Driving in Iceland: Which side of the road?

You arrive in Iceland, fresh-faced and full of wonder. You get your rental car, because how else are you going to travel in Iceland? And then you think to yourself: wait, which side of the road do I drive on in Iceland?

You lament the fact you did not check this out before you began your travels, but no matter, this is why we are here: to answer these questions for you!

The answer is simple: You drive on the right side. We do not merely mean that you have to drive on the correct side of the road – which you do, but literally the right side, like the majority of the world.

If you are from one of the 75 countries in the world where cars drive on the left side of the road, do not worry; the rules are pretty much the same, just mirrored.

Use your common sense when driving!

There are a few things you need to have in mind when driving in Iceland. Road markings might not be of the same standard as you are used to. It is generally frowned upon, for example, to stop at the side of the Ring Road. 

In many places of the world, roads have an unbroken line painted on the side to show where people are not allowed to stop. Icelanders do not generally do this as it is just common sense for us not to stop the car on the side of the Ring Road.

Another thing, many roads in Iceland are elevated, sometimes almost two metres up from the ground but do not let that scare you. The shoulders are often quite wide on either side, but the roads are elevated, so snow does not blow onto the road.

And now you know! Icelanders drive on the right side of the road; road markings are not always up to code and roads are often elevated for your safety. Now, get going!