SAFETY ISSUES AND OTHER INFORMATION
THAT ARE GOOD TO KNOW WHEN TRAVELLING
BY RENTAL CAR IN ICELAND
Driving Restrictions
2wd vehicles are not allowed on roads marked F on official maps and KJÖLUR road #35 and KALDIDALUR road #550. Should these restrictions be ignored all insurance (Third Party Liability, CDW, TP, PAI), if accepted, shall be deemed null and void. The driver will be held fully responsible in case of accidents and will bear all consequences, including the cost of reparing the damaged vehicle. For more details read the rental terms and conditions of your rental car company.
About driving in Iceland
Iceland offers the traveller an adventure in a beautiful and rugged landscape. However, experience shows that the forces of Icelandic nature can be harsh and inhospitable, and travellers are well-advised to exercise caution and respect for the country’s natural environment. Unfortunately, there have been far too many accidents in the past few years involving foreign tourists travelling around the country. These accidents range from minor to fatal. The most common type of accident is that of hikers losing their footing on uneven terrain. The most serious injuries, however, are caused by road traffic accidents where travellers drive too fast in unfamiliar conditions and do not wear seat belts. All mountain roads and roads in the interior of Iceland have a surface of loose gravel. The same applies to large sections of the national highway, which also has long stretches of asphalt. The surface on the gravel roads is often loose, especially along the sides of the roads, so one should drive carefully and slow down whenever approaching an oncoming car. Where the road changes from a paved road to a gravel road, you need to slow down considerably. Many serious accidents occur every year at such places, especially among drivers who are unfamiliar with such road conditions, lose control of their vehicle and drive off the road. The mountain roads are also often very narrow, and are not made for speeding. The same goes for many bridges, which are only wide enough for one car at a time. In addition to their not having an asphalt surface, the mountain roads are often very winding. Blind summits are common in Iceland. Slow down and keep to the right-hand edge of the road. In the summertime, there is sunlight 24 hours a day. Drivers need to be aware of this and not drive for too long, as they might otherwise fall asleep behind the wheel. The total length of the Ring Road around Iceland (national highway) is 1.339 km.
Domestic animals are often close to, or even on, country roads. Drivers who hit animals may be required to pay for the damage. Remember that the sheep is always right! Journeys therefore often take longer than might be expected. For information on road conditions: Tel: 354-563-1500, answering service 24 hours, Tel: 800-6316 (In English 1/6-31/8).
The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads in rural areas, and 90 km/h on asphalt roads. Please note: special warning signs indicate danger ahead, such as sharp bends, but there is generally not a separate sign to reduce speed. Please choose a safe speed according to conditions.
Motorists are obliged by law to use headlights at all times day and night. In Iceland all driving off roads or marked tracks is forbidden. Passengers in the front and back seats of an automobile are required by law to use safety-belts; they save lives. The use of hands-free kits is compulsory for mobile phone use whilst driving. Driving while intoxicated from drug or alcohol use is prohibited.
Filling stations
In the greater Reykjavík area filling stations are open Mon-Sat 07:30-20:00, Sun 09:00-20:00 (Oct- May 10:00-20:00). Many of the filling stations are open until 23:30. Opening hours around the country, where the pumps are privately operated, can vary from place to place. Most stations are open until late in the evening, to 22:00 or even 23:30. Many stations in the Reykjavík area have automats (self-operated pumps) in operation after closing, which accept 1000 krónur bank notes and credit cards with PIN numbers. All filling stations accept credit cards. Automats are also operated in various places around the country. Octane levels in Iceland are 92 regular unleaded, 98 premium leaded and premium unleaded 95.
Motor vehicle insurance
A “Green Card” or other proof of third-party insurance is mandatory for motorists driving their own cars in Iceland, except from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Channel Islands, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the Vatican.
Maps
Maps are necessary to ensure visitors to Iceland an enjoyable and safe journey. Ask for road maps and maps of Iceland at local tourist offices, bookstores or filling stations. Always take along a detailed map.
Opening of the mountain tracks
Most mountain roads are closed until the beginning of July, or even longer because of wet and muddy conditions which make them totally impassable. When these roads are opened for traffic most of them can only be negotiated by four-wheel-drive vehicles. It is strongly advised that two or more cars travel together. Also, before embarking on any journey into the interior collect as much information as possible regarding road conditions from a travel bureau, tourist information office or the Icelandic Road Administration (ICERA) Tel: +354-522 1000 or +354-1777 - http://www.road.is. A booklet called Mountain Roads can be obtained at Tourist Information Centres and the offices of the Icelandic Tourist Board abroad. Always take along a detailed map.
Click here for information of average opening dates of some of the mountain tracks.
Instructions & Preparation for traveling and hiking in Iceland, especially in the interior
Icelandic nature can be wild and dangerous, especially for those unfamiliar with it and unused to travelling in uninhabited areas and rough country. Travellers should prepare well for each trip and know its trail and route conditions. This is the best way to prevent accidents and ensure a pleasant and safe journey. Choose clothing and footwear with care. Read about conditions in the area you will be traversing and talk to people with local knowledge, such as rangers. Let somebody know about your planned trip if going on long hikes in remote areas or travelling rough mountain roads.
Weather
Icelandic weather is very volatile. Fair weather can change into a raging storm at a moment’s notice. Keep this in mind at all times, especially when travelling in the highlands. For every 100m in altitude gained, you can expect the mean temperature to drop by 0.6°C and precipitation to increase. The temperature can drop below the freezing point even during summer, especially at night. At mountain tops, wind force can multiply.
Check weather and road conditions – information available from the Public Roads Administration, tel. +354-1777 or at www.road.is.
Check the weather forecast – information available from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, tel. +354-902-0600, the Teletext or at www.vedur.is.
When wind is strong, drive slower and be careful how you park the car. Opening car doors in the wrong direction at strong wind conditions, can actually damage the car – you don‘t want to loose a car door. Also be careful hiking on high cliffs when strong wind.
Geothermal areas
Geysers and hot springs are found in many parts of Iceland. The water or mud discharging to the Earth’s surface can be above the boiling point. Always follow instructions around geysers. Do not use your fingers to check the temperature of water, steam or mud. Be careful where you step. The ground around geysers is often covered with a thin crust which can break through if stepped on, sometimes causing burn injuries. Therefore, always keep to footpaths where they are to be found.
Glacier trips
Nobody should set off on a trip onto a glacier without mountaineering experience and the necessary equipment. Organised tours with experienced mountain guides are the safest option. Ice on glacier tongues can be extremely slippery. Walking on glacier tongues is dangerous without crampons and other glacier-climbing gear. The ice caves and vertical glacier walls of glacier tongues are unsteady, and blocks of ice can fall without warning. Therefore, it is inadvisable to enter ice caves or to stand near steep walls of ice. When walking on snow-covered glaciers, it is necessary to use a rope and other safety equipment, as crevasses lurk under the cover of snow in many places. The crevasses can be very deep and wide.
Video-How to drive in Iceland
Travelling in Iceland can be one of the greatest experiences you can have. But this beautiful and rugged landscape also contains some difficulties and dangers for the driver, difficulties and dangers that you may not have come across in other countries. In this video from The Road Traffic Directorate you can see a few examples of what to bear in mind when driving in Iceland so as to avoid these hazards and have an accident-free holiday.