Everything You Need to Know About Road Signs in Iceland

Key takeaways:

• Iceland’s road signs use symbols and colors to ensure easy understanding for all drivers, even if you're unfamiliar with the country.

• Keep an eye out for signs regulating speed, vehicle entry, and parking. These signs are typically circular, with red borders and black text.

• Be prepared for changing road conditions with signs warning of curves, ice, animals, or poor road surfaces.

• In Iceland, you can't turn right on red unless otherwise indicated. Be sure to follow all traffic light rules for safety.

Preparing to Drive in Iceland

Are you ready to take the next steps toward driving in Iceland? Here are some practical things to know when preparing for your Iceland road trip.

Booking a Rental Car in Iceland

When preparing to drive in Iceland, booking the right rental car is essential for a smooth journey. You can book a rental car from Reykjavik, rent a car in Akureyri, or choose a car rental at Keflavik International Airport before arriving in the country.

Here’s a look at the different car rental options available in Iceland:

• 4x4 car rentals: Explore Iceland's off-road beauty with a 4x4 vehicle design for rugged terrain.

• Budget-friendly car rentals: Ideal for navigating Reykjavik and other urban areas.

• Campervan rentals: Take a scenic journey with a camper for an unforgettable road trip and longer trips.

• Luxury vehicle rentals: Experience Iceland in comfort and style with a luxury car.

We highly recommend choosing your rental car early to get the best price, especially if you're planning summer self-drive tours. Prices go up, and options quickly become limited as high season approaches, so don't leave it until the last minute to book!

• Check out the Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Iceland

• See also: Best Advice For Renting a Car in Iceland

Plan Your Road Trip Itinerary

You'll want to keep your Iceland itinerary flexible because of the ever-changing weather conditions and all those spontaneous stops you won't want to miss out on. Thankfully, there are great resources to help map out an epic adventure!

You can check out these top itineraries in Iceland that cover many major sights or explore the vast selection of vacation packages for different itinerary lengths.

Alternatively, self-drive tour packages are a perfect option if you want to maintain flexibility but let someone else handle the details of organizing everything. These tours provide a detailed and customizable itinerary, along with a rental car and accommodations in Iceland, offering the best of both worlds.
For example, this 10-day self-drive tour of the Ring Road covers many of Iceland's top attractions, while those with more time can embark on a 19-day self-drive expedition around the entire country.

• See more: How Many Days to Spend in Iceland

Prepare for the Unexpected

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Drumstick21. N1 has service centers around Iceland, such as the iconic Stadarskali rest stop.

Road trips through Iceland are an adventure, but the island’s unpredictable weather and remote roads mean you must be prepared for anything. Packing a few essentials can make all the difference, as your rental car agency might not provide some items.

Start with a first-aid kit, a blanket, and items like a car charger for your phone or a fully charged power bank. A physical map is also useful, especially in areas with poor mobile coverage. Don't forget snacks and water in case you're delayed.

N1 gas stations are one of the most convenient spots across the country. You can find them all around the country, offering everything from warm meals, snacks, drinks, and light groceries to windshield fluid, motor oil, gas containers, and ice scrapers.

If you're concerned about road conditions, N1 stations often display live feeds from the Road Administration of Iceland, helping you stay informed and safe on your journey.

• Learn more: Gas Stations in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide

How to Read Icelandic Road Signs

Icelandic road signs are designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you're driving in a foreign country. Most signs use symbols and pictures to communicate their meaning, making them intuitive for all drivers.

This is particularly true for warning, prohibitory, and mandatory signs, which are standardized for easy recognition.

Many Icelandic road signs resemble those in other countries, like stop signs featuring the word "STOP" in English, which are identical to those you may already be familiar with.

However, some signs include Icelandic words, especially place names or additional directions. These will often include a helpful image to ensure you understand their meaning.

Since Iceland uses the metric system, signs display speed limits and distances in kilometers. Make sure to keep an eye on the kilometers per hour (kph) signs to avoid any confusion, especially if your car uses miles per hour (mph).

Stay prepared and familiarize yourself with these essential road signs to ensure safe travel across Iceland.

Common and Important Road Signs in Iceland

In Iceland, there are various types of common but vitally important road signs. They are usually on roadsides, highways, and near intersections, making them easy to spot. 

The sign's colors and shape indicate its type. Keep reading to learn about Iceland's different types of signs, including traffic, informative, warning, mandatory, and advisory signs.

Prohibitory Road Signs

Prohibitory road signs are used on all road types to inform drivers about what vehicles are allowed to use the road and what rules apply to different types of vehicles. These include restrictions on turning around, driving too fast, and parking in prohibited areas.

These signs are easily visible on the roadside, often near intersections and crossroads, and sometimes on bridges. Prohibitory signs are usually circular, with red borders, yellow backgrounds, and black text.

Speed Limit Signs

Speed limit signs are a must-read when driving in Iceland, as they help manage road safety. These signs feature a black number indicating the maximum speed allowed in kilometers per hour (kph).

 Prohibited Entry Signs

These signs restrict entry to specific roads or areas. A red circle with a yellow line across the middle means the road is closed to all vehicles.

Additionally, some signs prohibit specific vehicle types, such as trucks, bicycles, or snowmobiles. These signs are yellow, with a red border and a red line through the middle. The center displays the image of the prohibited vehicle type, for example, a bicycle, motorbike, truck, or snowmobile.

Prohibited Stopping or Parking

These signs indicate areas where stopping or parking is not allowed. The blue circular signs feature a red border, with the prohibited parking sign showing a diagonal red line and the prohibited stopping sign showing a red cross. You'll often see these in high-traffic areas.

End of Zone Signs

If you see a sign with four black diagonal lines through the middle, it highlights the end of a zone. This can indicate the end of a speed zone, a special driving zone, or an overtaking prohibition zone. These signs help manage traffic flow in restricted areas.

Stop Signs

Stop signs are among the most common road signs globally and in Iceland. These are eight-sided, with a red background, white border, and the word STOP written in white. They’re placed at intersections where a full stop is required for safety.

Other Examples of Prohibitory Signs

You may come across other prohibition signs that should be easy to identify. Numbers with arrows highlight weight, height, and width limits. Direction signs with a red diagonal line through the middle indicate that type of turn is illegal.

Warning Road Signs

Icelandic road signs come in different colors to warn drivers about potential hazards along the way. These include signs indicating road curves, priority signs, dangerous road surfaces, and reminders to watch for pedestrians or animals in the area.

Warning signs are triangular signs with red borders, yellow backgrounds, and black text.

Signs Indicating Changes to the Road's Direction

These signs feature black shapes in the center to indicate that the road ahead is changing. They could show a bend to the left or right, a double curve, or a black cross warning of a dangerous intersection. These signs are especially common on rural roads and mountain passes.

Give Way Sign

The Give Way sign in Iceland is an upside-down triangle with a yellow background and red border, indicating that drivers must yield to other traffic.

Junction Signs

These indicate an upcoming junction or crossroad. You'll be able to see from the symbol in the middle which side the intersection is on and what angle the road is coming from. You’ll encounter these signs especially near towns, airports, and major tourist attractions.

Warning Signs With Animals or People

Watch for signs with images of animals (like reindeer or Icelandic horses) or people. These signs warn you that these hazards are likely in the area. Always slow down, especially on rural roads where livestock or people may be crossing.

Road Conditions

Some signs warn of dangerous road conditions ahead. A snowflake icon indicates icy conditions, while other signs alert drivers to slippery roads or hazardous verges. These signs are most common in Iceland in winter, especially on remote roads and mountain paths.

Other Warning Signs

Use your best judgment when it comes to warning signs, and remember that a picture says a thousand words. Pictures may indicate loose gravel, risk of avalanche or rockfall, bumps in the road, or a riverbank ahead. A sign with a black exclamation mark warns drivers to be careful.

Mandatory Road Signs

In Iceland, mandatory road signs are used where you are legally required to do something. They are not suggestions or information signs, they are some of the most critical road signs in Iceland that you should know about.

Failure to comply with mandatory road signs in Iceland can result in fines or other penalties, making it crucial for drivers to understand and obey them.

Mandatory road signs are circular with a white border, blue background, and white text.

Some symbols and pictures are the same as on the warning signs. For example, the roundabout sign has three arrows in a circle, showing the direction of traffic flow. You might see this on a mandatory sign (the blue circle signs) or a warning sign.

Direction Signs

These are easy to understand. Direction signs have an arrow telling you which way to turn — right, left, or straight. When there are two arrows, you can choose one of those two directions to turn.

A downward diagonal arrow tells you to keep to that side. Two small downward diagonal arrows show that you can pass on either side.

Paths for Specific Traffic Types

An image of a horse and rider, pedestrians, or bikes, indicates the path is for that type of traffic. If there is a line between two pictures, that shows there are separate lanes for each type of traffic.

Information Road Signs

Information signs inform road users about parking spots, one-way traffic areas, crosswalks, bus stops, and more.

The signs are typically rectangular or square, with a white border, blue background, and white text.

Parking Signs

Parking signs are relatively universal. Just look for a blue sign with a "P." Images on these signs tell you what type of vehicles can park there. For example, there could be a picture of a bus, truck, bicycle, car, ambulance, or disability vehicle.

Common Traffic Signs

Signs with an arrow pointing up or to the right indicate one-way traffic.

If you see a sign with a white symbol that looks like a large letter "M," it tells drivers there is a place for allowing oncoming traffic to pass.

A blue sign with a red and white symbol similar to a capital "T" means there is a dead end ahead.

Signs in Icelandic

Some informative road signs may include one or more Icelandic words, so learning these meanings is helpful to avoid confusion and frustration. These signs often have a symbol or supporting image.

A blue sign with an image of a camera may have the word "Löggæslumyndavél" underneath, which means "traffic enforcement camera" in English.

The word "stans" means stop in Icelandic, and you may see signs with this word at places like toll booths or busy junctions.

If you see the word "Snúningsrými," it translates to "rotational space." You might notice this word accompanied by an image of a truck and white around it. This sign shows that large vehicles may turn around in this area, with the white shape indicating whether the turning space is on the left or right.

The word "Út" means "out," and "Inn" means "in." Informative signs with one of these words will have an arrow showing the direction in or out.

Service Signs

Service road signs inform road users of valuable amenities in the area. Look for square signs with a white background and a thick blue border. These signs have a picture or symbol (usually in black) in the middle, indicating the service type.

Emergency services, such as a first aid station, emergency phone, shelter, pharmacy, or fire extinguisher, have a red symbol rather than a black one.

The police office sign has a yellow and black badge in the middle, making it easy to distinguish.

You might observe a range of general service signs on Icelandic roads. Examples include accommodation signs for hotels, campsites, caravan parks, or rental cabins. 

Signs for recreational facilities include swimming pools, horse tracks, sports fields, ski lifts, river rafting, and more.

You'll also find signs for useful everyday amenities, such as supermarkets — where you can buy groceries — food kiosks, banks, and ATMs. If you're planning to visit an Icelandic bakery, look for a blue and white sign with a black pretzel in the middle.

Traffic Lights in Iceland

Traffic lights in Iceland are similar to those in other countries, and drivers should be familiar with the general color meanings:

• Red: Stop

• Green: Go

• Amber (Yellow): This indicates that the light is about to turn red, so you should slow to a stop if you can do so safely.

Additionally, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Flashing yellow light: This light is a signal to take caution. Drivers should slow down and be aware of the road conditions ahead.

• Flashing green light: You might encounter a flashing green light, particularly at pedestrian crossings. This means the light is about to turn red, so be prepared to stop.

In urban areas like Reykjavik, you will also find pedestrian traffic lights with a green walking person symbol for when it’s safe to cross and a red hand symbol for when it’s not. Be sure to obey these signals to ensure safety.

In Iceland, turning right on red is not allowed unless there is a specific sign indicating otherwise. Always wait for the green light before turning.

If you encounter a malfunctioning traffic light, there may be a priority sign or police officers directing traffic, especially at busy intersections. While traffic lights are common in cities like Akureyri, rural areas often use roundabouts or priority signs instead.

Photo by Doug Kerr

Other Iceland Road Signs

Here are some more fun and interesting signs from Iceland. Some were a long-time standard, but others are still around, and you may even spot them during your road trip!

Outdated Road Signs in Iceland

Some Icelandic road signs have changed over time. The stop sign underwent two significant changes before the current 8-sided red sign. From 1945-1956 it was a blue sign with an upside-down triangular shape. It had a red border and the word "STANZ" in white.

Between 1956 and 1975, it was a yellow circle-shaped sign with a red border and a red triangle in the middle. The word "STANZ" was in black inside the triangle.

The old "be careful" sign was similar to the modern one because the colors and shapes are the same. However, previously it had a black vertical line in the middle rather than the exclamation mark you see today.

Quirky Road Signs in Iceland

You may see some unusual road signs during your time in Iceland. Some might be official signs, such as the orange rectangular sign with three runners. This sign has the word "götuhlaup" on it, which means "street running."

Iceland is well known for its folklore, including legends of trolls, elves, and sea monsters. Keep your eyes open for unofficial warning signs of creatures lurking in the midst!

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Rob Oo. No edits made.

Icelanders take personal and environmental cleanliness very seriously. One thing they can't stand is finding evidence of human waste tainting the pristine landscapes. Iceland's countryside lacks toilet facilities in some places, and as a result, some people have made inappropriate toileting choices.

An unofficial sign began popping up around the country to curb this problem. It certainly looks official with its yellow background, red border, and black image of a person squatting with a poo on the ground. Of course, a red diagonal line through the middle indicates this is not ok.
Finally, keep an eye out for cute signs like the duck signs you'll see around Tjornin Lake in Reykjavik.

Mastering Iceland’s Road Signs for Safe Travels

Road signs are essential for navigating Iceland’s roads safely. They keep drivers safe and highlight important locations, services, and amenities along the way. Understanding these signs is a crucial part of preparing for any driving adventure in Iceland.

Whether you're planning Reykjavik tours to explore specific attractions or embarking on a 5-day self-drive tour of South Iceland, knowing Icelandic road signs will allow you to drive with confidence. This way, you can focus on what truly matters — enjoying your Icelandic adventure!

Want to share your own Iceland driving tips? Have more questions about Icelandic road signs and what they mean? Drop a comment below to share or get answers.