The signs you'll meet on Iceland's roads, what they mean and what to do. Worth a read before you set off.
The road narrows to one lane for a bridge. Cars from both directions share it.
What to do: Slow down early. The car closest to the bridge goes first; if someone is already on it or nearer, stop and wait.
A crest you cannot see over. An oncoming car — or sheep — can be right on the other side.
What to do: Slow down, keep well to the right and never overtake near the top.
The asphalt stops and the road turns to gravel, often with no other warning.
What to do: Brake before the edge, not on the gravel. Keep to 80 km/h or less, steer gently and leave room for flying stones.
Sheep, horses or cattle graze freely next to and on the road from spring to autumn.
What to do: Slow right down when you see them. A lamb on one side and its mother on the other means it will run across.
An exposed stretch where gusts can push the car sideways.
What to do: Both hands on the wheel and reduce speed. When you stop, park facing the wind and hold the door with both hands.
Ice, wet gravel or loose surface ahead.
What to do: Ease off early, brake gently in a straight line and keep a long gap.
The maximum speed in km/h. Without a sign: 90 on paved roads, 80 on gravel, 50 in towns.
What to do: Treat it as a maximum, not a target — on gravel and in wind, slower is often right.
Traffic on the road you are joining has priority.
What to do: Slow down and stop if needed. Only go when the road is clear.
A full stop is required before you continue.
What to do: Stop completely at the line, look both ways, then go.
In Iceland, a car in the inner lane has priority over the outer lane when it leaves the roundabout.
What to do: In the outer lane, watch for cars leaving from the inner lane and let them cross in front of you.
You may not drive into this road from this side — usually a one-way street.
What to do: Do not enter. Find another way round.
No vehicles allowed. In Iceland this often means a pass closed for snow, wind or flooding.
What to do: Never drive past a closed sign or barrier. Check umferdin.is for another route or when it reopens.
A wider spot on a single-lane road where two cars can pass each other.
What to do: Pull in to let oncoming or faster cars by. It is not a parking spot — never stop there for photos.
A road number starting with F is a highland track: open in summer only, often with rivers to ford.
What to do: Only drive it in a 4×4 your rental allows on F-roads, and only when it is open. Most small cars are not allowed.
Cameras check your speed. There is often no flash you would notice.
What to do: Keep to the limit. Fines are high and reach you later through your rental company.
The looped-square symbol marks a sight, viewpoint or historic place.
What to do: Follow it to the car park. Never stop on the road itself to look.
Dipped headlights are required at all times, all year — even on a bright summer day.
Everyone in the car wears a seatbelt, front and back. Children need a proper car seat.
Not even for a minute, not even for the northern lights. Use a car park or a marked lay-by.
Driving off marked roads and tracks is a crime with heavy fines. Tyre marks in moss last for decades.
Only hands-free while driving. Set your navigation before you set off.
Road conditions on umferdin.is, weather on vedur.is, and register your trip on safetravel.is.
Sign drawings are simplified — the real ones may differ slightly in detail.