The default limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads outside built-up areas, and 90 km/h on paved roads outside built-up areas. Some residential zones are posted lower, around 30 km/h. Those are the baseline rules unless a posted sign sets a different limit.
Iceland's default speed limits
In towns and other built-up areas, the default limit is 50 km/h. Some residential streets are posted lower, around 30 km/h.
Outside built-up areas, the default limit depends on the road surface. Gravel roads default to 80 km/h. Paved roads default to 90 km/h.
Posted signs override the defaults
A posted speed limit applies to the specific stretch of road where it is signed, even if the general default would otherwise be different.
The maximum speed limit sign, Hámarkshraði, is circular with a red border. For a full illustrated guide, see Iceland road signs.
Headlights, seat belts and child car seats
Dipped headlights must be on at all times while driving, day and night, year-round.
The driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle.
Children under 135 cm must use a car seat or booster seat appropriate to their size.
The off-road driving ban
Driving a motor vehicle off marked roads and tracks is prohibited under Iceland's Nature Conservation Act.
Checking your speed before you drive
If you want to estimate the cost of driving over a posted speed limit, use the speeding calculator.
Comparing Reykjavik tours
You can compare Reykjavik tours at Reykjavik tours.
