Country driving guide

Driving rules in Iceland

A practical summary of the main rules that may differ when you cross the border. The values below come from the official source linked on this page — the standardized Your Europe country page or the national law or authority.

Source-backed

Typical passenger-car speed limits

Built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 80 / 90 km/h
Motorways / expressways: Not stated in the standardized source

Rural gravel roads 80 km/h, paved roads 90 km/h. Iceland has no motorways; 90 km/h is the national maximum. Off-road driving is prohibited.

Blood alcohol limits

Standard drivers: 0.5 mg/ml
Novice drivers: Not stated in the standardized source
Professional drivers: Not stated in the standardized source

Lights, winter rules and equipment

Daytime lights: Mandatory all day Headlights must be on at all times, day and night.
Winter tyres / equipment: Not stated in the standardized source Studded tyres are permitted 31 October – 15 April; a general winter-tyre mandate was not confirmed in the official sources checked.
Mandatory equipment: Not stated in the standardized source

Checks that depend on the route

Low-emission zones: Check the current national or local official source
Fines and enforcement: Check the current national or local official source
Emergency number: 112

This is a planning summary, not legal advice. Road signs and current national rules take priority. Always check the linked official source before departure.