The weather in Iceland is extremely variable, even in the summer months. It can switch quickly and without much notice.

As a visitor, your time can be limited to explore, so it can be tempting to just risk the weather and stick to your itinerary, regardless of the warnings. However, this can be dangerous. Iceland can experience intense snowstorms and strong winds that may blow your car entirely off the road, so the warnings are no joke. Always check the wind and weather warnings before driving anywhere in Iceland, even if the skies look clear. It's worth altering your itinerary if necessary rather than risking the safety of your group.

Many roads in Iceland may look deserted, especially in the winter months. With so many amazing things to see along Iceland's main routes, you may consider stopping to snap some pictures or take a break on the side of the road. However, this is NEVER recommended, especially when driving on Route 1. This popular route always has traffic, even if you can't see it. People may come around turns very quickly and not be able to stop in time to see you.

Even parts of the Ring Road have no shoulder, so there isn’t anywhere to pull off. There are many designated pull-out points on Iceland’s main roads, so wait until you see one of those so you can safely pull over and enjoy the vistas.

Respect road closures for your own safety. “Lokað” means closed. Roads in Iceland will often be closed due to poor conditions and bad weather. Never try to take a road that is marked closed or “Lokað” as they can be extremely dangerous. While Route 1 is typically well maintained, there is a chance of closures if a huge snowstorm or windstorm rolls through. That’s why we recommend always leaving extra time. Check before leaving to see if any roads have been marked red (closed) or grey (no winter service).

You must never drive off-road in Iceland. The natural environment of Iceland is extremely fragile and difficult to preserve. When you drive off-road, you damage the land, which can take decades to reverse. Because of Iceland’s proximity to the arctic circle, the growing season is very short, so it takes vegetation a long time to grow back if you drive over it. On top of that, the soil is volcanic, so it’s sandy and loose. Tire tracks will act as channels for water, causing erosion and stripping the ground of plant life.

Even if you have a 4X4, always drive on marked roads and trails in Iceland. F-roads and gravel roads do not count as ‘off-road.’ It refers to driving entirely off any marked paths.

In Iceland, it is illegal to drive without your headlights, even during the day.

During the winter season, it’s dark or dim most of the day, with only 5 hours of daylight. But regardless of what season it is, it’s vital that you have your headlights on so you can see the road, wildlife, other cars, and people effectively.

You will need to physically turn the headlights on when you start your car. The ‘auto’ setting is not sufficient.

There are single-lane bridges all over Iceland, even on the main routes. Route 1 Ring Road, the main roadway around the country, has many single-lane bridges. You’ll need to stop for oncoming traffic at these bridges, and whoever gets there first gets the right of way.

These bridges can also ice over, so make sure to drive steady across them.

In Iceland, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road. If you’re visiting from North America, this won’t be an issue for you. The steering wheel is on the left-hand side of the car, and when overtaking, you overtake on the left.