Destinations / Iceland
Driving in Iceland as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Iceland accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Iceland expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h paved rural roads |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Not required by law. Worth having if your licence is not printed in Latin script. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 17. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in ISK. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on 24/7 by law. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Right of way | Gravel and single-lane bridges common on Route 1. |
On the road in Iceland
At the pump
Stations sell 95 octane petrol and Diesel and are overwhelmingly self-service, requiring a chip-and-PIN card with a PIN (many fully unattended); rural stations can be 80 to 100 km apart so keep the tank above half. Fuel is expensive, often around ISK 300+ per litre.
After a crash
Call the single emergency number 112 for police, ambulance and fire; report injuries or significant damage. Do not move vehicles if anyone is hurt, photograph the scene, and complete the accident form provided with the rental, as the rental contract dictates damage reporting (gravel, sand and door-wind damage are common Icelandic claims).
Sources: thrifty.is · camperrentaliceland.com · hertz.is · guidetoiceland.is
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Iceland?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Iceland accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does Iceland accept?
Iceland recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Iceland ask for one?
F-road (highland) driving requires a 4x4 and specific insurance.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.