Destinations / Iceland
Driving in Iceland as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. An IDP is recommended for non-Latin-script licences when renting in Iceland.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Iceland expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. An IDP is recommended for non-Latin-script licences when renting in Iceland.
Which translation format is used for Iceland?
Iceland uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Iceland ask for a translation?
F-road (highland) driving requires a 4x4 and specific insurance.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Iceland?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.