Driving in Iceland as a United Kingdom 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
Iceland generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
United Kingdom drives on the left, but Iceland drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but Iceland uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Iceland | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 17 | Same |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Challenging | — |
Speed Limits in Iceland
Speed limits in Iceland are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Iceland
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — 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 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Iceland Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Iceland.
Read the complete guide