Welcome to Iceland
You’ve just landed in one of the most stunning and wild landscapes in the world. We’re often the first people you meet here — and your rental car will be your main travel companion. This guide is designed to help you drive safely, avoid misunderstandings, and enjoy Iceland without unexpected costs.
WHAT MAKES DRIVING IN ICELAND UNIQUE?
1. Nature Comes First
• Roads may look open on the map but be closed or dangerous due to wind, flooding, or ice.
• Always check road.is and vedur.is/en for road and weather updates before each drive.
2. Isolation is Real
• Some areas — like the Westfjords or Highlands — have no gas stations or road assistance for 100+ km
• Mobile coverage is limited in remote areas.
3. F-Roads Are Not for Everyone
• “F” means mountain road, often with gravel, rivers, or steep slopes.
• Only approved 4x4 vehicles are allowed.
• River crossings are not for all rental cars.
• Trusting Google Maps alone: it may send you down closed or dangerous roads
• Opening car doors without holding them firmly: Icelandic wind is strong and unpredictable.
• Driving and parking o -road for photos: it’s illegal and causes damage — big fines apply.
• Getting too close on other cars on gravel roads: can result in stone damage to your car or others.
• Parking tickets and unpaid tolls: will be forwarded to you with admin fees.
TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST DAY ON THE ROAD
• Don’t rush: most visitors arrive tired after long flights. Add to that Iceland’s long-distance roads with moderate speeds (70–90 km/h), and it can easily cause fatigue and loss of focus, especially in unfamiliar conditions.
• Take frequent breaks, switch drivers if possible, and if a second driver was added to the rental, and avoid planning long drives on your first day.
• Fuel up early and keep the tank above 1/2 in remote regions.
• Enable travel alerts at safetravel.is for live safety notifications during your trip.
KNOW YOUR CAR –PREVENTABLE ISSUES
• Diesel preheat: Wait until all dashboard lights turn o before starting a diesel car.
• Parking in frost:
• Manual cars → use 1st gear only, do NOT use handbrake (it may freeze).
• Automatic cars → use P, no handbrake needed.
• Fuel type is labeled on the gas cap—don’t assume.
• Use touchless car wash only when cleaning exterior before return
TOLLS, PARKING & FINES
• Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel near Akureyri requires online toll payment: www.veggjald.is
• Paid parking is enforced at Þingvellir, Skaftafell, Sólheimasandur, and in towns like Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Selfoss → Use the Parka app or follow on-site instructions.
• Unpaid fines will be charged to our company and re-billed to you with additional fees.
SAVE THESE APPS –BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE AIRPORT
112 Iceland
Parka
Aurora Forecast
Veður
Google Translate (O ine)
Emergency help with GPS location sharing
Pay for parking anywhere in Iceland
Track visibility for Northern Lights
Icelandic weather forecasts
For signs or situations with limited English
ACCIDENT & DAMAGE: YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Do not admit fault or sign any accident forms unless you are 100% certain.
• Always:
• Take photos of the location, vehicle(s), and any documents.
• Use the accident form in your glove box.
• Contact our team before making any statements or arrangements.
• Damages from unauthorized roads, windblown doors, or mechanical misuse are not covered by insurance. Refer to the rental terms and conditions for more information.
BEFORE YOU RETURN THE VEHICLE
• Return the vehicle at the agreed time and location stated in your rental agreement.
• The vehicle must be:
• In moderate interior condition – no excessive trash, stains, or loose items.
• The exterior should be clean enough for inspection (i.e., not covered in dirt or mud) If needed, please use a touchless car wash to ensure the paint and panels are visible.
• The fuel level should match what was recorded at pickup.
RECOMMENDED RETURN TIME:
• Plan to return the vehicle at least 3 hours before your flight.
• If you are traveling with multiple passengers or a lot of then return the car on your own.
• If your timing is uncertain, please contact us in advance so we can help you organize a smooth return.
Nor thern Lights
- Find dark spots away from city lights with clear skies
- Make sure to use long exposure on your camera to capture the best image!
- Standing on the roof or hood is strictly prohibited and isn’t covered by insurance
Northern Lights are visible from September to April. Check out www.auroraforecast.is
Winter driving
Drive in a speed you can handle, regular speed limit doesn’t apply during bad weather
CLOSED ROAD
If road is marked as closed, do not continue driving. This might incure in getting stuck or having accidents Issues on closed roads are not covered by insurance
STUDDED TIRES
All of our vehicles are equipped with winter studded tires during winter season.
ICE AND SNOW ROADS
In winter, roads are covered with snow, ice and even “black ice”. Be careful and drive slower than usual.
FINES
All issued fines from your rental period are sent to our company. Administration fee will be charged.
TOLLS
If you are heading to the North Iceland, near Akureyri there is tolled a tunnel Vadlaheidargöng. The trip through a tunnel must be paid through their website www.veggjald.is.
4WD
Terms and conditions are available on backside of your rental agreement.
All cars must be driven with headlights on day and night
Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs have zero tolerance policy. The same policy applies for cell phone use.
Wearing seat belts while driving is required by law This is mandator y for all passengers.
Infants and toddlers must use a child safety seat, and children under 12 years of age are not allowed in the front seat.
• Check weather and roads daily
• Don’t rely on GPS alone — use common sense and verified maps.
• Ask us if unsure about your route, road status, or vehicle limits.
• We’re here to help you travel safely
(+354) 511 5660