Driving in Iceland as a Japan National

Iceland offers spectacular scenery but challenging driving conditions. The Ring Road circles the island; F-roads require 4WD and are closed in winter. Single-lane bridges, gravel roads, and rapidly changing weather demand caution.

Key Things to Know First

No IDP Typically Required

Iceland generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.

Drive on the Right — You Are Switching Sides

Japan drives on the left, but Iceland drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.

Tips for switching sides

Side-by-Side Comparison

Rule	Japan	Iceland	Change?
Traffic side	Left-hand traffic	Right-hand traffic	Yes
Speed unit	km/h	km/h	Same
IDP required	—	No	No
Min. driving age	18	17	Differs
Emergency number	110	112	Different
Road difficulty	Moderate	Challenging	—

Speed Limits in Iceland

Urban

50 km/h

Rural / Open road

80-90 km/h

Highway / Motorway

90 km/h

Documents to Carry in Iceland

Original driving licence from Japan — must be valid and unexpired
Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Iceland before departure
Vehicle registration / rental agreement

Emergency Number in Iceland

112

112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.

Emergency numbers for all countries

Full Iceland Driving Guide

Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Iceland.

Read the complete guide