DRIVE SAFELY IN ICELAND

When you drive the highway or country roads it is not unusual to see farm animals by the roadside. Sometimes they can cross the roads without any warning. Drivers who cause injury or death to such animal may be liable to claims for compensation.

Off road driving is illegal in Iceland. The nature is our legacy and something we intent to preserve for the coming future. F-roads and off-road driving in not the same. Rule of thumb, if you do not see any sign of a road you are driving off road.

Iceland has a lot of rivers and like the weather their water level can change frequently. Be extremely careful when crossing a river and it is always good to see (if possible) other cars cross the river before going. Making a mistake can be costly and dangerous. Keep in mind that damages caused by water aren´t covered by our insurance

Blind Crest are not unusual on route 1 and on other roads around the island. Many blind crests are marked with a warning sign “BLINDHÆД (Blind Crest). Though many of the blind crests have warnings some do not. Be extra careful when crossing blind crest and of course do not pass any cars.

One of the unique experiences while driving around our beautiful island are the gravel roads. Be careful while you are on a gravel road and please slow down.

Unfortunately, there are many one lane bridges in Iceland. One lane bridge is two narrow to allow more than one car to cross the bridge at a time. Before you enter a one lane bridge please slow down and make sure that there is no car coming from the opposite direction.

Please make sure you follow the speed limits on the roads around Iceland. They are set in place to keep you safe on the roads. In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h although close to schools and other activities it is 30Km/h. Usually you can drive at 90 Km/h on the highway. When you come across a gravel road the speed limit is usually 80 km/h

We know that most have limited time to see all our beautiful landscape and often there is a long distance between activities. Please make sure that you are fresh and ready to drive. It is always a good idea to split a long journey up and stop regularly to get some fresh air. We can promise you that you will always find something interesting to see.

It is completely forbidden to drive a motor vehicle after drinking alcoholic beverage.

Please do not stop the car on the side of the road unless there is an emergency. As our roads are very narrow, stopping the car can be extremely dangerous. If you need to take a photo choose your location very carefully.

All passengers in the car need to use seat belts while driving. It is mandatory in iceland to use seatbelt and it can save lives

Iceland has a lot of rivers and like the weather their water level can change frequently. Be extremely careful when crossing a river and it is always good to see (if possible) other cars cross the river before going. Making a mistake can be costly and dangerous. Keep in mind that damages caused by water aren´t covered by our insurance

Drive very slowly but without hesitation so that water doesn´t reach and damage the engine or electrical system of the car. Use 1st or 2nd gear only, never take your foot of the gas and never apply the clutch in the middle of the river.

Icelandic weather is unpredictable and often the wind is strong. Be extra careful when opening the doors as they can be damaged by strong gusts or wind.

Sitting on the car is not allowed and can damage the car. It is forbidden to stand or sit on the car.

Your fuel type depends on the car type you have. You will see your car fuel type on the contract, on the key chain, and a sticker on your car. Make sure to put the right fuel on the car. When you arrive to a gas station the green pump is gasoline and the black one is diesel.

Headlights must be turned on all the time while the car is on the move. Even though it is bright outside the headlights must be switched on.

Accidents can unfortunately happen to all of us. If you happen to have an accident, please fill out the accident report located in the glove box.  You will have to do this with the driver from the other car and both parties must sign the report. If the parties do not agree on what happen it is best to call 112 and ask for the police to come to resolve the issue.

Most of the cars we offer have spare tires in the trunk and tools to change tire. The easiest and quickest way is to change it yourself if possible. If you have any problems, please call us and we will assist you.

If you are in dangerous situation it is best to call 112 and ask for help. If you are just lost but safe, please call us.

Please call our 24/7 breakdown service. Phone: +354 773-7070

If there any injuries on people call 112 Iceland’s emergency number.

It is not allowed to make a right turn at a red traffic light.

All main roads are well maintained during the wintertime. When there is snow are ice on the road they are salted and scraped. However, it is usually not enough, and drivers must be careful on an icy road.

The most dangerous conditions are usually in the morning and late at night. When “Black Ice” sits on the roads.

Handling your car on an icy road is very tricky and therefore you will need to slow significantly down to maintain control of the vehicle. The speed limit only applies during the best conditions.  

It´s importing to remove all snow and ice of the vehicle before driving. In all our cars you will find an ice scraper. Do not forget to remove snow from all windows, mirrors, and the lights.