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Procar Iceland's car rental expert

Essential Tips for Driving in Iceland

If you are unfamiliar with driving Iceland roads, you will likely find it quite a challenge. In the cities and on the main highway, Highway 1, the roads are asphalt and fairly easy to negotiate. However the majority of our country roads are actually gravel tracks, which wind and bend through the glorious but mostly uninhabitable landscape. To add to the challenge, the weather can change from pleasant to raging at a moment’s notice.

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Following are essential tips which, if you apply, will ensure your safety and enhance your driving experience.

Before you set off:

  • Have a detailed map of your route
  • Check the weather and road conditions for your route
  • Stock the car with extra food and water
  • Take a list of places to stay en route with you
  • Always have extra warm, dry clothes with you
  • Bring blankets and a thermos flask of hot tea, coffee or soup, in-case you get stranded
  • Carry a mobile phone and a list of emergency breakdown and service numbers.

On the road:

  • Do not drive a vehicle that you do not feel comfortable handling. Super jeeps are masters of the road but if you have not driven such a large vehicle before, you may find it difficult to handle on gravel roads.
  • There are signs warning of dangers ahead but generally not one to reduce your speed. Therefore be aware, and always adjust your speed according to road conditions.
  • Slow down when approaching oncoming vehicles, even on straight roads. Bumps on the surface can send your vehicle veering off into the opposite lane.
  • Hotspots for series accidents are often where the road changes from asphalt to gravel. Reduce your speed or risk losing control of your vehicle.
  • Blind bends are common in Iceland. Reduce your speed and keep in tight to the right.
  • Iceland’s country roads are built on raised embankments to counteract the winter snows. If a driver loses control and goes off road, the vehicle can easily roll over, resulting in a serious accident.
  • Bridges are often just one lane. Again slow down and exercise caution when crossing them.
  • Farm animals roam the country roads, so drive within limit and reduce your speed when passing animals as they may bolt across the road in front of you or an oncoming vehicle. If you hit one you could be liable.
  • Ensure your headlights are on during the day and at night, in both summer and winter.
  • Do not travel on the roads alone in Winter. Bring a companion or better still drive in a convoy.
  • Winter tyres are a must from November to May.
  • Not all routes are open in Winter, so check before you embark on your journey.
  • Don’t be fooled by the daylight. We have 24 hours in summer and drivers can easily forget how long they’ve been driving and risk falling asleep.
  • Many mountain roads are shut till the end of June as they are virtually impassable because they are so muddy from the wet conditions.
  • The safest roads are those with route numbers beginning with an “F”.

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Have a Safe Journey is a new brochure for foreigners traveling in Iceland, published by the Icelandic Road Administration (ICERA). It’s available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Norsk.

Check weather and road conditions on the Public Roads Administration website or, tel. 1777

Check the weather forecast on the Icelandic Meteorological Office website or, tel. 902-0600

For further information, see our series of articles on driving in Iceland below.

Driving Iceland:

Drive Safely!

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