Iceland is a country of independence and surprises; you cannot miss it. Ironic to its name, the island nation has volcanoes and lava fields, with breathtaking views and landscapes on every corner. 

Further, this country lets business travelers and tourists rent cars without supervision and drive them around. But still, there are specific rules, of course. For this to happen, we should know about the Driving Rules in Iceland.

5 Rules Unique to Iceland

Driving on The Right

If you are from the UK, you might be used to driving on the left; in Iceland, make sure you are constantly moving to the right. This is new for a lot of tourists driving here. Keep this in mind to avoid accidents and possible violations and fees. 

Rental Requirements

The car rental requirements in Iceland require you to have a valid driving license. You don't need an International or even an Icelandic license for that. 

A permit with Roman English is enough. Your original international driving license should be provided if you don't have one. The age of the driver eligible for a rental varies from company to company; you should be at least 20 years old to be a primary driver.

Be Wary of The Sheep

In Iceland, you will encounter a lot of sheep; they outnumber the people here. You may find them walking on the roads or near farmlands and might wander onto the road. Sheep are unpredictable, and as a precaution, it is recommended that you slow down and honk them off the road. 

Seatbelts and Other Rules

Seatbelts while driving are a must in Iceland, both for citizens and tourists alike. A bulky fine of 30000 ISK will be imposed if you are found without a seatbelt. 

Driving after consuming alcohol is strictly a no, and you will receive a fine starting from 70000 ISK. Iceland also doesn't allow tourists to use mobile phones while driving. Headsets are allowed.

Speed Limits

It is essential to ensure that you and the pedestrians are safe while driving under the speed limit. In Iceland, speed limits can range from very slow to relatively high, depending on the area you are in. 

For example, you will go very slow when driving in a residential area (50 km/h average), a little faster on gravel roads (80 km/h mostly), and 90 km/h or even more on significant highways.

Final Words

Isn't Iceland a fantastic country to travel to? Unsurprisingly, it has become a hotspot for tourists with various fun activities and panoramic views. The journey via road adds to the experience. But as fun as it is, you are also expected to follow the driving rules. They are made to protect you and others around you. Drinking and driving is a huge issue which can put your life in danger. So follow these rules and have a trip of a lifetime.