Icelandic road signs every visitor should know
Last updated: 8 November 2026
Prepared by Ring Road Cars at Keflavík Airport and checked against the official sources listed at the end of this page.
Short answer
The signs that matter most carry Icelandic words: Einbreið brú (single-lane bridge — the car that reaches it first crosses first), Blindhæð (blind hill — keep right and slow down) and Malbik endar (the asphalt ends — slow down for gravel). A road marked closed is closed: never drive past the sign. Watch for sheep on the road, and in a two-lane roundabout the inner lane has right of way.
Signs with Icelandic words
| On the sign | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Einbreið brú | Single-lane bridge | Slow down well before it. The car that reaches the bridge first crosses first. |
| Blindhæð | Blind hill (crest) | Keep to the far right and slow down: you can't see oncoming traffic. |
| Malbik endar | The asphalt ends; gravel ahead | Slow down before the gravel starts, and drive more slowly on it. |
| Lokað / Vegur lokaður | Closed / Road closed | Never drive past it, even if the road looks passable. |
Single-lane bridges are still common, even on the Ring Road, and some tunnels are open to both directions in one lane. Slowing down early is what keeps them safe.
Warning signs without words
- Sheep on the road: sheep can jump into the road with little warning — slow down and drive carefully.
- Paved road changes to gravel: slow down before the change, as loose gravel gives far less grip.
- Unbridged river (mostly on F-roads): cross only where the river is passable, and turn around if in doubt; these crossings are only for bigger 4×4 vehicles. What a rental car may do there: Can rental cars drive on F-roads in Iceland?.
Closed roads
Closed means closed: never drive past the sign or the barrier. People on foot may still use the road and cyclists may push their bikes, but no car may drive on. Our rental terms do not allow driving on closed roads, and no waiver covers damage there.
Check closures before you set off on umferdin.is, or read how to check road conditions in Iceland.
Stopping and parking
- No stopping / no parking signs: you may not stop or park there — find a proper parking space instead.
- Never stop on the road itself for photos, animals or the northern lights; pull into a parking area or viewpoint.
Roundabouts and cyclists
- In a two-lane roundabout, the inner lane has right of way, and you may not change lanes once you are inside. Most accidents happen there, so watch the inner lane closely.
- Signal when you leave a roundabout.
- Give cyclists at least 1.5 m when you pass them.
Questions about Icelandic road signs
What does Einbreið brú mean?
Single-lane bridge. Slow down well before it; the car that reaches the bridge first crosses first.
What does Blindhæð mean on an Icelandic road sign?
Blind hill: you can't see oncoming traffic over the crest. Keep to the far right and slow down.
What does Malbik endar mean?
The paved road ends and gravel begins. Slow down before the gravel and drive more slowly on it.
Who has right of way in an Icelandic roundabout?
In a two-lane roundabout, the inner lane has right of way, and you may not change lanes once inside. Signal when you leave.
Can I drive on a road marked closed in Iceland?
No. A closed road is closed, even if it looks passable. Wait, choose another route or turn back.
Official sources
The meanings and advice on this page come from these sources (checked 8 November 2026):