Iceland – Information on Roads & Safety 🇮🇸

Emergency number: 112

Travel: https://safetravel.is/

Weather: https://en.vedur.is/

Road: https://umferdin.is/en

Road Conditions and Weather

https://www.road.is/travel-info/road-conditions-and-weather/definitions/

Please note: Before proceeding to check road conditions, it’s crucial to understand the terms used in the maps. Driving in Iceland can pose unique challenges and potential dangers. Roads may be closed, and conditions can change rapidly.

Check weather & road conditions before you start your day. While Google Maps and other maps can be helpful in navigating, it’s important to remember that they may not always accurately reflect closed or impassable roads. Use caution and do not rely solely on these tools.

Please familiarize yourself with these definitions here to interpret road maps correctly and ensure a safe journey.

https://umferdin.is/en

Information on road conditions is entered on the map from 7:00-22:00 (7am-10pm) and are displayed there almost immediately. Outside these hours, information remains unchanged and is erased at some point after midnight.

Weather information comes from automatic weather stations and is therefore updated on a 24-hour basis. 

Pay Attention 

  1. Driving is right-hand sided: you drive on the right side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the left side of the vehicle. This is similar to many countries in Europe and North America, but different from places like the UK, Australia, Singapore, or India where driving is left-hand sided.

    If you’re used to driving on the left-hand side, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the vehicle and the road rules before setting off. Pay particular attention to roundabouts, as the traffic flows in a clockwise direction. Also, remember that the passing lane on highways will be on the left.

    Be aware that overtaking is only permitted on long straight stretches of road with clear visibility or in designated areas marked with broken white lines. Do not overtake if a solid white line is present.

  1. Seatbelts are a must: Icelandic law mandates that everyone, regardless of their seating position in the car, must wear a seatbelt. Children under 135 cm are legally required to use the correct car seats for their age (which Beast provides free of charge!).

  2. Never stop in the middle or on the side of the road for photos. Always find a safe spot to stop. Many accidents have occurred when foreign tourists stop at an unsafe spot to admire the view or take pictures.

  3. Choose your speed according to conditions; weather & road. The speed limit applies to the best conditions. In winter, conditions are rarely so good that you can drive according to the speed limit.
    1. Quickview of speed limits:
      1. In populated areas, it’s typically 50 km/h; 
      2. on thruways, it’s often 60 km/h; 
      3. residential areas usually have a limit of 30 km/h; 
      4. and paved roads allow for speeds of up to 90 km/h. 
    2. Always pay attention to signs indicating if other speed limits apply.

  4. Slow down when approaching gravel roads. The tires will lose grip when crossing from paved roads to gravel, which can cause you to lose control of the car. Be particularly careful on unpaved roads.

  5. Respect road closures for your own safety. “Lokað” means closed. Roads are not closed without good reason.

  6. Roads are often narrow and it can be easy to lose control of the car. Always adjust your speed to the road conditions, even if it’s below the speed limit.

  7. Off-road driving is strictly forbidden.
    1. F-roads are unpaved gravel tracks that only open during the summer months and are only accessible in a 4×4 SUV vehicle. Most F-roads criss-cross the mountainous central region of Iceland called the highlands – the ‘F’ comes from fjall which means mountain in Icelandic.
      1. While F-roads and gravel roads themselves are not considered off-road driving, they are considered off-road when you drive off them.
    2. If you’re not driving a 4×4 jeep, you’re not allowed to drive on mountain roads either. Always check road signs and maps.

  8. Check weather & road conditions before you start your day, and even a few times during the day. This is especially important in winter because weather changes very quickly. Recommended site for updates is https://umferdin.is/en.
    1. While Google Maps and other maps can be helpful in navigating, it’s important to remember that they may not always accurately reflect closed or impassable roads. Use caution and do not rely solely on these tools.

  9. Stop for oncoming traffic at single lane bridges. The speed limit is 50km/h and the car that arrives first has the right of way. Slow down when getting close to single lane bridges.

  10. The lights on the car are required to be ON at all times – all year round. “Auto” setting on the lights is not enough.

  11. Do not use your phone or tablet when driving. It is illegal to use your phone or tablet while driving in Iceland. Be smart, be safe, pay attention to the driving. Using mobile devices while driving may result in heavy fines.

  12. Do not drive when tired. Switch drivers, stop for 15 minutes, and avoid scheduling long days.

  13. Respect the environment: Stick to marked roads at all times.

  14. Common reasons for fines in Iceland include speeding, not paying for parking or tolls, off-road driving, illegal parking, and staying overnight outside of campsites in a vehicle.
    1. Fines can only be paid directly to the police for a 25% discount, via mail at full price, at a local bank, or by writing to Beast.

See more information https://safetravel.is/driving/ 

You can park in Reykjavik for free when renting with Beast. However private parking areas are not included, free parking only applies to city parking.

  1. Usually, parking is free within Icelandic cities/towns, with the exception of Reykjavík (free with Beast) and Akureyri.
    1. Paid parking locations are marked with a “P” sign on a blue background.
    2. Free parking spots are usually marked with white lines in the city and specially designed gravel grounds in rural areas.
    3. Some cities require parking payment within a certain time period during the day.

  2. Parking at most tourist attractions along Route 1 Ring Road is free.

  3. Some popular tourist attractions, like the Thingvellir National Park and Seljalandsfoss waterfall, require you to pay for parking.

  4. Do not park on the side of any roads or streets if there are no marked or designed parking areas. This is dangerous and illegal.
    1. Be especially mindful when traveling on highway 1 (the main highway around Iceland) and other main highways. Do not part at the side of the road. Find a side branch of the road or parking area.

  5. Payments for parking can be made through cash, credit cards, or mobile apps such as:
    1. Parka
    2. or EasyPark

      Pre-register the vehicle plate number on the parking app before parking.

  1. You can find parking meters or ticket machines near parking areas for cash or card payments.
    1. Make sure to put the receipt on the windshield or somewhere visible inside the car after payment.

  2. National parks and popular destinations may charge parking fees for maintenance and preservation.

  3. Unpaid tickets will result in additional charges from Beast, being put on police record, or potentially being banned from entering Iceland.

❗The expense of parking fees are on your own terms; please pay accordingly. If you fail to make your payments, Beast Iceland will have to charge you the charge amount with a service fee.

Charging is always included with Beast 🚀

  1. Charging stations for electric cars, including Teslas, are located all around Iceland, mainly along Route 1 Ring Road, in Reykjavik, and other bigger cities like Akureyri and Egilsstaðir.

  2. Teslas can be charged at 200+ charging points and 7 Tesla Supercharger points.

    1. In addition to Tesla Superchargers, you’ll find the necessary chips and/or cards to use the stations of the following charging providers in Iceland as well:
      1. ON (Orka náttúrunnar)
      2. Ísorka

  3. Navigate to charging stations using PlugShare, the Google Map app, or Tesla’s navigation screen.

→ To open Tesla’s charge port, tap the bolt symbol on the touchscreen or physically push on the cover

Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel

99.9% of the roads in Iceland are toll-free, only with one exception – the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel. Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel was newly opened in 2020 in north Iceland outside Akureyri city. This tunnel connects the east bank of the Eyjafjörður fjord and Akureyri, which shortened the Route 1 Ring Road by 16km.

Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel location:

There is a fee per trip for each car to use the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel:

Regular passenger car under 3.5 tons: 1,650 ISK per trip (one-way) / ~11€ / ~$13

Vehicles weight between 3.5 to 7.5 tons: 2,600 ISK per trip (one-way) / ~17€ / ~$20

*Info updated July 2023

The fee is required to be paid in full within a 24 hours time frame with a valid credit card online. You can pay for your single tip via veggjald.is or with their official app Veggjald (Apple iOS & Android) after passing through the tunnel. You can also pre-register your rental vehicle’s license plate number details on the same website 24 hours before your trip and pre-pay the fee.

You will be fined if you cannot pay the toll fee online within 24 hours after (or before) using the tunnel.

The tunnel can save you from driving through the Víkurskarð road, a pass in the mountain range between the Svalbarðsströnd coast and Fnjóskadalur.

In summer (between late May and early September), the Víkurskarð road is relatively easy to drive with no stress when the snow is melted. By using the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel, you can enjoy a more effortless drive experience and a few minutes faster than the Víkurskarð road.

If you are traveling along the Ring Road in summer, there is no absolute difference between using the tunnel and the Víkurskarð road.

❗The expense of toll fees are on your own terms; please pay accordingly. If you fail to make your payments, Beast Iceland will have to charge you the charge amount with a service fee.

Our insurance policies do not cover:

Damage from off-road driving: Driving off-road is illegal in Iceland, and any damage caused while off-road will not be covered by insurance.

  1. Damage from river crossings or water damage: If you are driving in the highlands and attempt to cross a river, any damage caused by the water will not be covered.

  2. Negligence or reckless driving: Any damage caused by negligence or reckless driving, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or not using the appropriate safety equipment, will not be covered.

  3. Theft of personal belongings: We insure the expenses related to the vehicle itself, not personal items left inside. Make sure to sign up for travel insurance to cover personal belongings.

  4. Damage caused when the driver is not listed on the rental agreement: If someone not listed on the rental agreement was driving the car at the time of the damage, the insurance will not cover it.
  1. Highland Driving Conditions: Driving on highland roads, or F-roads, in Iceland can be challenging. Conditions can change rapidly, and the roads can be rough and require slow driving. You might also encounter unbridged rivers that you’ll need to cross.
  1. Appropriate Vehicles for F-roads: Not all 4WD vehicles are suitable for F-roads. Some roads might be manageable with a Model Y AWD (or similar), while others require a more robust vehicle like a superjeep. 
  1. Insurance and River Crossing: Be aware that no insurance covers damage to a vehicle incurred while crossing a river. Always cross with caution.
  1. Check Road Status: Before setting out, check whether the F-roads in your planned area are open. You can do this at https://umferdin.is/en. F-roads are usually closed from mid-September until June/July. During this period, the roads are impassable for anyone not in a modified vehicle (superjeep). If you need to travel during this period, consider booking a separate modified vehicle with an experienced driver.
  1. Gather Information: Gather as much information as you can about the area you plan to travel. Resources include Safetravel, local information centers, park rangers, and hut wardens.
  1. No Off-road Driving: Off-road driving is strictly forbidden in Iceland. F-roads and gravel roads are not considered off-road driving, but it is off-road when you drive off them. Always stick to marked roads.
Spring/Summer driving in Iceland ☀️
  1. Daylight Hours: Summer in Iceland means almost constant daylight, with long days and nights that never fully darken. This can be disorienting for drivers, and it’s important not to overestimate your energy levels. Avoid driving for excessively long periods without rest to reduce the risk of fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel.
  2. Plan Your Time: Summer is a high season for tourism in Iceland, which means roads can be busier and sightseeing can take longer than expected. Avoid over-planning your day or rushing from one location to another, which can add unnecessary stress to your trip. Leave ample time to enjoy each destination.
  3. Road Closures: Some roads may be closed during the summer or for parts of the season. Remember, when a road is marked as closed (“Lokað”), it is completely off-limits. Do not ignore these signs.
  4. Watch Out for Crazy Winds: Storms are not uncommon during the Icelandic summer, and strong winds can affect your vehicle’s stability and maneuverability.
    1. Beware of Windy Car Doors: Be extra careful when opening and closing car doors in windy conditions. The wind can catch them and cause damage, so always keep a firm grip on your car door when getting in and out.
Accidents can still happen even to the best prepared driver. Inform yourself about the road and weather conditions and accept that sometimes conditions are not okay for travelling – also in summer.
Fall/Winter driving in Iceland ❄️
  1. Winter Driving Equipment in a Beast:
    1. Snow tires
    2. Snow scraper
    3. Small shovel

For a longer road trip, we also suggest considering:

  1. Headlamp or flashlight (due to limited daylight in winter)

Keep extra warm clothing, blankets, and some food and drink in case you get stranded and have to wait for roads to be cleared or weather to calm down. Keep a cell phone with internet to check road conditions at https://umferdin.is/en before entering a new area.

  1. Flexible Planning: Be prepared to adapt your plans, as weather and road conditions can change rapidly in winter and might necessitate changes to your itinerary.
  2. Consider a 4×4 (AWD, All-Wheel Drive) Vehicle: If you plan to do a lot of driving during your winter trip, consider renting a 4×4 for better stability and comfort in winter conditions. However, be aware that some weather and road conditions can still be too extreme for a 4×4.
  3. Impassable and Closed Roads: If a road is marked as impassable or closed, do not attempt to drive on it, regardless of the type of vehicle you have.
  4. Wind Sensitivity: Storms are common in Iceland, and strong winds can affect your vehicle’s stability and maneuverability.
    1. Beware of Windy Car Doors: Be extra careful when opening and closing car doors in windy conditions. The wind can catch them and cause damage, so always keep a firm grip on your car door when getting in and out.

Accidents can still happen even to the best prepared driver. Inform yourself about the road and weather conditions and accept that sometimes conditions are not okay for travelling.