I'm Esther, a driver guide currently on sick leave. I can't be out on the road, so I'm talking about it instead. This isn't a driving lesson. It's specifically about what's different in Iceland compared to other countries, and it's for tourists and anyone new here who wants to do a bit of responsible prep before heading out. Everything in it comes from my own observations on these roads and from my conversations with visitors from all over the world. If you're good and make it all the way to the end, you'll be rewarded with a ghost story!

MY TOURS

driving-through-iceland.netlify.app

WEBSITES TO BOOKMARK AND NUMBERS TO SAVE

Road conditions: road.is / +354 1777

Weather: en.vedur.is

Safety Tips: safetravel.is

Emergency number: +354 112

SUMMARY

Roundabouts: The inner lane has the right of way. Outer lane yields.

Speed limits: 90 on paved highways, 80 on gravel, 50 in towns.

Red light: Never turn right on red. Red means stop.

Honking: We do not do it out of anger, only to grab someone’s attention. Stay calm.

Animals: Slow down for sheep, birds and horses. And reindeer. Never honk at horses.

Seatbelts: Everyone, front and back, always.

Headlights: On at all times. Front and back. Always.

Right offshoots: For passing straight, not for waiting or stopping.

Photo stops: Use the marked pull-offs. Never stop in the road.

Blind rises: Slow early, stay right, never overtake.

Alcohol: Zero tolerance. Even a tiny amount can ruin everything.

Conditions: vedur.is and road.is. Check before every trip.

Wind: Check the forecast, park facing the wind, hold your doors.

Winter: 4x4 and winter tires. Watch for black ice on bridges and shaded roads.

Stay on the road: Off-roading is illegal.

F-roads and rivers: Leave it to the professionals. No insurance covers river damage.

Elves and Mother Nature: Deserve your utmost respect.

MUSIC

Gufunes - EstHer, Keli