Do not stop or park on the road unless it is an emergency. If you want to take photos, find a safe pull-off or parking area. Stopping on the road is dangerous, especially near blind hills, blind curves, narrow shoulders and fast-moving traffic.

Watch for sheep and livestock

Sheep and other animals can suddenly run onto the road. Slow down when you see livestock near the road, even if they are standing still.

Be careful on single-lane bridges

Many roads in Iceland have single-lane bridges. Slow down before the bridge. The vehicle that reaches the bridge first usually crosses first, but always drive defensively and be ready to stop.

Gravel roads, F-roads and off-road driving

Not all roads in Iceland are the same. Regular gravel roads, F-roads and off-road driving are very different.

Gravel roads

Many Icelandic routes include gravel sections. Reduce your speed before entering gravel, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and slow down when another car passes. Loose stones can damage paint, windows and lights. Driving too fast on gravel also increases the risk of losing control.

F-roads

F-roads are Highland roads. You can only drive on F-roads with a vehicle that is approved for F-roads. If your vehicle is not approved for F-roads, do not drive there. If your trip includes the Highlands, choose an approved 4x4 rental car before booking.

Off-road driving is illegal

Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland and is never allowed. It damages fragile nature and can lead to fines, recovery costs and insurance problems. Stay on marked roads and approved tracks at all times.

5 key things about driving in Iceland

Winter driving in Iceland

Winter driving in Iceland needs extra care. Snow, ice, darkness, wind and poor visibility can make driving slower and more demanding.

Winter tires

Studded winter tires are included during the winter season. They help with grip, but they do not make winter driving risk-free. Drive slower, leave more space between vehicles and check weather and road conditions before each trip.

Wind and ice

Strong wind can affect the vehicle, especially on open roads, mountain passes and coastal routes. Ice can also be difficult to see. If conditions feel unsafe, stop in a safe place and wait, or change your route.

Do not rush the itinerary

Winter routes often take longer than expected. Plan fewer stops, start earlier and avoid driving tired.

Parking, tolls and fines

Parking, tolls and traffic fines are the renter’s responsibility.

Parking in Iceland

Many parking areas in Iceland require payment. This includes parts of Reykjavik, national parks and popular attractions. Always check signs and pay when required. For Reykjavik parking, read our guide to parking in Reykjavik.

Speeding fines, parking tickets and tunnel tolls

If you receive a fine, parking charge, tunnel toll or road fee, pay it on time. If the charge is sent to Reykjavik Rent a Car, it will be charged to your payment card with the applicable service fee. The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel in North Iceland is paid online. If you drive through it, make sure the toll is paid on time.

Choosing the right car for safety

Choosing the right vehicle is part of safe driving.

Small cars

A small rental car is a good choice for Reykjavik, paved roads and short day trips in normal conditions.

Medium cars and SUVs

Medium cars give more room, comfort and flexibility for longer trips, luggage and more varied routes.

4x4 vehicles

Choose a 4x4 rental car if your trip includes F-roads, Highland roads, rougher routes or more demanding conditions.

Vans and groups

If you are traveling as a family or group, a van or minivan can give you more room and keep everyone in one vehicle. You can compare the full fleet on our car hire page.

Insurance and roadside assistance

Insurance and roadside assistance are there to help, but they do not replace careful driving.

Insurance options

CDW is included in our rental prices. You can choose extra insurance during booking if you want broader coverage or lower liability. Some situations are not covered by insurance, such as negligence, prohibited driving, off-road driving, river crossings, rollover incidents or driving under the influence. Read the full details on our insurance page and terms and conditions page.

Roadside assistance

If the car breaks down, call us immediately using the phone number shown at the top of your rental agreement. Do not arrange towing, repairs, rescue or roadside assistance on your own before contacting us. Costs for assistance arranged without our approval are the renter’s responsibility. We have service contacts around Iceland and will work to find the safest and fastest solution.

Roadside Assistance Waiver

The Roadside Assistance Waiver reduces the cost of covered roadside assistance to zero. It can help with certain problems such as lost keys, locked-in keys, flat tires, getting stuck in snow, running out of fuel or needing towing. Extra costs such as a new key, new tire, fuel or replacement items can still be charged according to the rental terms.

If something happens

Contact us as soon as possible if there is a breakdown, damage, accident or safety issue.

If the car breaks down

Call us using the phone number on your rental agreement. We will decide the next step based on the situation. If the car can be repaired, we will guide you to the nearest service garage. If the breakdown is serious and the car cannot be driven, we will arrange the best available solution as quickly as possible.

If you have an accident

Fill out the accident report form located in the car. All drivers involved must sign the report. If anyone is injured, call 112 immediately. Return the completed accident report to our staff when you return the car. If there is damage, the report is required. Damage charges depend on your insurance package, the rental terms and what happened. Some damage is not covered by insurance, so contact us as soon as possible after the accident.

Quick safety checklist

Before you drive, check:

Check out this Dangers on Icelandic roads video: