This is a visual reference to Iceland’s road signs, grouped by type so you can recognize them instantly while driving. It’s for anyone planning to rent a car in Iceland who wants to know exactly what each sign means, without guessing or slowing everyone else down.
Warning Signs
Warning signs in Iceland alert drivers to hazards, road conditions, or changes ahead. They are triangular with a red border and require immediate attention.
Road Alignment and Junctions
Dangerous curve to the right
Sharp right-hand curve ahead. Reduce speed before entering.
Dangerous curve to the left
Sharp left-hand curve ahead. Slow down and stay in your lane.
Dangerous curve first to the right
Series of curves ahead, starting with a right-hand bend.
Dangerous curve first to the left
Series of curves ahead, starting with a left-hand bend.
Dangerous intersection
Intersection ahead where extra caution is required.
Give way
You must yield to traffic on the main road ahead.
Intersection from side roads
Traffic may enter from side roads ahead.
Intersection from the right
Traffic may enter from the right-hand side.
Intersection from the left
Traffic may enter from the left-hand side.
Offset road junction right–left, with priority
Offset junction ahead. Priority rules apply.
Offset road junction left–right, with priority
Offset junction ahead. Follow posted priority rules.
Roundabout ahead
Roundabout approaching. Yield to traffic already inside.
Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Animals
School zone
Children are likely to be present. Reduce speed immediately.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians may be on or near the roadway.
Zebra crossing
Marked pedestrian crossing ahead. Pedestrians have priority.
Equestrian
Horse riders may be present on the road.
Watch for horses
Horses may cross or travel along the road.
Watch for cattle
Farm animals may cross the road unexpectedly.
Watch for sheep
Sheep roam freely and may enter the road without warning.
Watch for reindeer
Reindeer crossings, mainly in East Iceland.
Bike crossing
Cyclists may cross the road ahead.
Road Width and Traffic Flow
Road narrows on both sides
Road width decreases from both edges.
Road narrows on right-hand side
Road narrows from the right.
Road narrows on left-hand side
Road narrows from the left.
Two-way traffic
Traffic flows in both directions ahead.
Road Works and Infrastructure
Workers ahead
Road works in progress. Expect delays or lane changes.
Traffic lights
Traffic signals ahead.
Tunnel ahead
Tunnel approaching. Headlights must be on.
Road grading
Road surface may be uneven due to grading work.
Gradient and Surface Conditions
Steep descent
Steep downhill section ahead. Use lower gears.
Steep ascent
Steep uphill section ahead.
Bumpy road
Series of bumps ahead. Reduce speed.
Bump
Single bump or hump ahead.
Loose gravel
Gravel on the road surface. Reduced traction.
Road slippery when wet
Road becomes slippery in wet conditions.
Dangerous shoulder
Road shoulder is unsafe to drive on.
Unstable shoulder
Shoulder may collapse under vehicle weight.
Natural Hazards and Environment
Risk of rockfalls or avalanche
Falling rocks or avalanches possible, especially in mountainous areas.
Risk of strong crosswinds
Sudden strong winds may affect vehicle control.
Risk of ice on road
Ice may form even when the road looks clear.
Low-flying aircraft
Aircraft may fly at low altitude near the road.
Harbour ahead without barriers
Road ends at water with no protective barrier.
Prohibitory Signs
Prohibitory signs indicate actions or access that are not allowed. These Icelandic road signs are circular with a red border and are legally enforceable.
Entry and Access Restrictions
Prohibited entry (from this direction)
Entry from this direction is not allowed.
Closed to all vehicles
All vehicle traffic is prohibited beyond this point.
All motor vehicles prohibited entry
No motor vehicles are allowed to enter.
Cars prohibited entry
Passenger cars may not enter.
Motorbikes prohibited entry
Motorcycles are not allowed.
Mopeds prohibited entry
Mopeds are prohibited beyond this point.
Bikes prohibited entry
Bicycles are not allowed.
Trucks prohibited entry
Trucks are not permitted.
Buses prohibited entry
Buses are not allowed to enter.
Tractors prohibited entry
Agricultural vehicles are prohibited.
Snowmobiles prohibited entry
Snowmobiles are not permitted.
Equestrian prohibited entry
Horse riders are not allowed.
Pedestrians prohibited entry
Pedestrian access is forbidden.
Vehicle Size and Weight Limits
Width limit
Vehicles wider than the stated limit are not allowed.
Length limit
Vehicles longer than the stated limit are prohibited.
Height limit
Vehicles exceeding the height limit may not pass.
Total weight limit
Vehicles exceeding the total weight limit are prohibited.
Total weight limit of combination
Combined vehicle and trailer weight is restricted.
Axle weight limit
Axle load may not exceed the stated limit.
Stopping and Parking Restrictions
Parking prohibited
Parking is not allowed at any time.
Beginning of zone with parking restrictions
Parking restrictions apply throughout the marked zone.
End of zone with parking restrictions
Parking restrictions end here.
Stopping prohibited
Stopping for any reason is not allowed.
Speed and Distance Restrictions
Maximum speed limit (km/h)
Vehicles must not exceed the posted speed.
End of maximum speed limit
The posted speed limit ends.
Beginning of zone with special speed limit
A special speed limit applies within this zone.
End of zone with special speed limit
Special speed limit no longer applies.
National speed limit applies (rural: 90 km/h)
Default rural speed limit applies.
Minimum space between motor vehicles
Drivers must maintain the stated minimum distance.
Priority and Traffic Control
Mandatory stop
A complete stop is required before proceeding.
Stop for checkpoint
Stop required for inspection or control point.
Yield to oncoming traffic
Oncoming vehicles have priority.
Turning and Overtaking Restrictions
Right turn prohibited
Right turns are not allowed.
Left turn prohibited
Left turns are not allowed.
U-turn prohibited
U-turns are forbidden.
Overtaking prohibited
Passing other vehicles is not allowed.
Overtaking by trucks prohibited
Trucks may not overtake.
End of prohibition on overtaking
Overtaking is permitted again.
End of prohibition on overtaking by trucks
Truck overtaking restriction ends.
Hazardous Goods Restrictions
Vehicles carrying dangerous goods prohibited entry
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials are not allowed.
Transport of water-polluting substances prohibited entry
Vehicles carrying water-polluting substances are prohibited.
Mandatory Signs
Mandatory Icelandic road signs show actions that must be followed. They are circular with a blue background and white symbols. Ignoring them is a traffic violation.
Direction of Travel
Go right
You must turn right at the junction ahead.
Go left
You must turn left at the junction ahead.
Go straight
You must continue straight ahead. Turning is not allowed.
Turn right
Right turn is mandatory.
Turn left
Left turn is mandatory.
U-turn
You must make a U-turn.
Combined Direction Options
Turn right or straight
You may either turn right or continue straight.
Turn left or straight
You may either turn left or continue straight.
Turn left or right
You must turn either left or right. Going straight is not allowed.
Passing Instructions
Keep right
You must pass to the right of the obstacle or traffic island.
Keep left
You must pass to the left of the obstacle or traffic island.
Pass either on side
You may pass on either the left or right side.
Traffic Flow
Roundabout
Traffic must circulate in the direction shown.
Dedicated Paths and Lanes
Bikes only
Path or lane reserved exclusively for bicycles.
Pedestrian path
Path reserved for pedestrians only.
Bikes and pedestrians only
Shared path for cyclists and pedestrians.
Separate lanes for pedestrians and bikes
Pedestrians and cyclists must use their designated lanes.
Path for riders
Path reserved for horse riders.
Information Signs
Information signs provide guidance, services, zones, and traffic-related information. They are typically rectangular or square and do not impose restrictions by themselves.
Parking Information
Parking zone
Designated parking area.
Covered parking zone
Parking available in a covered facility.
Reserved parking place for handicapped vehicle
Parking reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disabled permit.
Reserved parking place for specific vehicle used by handicapped person
Parking reserved for a specific registered vehicle used by a disabled person.
Parking zone for buses
Parking reserved for buses only.
Parking zone for trucks
Parking reserved for trucks.
Parking zone for cars
Parking reserved for passenger cars.
Parking zone with charging station for electric cars
Parking area equipped with EV charging facilities.
Parking zone for caravans
Parking designated for caravans or motorhomes.
Parking zone for ambulances
Parking reserved for ambulances.
Parking zone for bikes
Parking reserved for bicycles.
Parking zone for motorbikes
Parking reserved for motorcycles.
Pedestrians and Crossings
Zebra crossing / Crosswalk
Marked pedestrian crossing.
Pedestrian underpass to the right
Pedestrian underpass located to the right.
Pedestrian underpass to the left
Pedestrian underpass located to the left.
Pedestrian overpass to the right
Pedestrian bridge located to the right.
Pedestrian overpass to the left
Pedestrian bridge located to the left.
Priority and Traffic Flow
Main road (priority)
You are on a priority road.
End of main road (priority)
Priority road status ends.
Priority over approaching traffic
You have priority over oncoming vehicles.
Place for allowing oncoming traffic to pass
Designated passing place for oncoming traffic.
One-way traffic
Traffic flows in one direction only.
Dead end
Road does not continue through.
Public Transport
Taxi rank
Designated taxi pickup area.
Bus stop
Location where buses stop.
Bus terminal
Central bus station or terminal.
Zones and Areas
Urban area
Urban zone begins. Lower speed limits apply.
End of urban area
Urban zone ends.
Living street (pedestrian priority, 15 km/h)
Pedestrians have priority. Maximum speed is 15 km/h.
End of living street
Living street zone ends.
Entrance to area
Entry point to a defined area or zone.
Exit from area
Exit point from a defined area or zone.
Special Road Use & Facilities
Handicapped
Facilities or access intended for disabled persons.
Zone for putting snow-chains on tyres
Designated area to fit snow chains.
Toll road
Road subject to toll payment.
Tunnels and Large Vehicles
Turnaround space for large vehicles on right (tunnel)
Turning space for large vehicles located on the right side of a tunnel.
Turnaround space for large vehicles on left (tunnel)
Turning space for large vehicles located on the left side of a tunnel.
Speed and Enforcement Information
Maximum speeds
Displays applicable maximum speed limits.
Traffic enforcement cameras
Speed or traffic enforcement cameras in operation.
Service Signs
Service signs indicate facilities, amenities, attractions, and services available nearby. They are informational and help drivers and travelers plan stops, services, and activities.
Emergency & Health Services
First aid or hospital
First aid services or hospital available nearby.
Hospital
Medical hospital services available.
Police station
Police services available.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy or drugstore nearby.
Emergency shelter
Emergency shelter available in case of danger or severe weather.
Emergency phone
Direct access to emergency services.
Fire extinguisher
Fire-fighting equipment available.
Information and Communication
Information
General information services available.
Information booth
Staffed tourist or public information booth.
Public telephone
Public telephone available.
Radio station / FM frequency
Local radio station or emergency broadcast frequency.
Sanitation and Waste
Public lavatory
Public toilet facilities available.
Outhouse
Basic toilet facility available.
Waste tank discharge
Facility for emptying waste tanks.
Rubbish bin
Small rubbish disposal point.
Rubbish container
Larger waste disposal container.
Towns, Areas & Places
Town center
Town or city center nearby.
Industrial place
Industrial or commercial area.
Accommodation
Vacation houses
Holiday cottages or vacation homes available.
Hotel or motel
Hotel or motel accommodation available.
Hostel (sleeping bags only)
Basic hostel accommodation; sleeping bags required.
Youth hostel
Youth hostel accommodation.
Rental cabin
Cabin accommodation available.
Refuge hut
Mountain or emergency refuge hut.
Campsite
Designated camping area.
Caravan park
Camping area for caravans or motorhomes.
Food and Drink
Buffet or confectionery
Café, buffet, or confectionery available.
Restaurant
Restaurant nearby.
Restaurant in private home
Restaurant operated in a private residence.
Food kiosk
Small food stand or kiosk.
Bakery
Bakery available.
Ice cream shop
Ice cream shop nearby.
Vehicle Services
Petrol station
Fuel station available.
Repair or workshop
Vehicle repair services available.
Tire repair
Tire repair services available.
Car rental
Car rental services available.
Facilities and Comfort
Cooking facilities
Public or shared cooking facilities available.
Shower
Shower facilities available.
Hot tub
Hot tub or bathing facility available.
Laundry facilities
Laundry or washing facilities available.
Meeting facilities
Conference or meeting rooms available.
Internet access
Public internet access available.
Sports and Recreation
Swimming pool
Public swimming pool.
Recreation centre
Sports or recreation center.
Sports field
Outdoor sports field.
Golf course
Golf course available.
Shooting range
Shooting or target practice range.
Hiking, Nature and Attractions
Point of interest
General point of interest.
Place of interest (indoors)
Indoor attraction or site.
Hiking trail
Marked hiking trail.
Picnic site
Designated picnic area.
Viewpoint
Scenic viewpoint.
Viewpoint with information
Scenic viewpoint with informational displays.
Horses and Animal Activities
Horse hire
Horse rental available.
Horse track
Horse riding track.
Horse stables
Stables or horse facilities.
Horsecart rental
Horse-drawn cart rental.
Fishing and Water Activities
Fishing
Fishing area.
Ocean fishing
Sea fishing available.
Whale watching
Whale-watching activities available.
Boat rental
Boat rental available.
Water scooter rental
Water scooter rental available.
Water skiing
Water skiing activities available.
River rafting
River rafting activities.
Winter Sports
Ski lift
Ski lift available.
Ski lift with chair
Chairlift available.
Cross-country ski area
Cross-country skiing area.
Snowcat trips
Snowcat tours available.
Snowmobile rental
Snowmobile rental available.
Culture and Community
Church
Church nearby.
Cemetery
Cemetery nearby.
Art gallery
Art gallery available.
Library
Library available.
Music venue
Concert hall or music venue.
Shopping and Services
ATM
Cash withdrawal available.
Bank
Banking services available.
Post office
Postal services available.
Tourist shop
Shop selling tourist goods.
Supermarket
Grocery supermarket.
Handicrafts
Local handicrafts for sale.
Greenhouse
Greenhouse or agricultural attraction.
Animals and Nature
Aquarium
Aquarium or marine exhibit.
Livestock animals park
Farm or livestock animal park.
Dog hotel
Dog boarding facility.
Veterinarian
Veterinary services available.
Transport and Ports
Ferry
Ferry service available.
Commercial harbour
Commercial port or harbor.
Fishing harbour
Fishing port or harbor.
Airport
Airport nearby.
Aerodrome / airstrip
Small airstrip or aerodrome.
Route and Direction Signs
Route and direction signs guide drivers to destinations, roads, lanes, and areas. In Iceland, signs inside the Capital Region use a blue-on-white design, while outside the Capital Region, they are generally black on yellow.
Route Guidance
Route direction
Indicates direction and route number for the destination.
Route direction without number (winter route)
Shows a designated winter route without a road number.
Turns and Exits
Turn off (a) within the Capital Region
Turn-off sign used within the Capital Region.
Turn off (b)
Turn-off sign used outside the Capital Region.
Turn off to place of interest, airport, harbour, public building, or other place of service
Turn-off sign directing to services or points of interest.
Advance Direction and Destinations
Notice of destination ahead
Advance notice of upcoming destination or junction.
Destination ahead (a) with distances within the Capital Region
Shows destinations and distances in the Capital Region.
Destination ahead (b) with distances (rural)
Shows destinations and distances in rural areas.
Destination ahead per lane
Displays which destinations correspond to each lane.
Destination ahead and map (a) within the Capital Region
Advance destination sign with schematic map in the Capital Region.
Destination ahead and map (b)
Advance destination sign with schematic map outside the Capital Region.
Destination ahead with route numbers (b)
Shows destinations together with route numbers.
Lanes and Traffic Flow
Exit lane (a) within the Capital Region
Indicates exit lane within the Capital Region.
Exit lane (b)
Indicates exit lane outside the Capital Region.
Lane direction sign within the Capital Region
Shows permitted directions for each lane.
Places and Names
Place (turn off)
Turn-off sign for a named place.
Place name (e.g. a river)
Sign indicating the name of a geographic feature.
Street or road name
Displays the name of a street or road.
House numbers
Shows the range or location of house numbers.
Road Identification
Road number
Identifies the road number.
Road number (approach)
Advance notice of an upcoming road number.
Unnumbered road
Indicates a road without an assigned number.
Administrative Boundaries
Beginning of the municipality
Marks the start of a municipality.
County or municipal boundary sign
Indicates a county or municipal boundary.
Destinations by Area Type
Destination and distance (urban area, except Capital Region)
Shows destinations and distances within urban areas outside the Capital Region.
Destination and distance (rural area)
Shows destinations and distances in rural areas.
Special and Local Markers
Abandoned farm
Marks the location of an abandoned farm.
Direction Signs
Direction signs provide lane guidance, lane usage rules, and advanced information about how traffic is organized ahead. They are especially important on multi-lane roads and near intersections.
Lane Reductions and Merges
Reduction of available lanes (option 1)
Indicates a reduction in the number of lanes ahead.
Reduction of available lanes (option 2)
Alternative layout showing lane reduction ahead.
Approach lane merges right
Lane merges into the right lane ahead.
Lane Use and Restrictions
Use of lanes at an intersection
Shows which lanes may be used for specific movements at the intersection.
Lane markings
Illustrates lane layout and permitted movements.
Lane directions and restriction (bus lane on right)
Right-hand lane reserved for buses.
Lane directions and recommendation (heavy vehicles on right)
Heavy vehicles are recommended to use the right lane.
Road Layout Ahead
Sign showing number of lanes on road to be entered
Displays how many lanes are available on the upcoming road.
General Direction Signs
Direction signs
Provide directional guidance to destinations or routes ahead.
Temporary Signs
Temporary signs are used to indicate short-term changes to traffic conditions, usually due to roadworks or construction. They apply only for the duration shown or while conditions exist.
Temporary traffic restriction notice (construction)
Indicates temporary traffic restrictions due to construction or roadworks. Follow posted instructions and temporary speed limits.
Additional Signs
Additional Icelandic road signs are supplementary plates used together with other road signs. They specify location, extent, direction, duration, or conditions of the main sign.
Location and Position
When the ‘road condition’ begins
Indicates the point where the stated road condition starts.
On left
The sign applies to the left side.
On right
The sign applies to the right side.
On both sides
The sign applies on both sides of the road.
Extent and Duration
Extended
Indicates the condition or restriction continues beyond the sign.
Extended indication on the left
Restriction continues on the left side.
Extended indication on the right
Restriction continues on the right side.
Extent of prohibition area
Shows how far a prohibition applies.
Duration (timing) of prohibition
Specifies the time period the restriction applies.
Parking Details
Parking time limit
Maximum allowed parking time.
Parking places, parallel to road
Parking spaces aligned parallel to the roadway.
Parking places, perpendicular to road
Parking spaces arranged perpendicular to the roadway.
Parking places, angled
Angled parking spaces.
Handicapped parking
Parking reserved for vehicles with a valid disabled permit.
Tow zone
Vehicles parked illegally may be towed.
Distance and Direction
Distance
Shows distance to where the sign or condition applies.
Arrow right
Indicates direction to the right.
Arrow left
Indicates direction to the left.
Turn left
Instruction applies when turning left.
Turn right
Instruction applies when turning right.
Arrow direction
General directional indicator.
Priority and Traffic Flow
Course of priority road at intersection
Shows how the priority road continues through the intersection.
Course of the priority road
Indicates the path of the priority road.
Safety Warnings
Caution, blind people
Area where visually impaired pedestrians may be present.
Caution, deaf people
Area where hearing-impaired pedestrians may be present.
Vehicle and Road Restrictions
Weight limit
Maximum permitted vehicle weight.
New road surface
Fresh road surface ahead. Reduced traction possible.
Terrain and Road Difficulty (Iceland-Specific)
Unbridged river crossing
River crossing without a bridge.
Slow road
Driving is difficult but possible for non-4×4 vehicles.
Difficult road (4×4 required)
4×4 vehicle required. Often marked with an F-road number.
Mountain road
Extremely difficult terrain, even for 4×4 vehicles.
Visibility and Layout
Blind hill
Limited visibility over a hill crest.
Area with higher accident risk
Road section with increased accident frequency.
Single-lane paving (unpaved shoulders)
Single paved lane with unpaved shoulders.
Narrow Sections and Structures
One-lane bridge
Bridge with one lane for both directions.
One-lane bridge (with width)
One-lane bridge with width information.
One-lane tunnel
Tunnel restricted to one lane.
Traffic Lights
Traffic lights regulate vehicle movement at intersections. Iceland follows standard European light sequences, and compliance is strictly enforced.
Red traffic lights
You must stop completely before the stop line or intersection.
Red–amber traffic lights
Signal is about to turn green. Remain stopped and prepare to move.
Green traffic lights
You may proceed if the intersection is clear.
Amber traffic lights
Prepare to stop. Do not accelerate unless stopping would be unsafe.
Road Markings
Road markings communicate lane use, priority, and restrictions directly on the road surface. They are legally binding and often easier to see than roadside signs in poor weather.
Central Lines Separating Traffic in the Same Direction
Unbroken dividing line (restriction line)
Changing lanes is not allowed.
Broken dividing line
Changing lanes is permitted.
Arrows Indicating Traffic Lanes
Direction arrows
Show permitted direction of travel for the lane.
Painted Symbols and Text
No parking
Parking is not allowed.
