Speed limits, speed cameras and fines in Iceland
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
Unless signs say otherwise, the limit is 90 km/h on paved roads outside towns, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 30–50 km/h in towns — and 90 km/h is the highest legal speed anywhere in Iceland. Speed cameras send the ticket to the car's owner, so in a rental car it reaches us: we pass it on to you, or give your details to the police, plus our €10 processing fee. Fines rise with speed; the police's fine calculator shows the exact amount, and paying within 30 days takes 25% off.
Speed limits in Iceland
| Road | Limit |
|---|---|
| Towns and villages | 30–50 km/h (as signed) |
| Gravel roads outside towns | 80 km/h |
| Paved roads outside towns | 90 km/h |
A sign always overrules these defaults, and 90 km/h is the highest legal speed in Iceland — there are no motorways with higher limits. Slow down well before single-lane bridges, which are still common, and on gravel, where loose stones also damage windshields.
Speed cameras and police checks
Speed cameras and the police check speed on Icelandic roads. A camera ticket is sent to the vehicle's registered owner — for a rental car, that is us.
The police can also stop you on the spot; you can then pay the fine straight away.
If a ticket reaches us
- We match the ticket to your rental.
- We pass it on to you with an itemized explanation, or give your details to the police so that the fine is issued to you directly.
- We charge our processing fee of €10 for each notice (rental terms 22).
Paying the fine is always the driver's responsibility. Paid within 30 days, the fine is 25% lower.
What fines cost
Fines are set by regulation (no. 1240/2019) and rise with how far over the limit you were. Bigger offenses also bring penalty points, and in serious cases the police can take your license on the spot. The exact fine for any speed is in the police's official fine calculator (in Icelandic).
Drive to the conditions, not just the sign
The limit is a maximum, not a target. On gravel, in wind, in rain or on ice, the safe speed is often far lower. Damage caused by gross negligence or by driving under the influence is excluded from every cover option (rental terms 36).
Other rules that catch visitors out
- Headlights on at all times, day and night, all year.
- Seat belts for everyone in the car, in every seat.
- Alcohol: the limit is 0.2‰ — in practice, even one drink is too many.
- Never stop on the road for photos, animals or the northern lights; find a safe place off the road.
- Livestock — sheep and horses — can be on or beside the road.
Questions about speed limits and fines in Iceland
What is the speed limit in Iceland?
90 km/h on paved roads outside towns, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 30–50 km/h in towns, unless a sign shows a different limit. 90 km/h is the highest legal speed in Iceland.
Are there speed cameras in Iceland?
Yes. Speed cameras and the police check speed, and a camera ticket is sent to the vehicle's registered owner — for a rental car, the rental company.
What happens if I get a speeding ticket in a rental car in Iceland?
The ticket reaches us as the car's owner. We pass it on to you or give your details to the police so that it is issued to you directly, and charge a €10 processing fee for each notice.
How much is a speeding fine in Iceland?
It depends on the speed and on the road's limit, and fines rise steeply the faster you go. The police's official fine calculator on island.is shows the exact amount, and paying within 30 days takes 25% off.
Do I need my headlights on during the day in Iceland?
Yes. Headlights must be on at all times when driving in Iceland, day and night, all year round.
Official sources
The facts on this page come from these sources (checked 8 November 2026):