The Complete Guide to Speeding in Iceland 

Speeding tickets in Iceland are much more common for visitors than you might think. Learn the risks and how to avoid hefty fines when driving in Iceland.

Picture this - you’re driving the winding roads of Iceland with your friend or loved one in the passenger seat. All that you’re thinking about is the open road and the stunning landscapes unfolding ahead. Work is a distant memory, and you can feel the call of the wilderness as you set out on your journey. 

The last thing you’re thinking about? Speed limits. Or the speed camera that just flashed behind you. 

That’s exactly why so many tourists get hit with unexpected speeding tickets in Iceland, often without realizing they were breaking the law. In this guide, we’ll explain Iceland’s speed limits, where speed cameras are usually located, how much fines can cost, and what to do if you get a ticket. 

Iceland Speed Limits - What you Need to Know

Speed limits are clearly marked across Iceland, but they can change quickly depending on the terrain, road conditions, or proximity to towns. Not knowing the speed limit is never an excuse to avoid a fine. It is your responsibility as a driver to keep an eye on speed signs and adjust your speed accordingly, especially when driving in areas with sharp bends, gravel roads, or reduced visibility. 

When returning after an incredible holiday, the worst thing would be to receive fines of hundreds of dollars. And many visitors do! Speed limits are clearly marked both in towns and out in Iceland’s countryside, but many underestimate how strict the limits are. Our guide is here to give you the rundown on what you need to know about speeding in Iceland.

General Speed Limits in Iceland

Unless otherwise indicated by signs on the road, general speed limits in Iceland are:

• 30-50 km/h in populated areas
• 80 km/h on gravel roads in urban areas
• 90 km/h on paved roads and highways

Keep in mind that these are absolute limits; weather conditions, visibility, and road surface can make it unsafe to drive at these speeds. Icelandic police can issue tickets for unsafe driving, even if you are driving under the speed limit. There are no special allowances for drivers in rental vehicles; tourists are subject to the same speed limits as locals. 

Speed Cameras in Iceland

Speed cameras are used widely across Iceland and are a major source of speeding tickets, especially for tourists who may not expect them. Cameras are typically placed strategically to monitor speeding in high-risk areas such as near towns, tunnels, and along major highways like the Ring Road. 

Speed cameras are unforgiving, and speed limits are strictly enforced. In many cases, drivers don’t even realize they have been caught until they receive a fine weeks later. 

Where are speed cameras in Iceland located?

Speed cameras are usually found in:

• Urban areas - especially near schools and residential zones
• Along Route 1 (the Ring Road)
• Tunnel entrances and exits - such as the Hvalfjörður Tunnel
• Tourist-heavy areas - popular scenic spots where visitors often get distracted
• Transition zones - where the speed limit changes drop suddenly (such as when entering towns)

How do speed cameras work in Iceland?

Much like in other countries, speed cameras in Iceland use radar or laser to measure a vehicle's speed. In cases where the speed limit is exceeded, the camera captures an image of the license plate along with the recorded speed, time, and date of the violation. 

The most common type of camera in Iceland is a static speed camera, but mobile speed cameras (in unmanned vehicles) and average speed cameras are also in use. Cameras are not always visible and don’t always flash to signal that you’ve been caught speeding. 

How would I get a speeding ticket?

If you exceed the speed limit in Iceland, it’s highly likely you’ll be issued a ticket. These are detected either by a speed camera or by a police car that might be in the area. It’s rarer for police cars to be further afield than in and around Reykjavík, but it can happen.

Tourists will usually be notified by the car rental company once they receive notice of the offence. This can be weeks after your trip. The majority of rental companies will charge an administration fee as well as the cost of the speeding fine. 

Speeding Fines in Iceland 

Speeding fines in Iceland are incredibly harsh, so it’s crucial that you follow the speed limit at all times. These discreet little cameras are located all over the country and are unforgiving. Your approaching speed is measured and, if over the speed limit, you could be in for a real treat when you hand back your rental car. 

How much is a speeding ticket in Iceland?

Fines will depend on the speed restrictions in place and how much you are over the top limit. Find out how much you could be charged below.

Speeding Offence	Fine Amount
Driving 26km/h+ over the allowed top speed (in 30-35km speed zones)	USD $195 (approx)
Driving 36km/h+ over the allowed top speed (in 50-60km speed zones)	USD $300-390 (approx)
Driving 41km/h+ over the allowed top speed (in 70km speed zones)	USD $460 (approx)
Driving 41km/h+ over the allowed top speed (in 80-90km speed zones)	USD $615-690 (approx)

Note: there are some conditions that will add 20% on top of the above fines. These include if the vehicle in which you are speeding is:

• A bus.
• A vehicle exceeding 3,500kg.
• Pulling any kind of trailer.

What happens if RRC customers are caught speeding?

If you are traveling around Iceland in one of our rental cars, the speeding ticket will be sent to our office. We will then hand your details over to the police, who will contact you directly regarding the offence. In the event we are notified of a speeding offence, we charge a service fee of 5000. ISK, or around USD $41 per ticket. Note that it’s not uncommon for 1 vehicle to accrue several offences in 1 day.

How can I pay a speeding ticket in Iceland?

If you are caught by a speed camera, you will receive your speeding fine in the post. Like many fines, you can knock 25% off your fine if you agree to pay within a certain time period. If you have missed this period, you will have to pay the full speeding offence amount. You’ll also see the additional 5000 ISK charge for our service fee in the letter you receive.

While most of the time, you will be caught by speed cameras, it is also possible for police cars to pull you over if you are driving over the speed limit. In this case, you will have the option to pay the ticket on the spot to receive the same 25% discount. If not, the ticket will be sent to your address and you will pay as above.

How to Avoid Speeding Fines in Iceland

Put simply, the best way to avoid speeding fines in Iceland is to make sure you are sticking to the speed limits at all times. 

• Always keep an eye out for speed signs and adhere to what they say.
• Slow down to the new speed limit before you reach a transition zone - not after. 
• Check your speedometer regularly, especially after overtaking or downhill stretches.
• Disable cruise control in poor conditions to ensure you do not maintain an unsafe speed through bad weather or low visibility.

Speeding in Iceland FAQs

Can I dispute a speeding ticket in Iceland?

Yes, you can appeal or dispute a speeding ticket you receive, but you must do so via the issuing authority (usually the police). You will need to provide evidence that you were not speeding. 

Are speed cameras signposted in Iceland?

Some static speed cameras are signposted, particularly in urban areas, but not all are marked. It is best to assume that cameras may be present anywhere to avoid being caught off guard. 

Can I get points on my licence for speeding in Iceland?

No, foreign licence holders will not receive points on their licence for speeding in Iceland. However, the offence is still taken seriously, and you will be fined. If you are a repeat offender, you may even be reported to Icelandic authorities, which could impact future car rentals. 

Will I be notified immediately if I am caught speeding?

Usually not. Most tourists are notified weeks later by their rental company. However, if you are stopped by the police for speeding, you may be issued an on-the-spot notification and relevant paperwork. 

For more top tips about driving in Iceland, explore our blog for a range of advice. Get in touch with any questions you might have about renting a car in Iceland.