11-04-2025
With all the beauty surrounding you as you drive around Iceland, it’s easy to forget to pay attention to the speedometer. However, Iceland is strict about sticking to the speed limits set. One way they help catch speeders is through Iceland speed cameras. These strategically placed cameras can capture your speed and automatically issue a speeding ticket. So, if you are renting a car in Iceland, this information will be quite useful to you.
Yes, there are. Although you can still get pulled over by a police officer like anywhere else, Iceland speed cameras are often used to capture speeders without requiring manpower. These cameras are located primarily along main roads and can be easily identified if you know what to look for.
There are several types of Iceland speed cameras in use today. The most common type is the static speed camera that is in a permanent location. These cameras capture a vehicle’s speed as it approaches and trigger a picture if the speed exceeds the speed limit. This information is sent to the local police station to issue a ticket to the vehicle owner.
Another type of speed camera that works in a similar way is the mobile speed camera. These cameras are often installed in vehicles that are left along the road at random locations. They also monitor the speed of passing vehicles and take a picture, which is used to issue the Iceland speeding tickets.
In recent years, a third camera type has been introduced. These average speed cameras consist of two cameras placed at a designated distance. They are used to measure the length of time a vehicle takes to get from one camera to the other, averaging the speed required to do so. Tickets are issued based on this average speed.
The fixed speed cameras in Iceland are easier to identify than mobile cameras. Fixed cameras have a warning sign placed before them, letting drivers know a speed camera is operating ahead. Watch for these blue signs with a white camera symbol and make sure you are traveling at the proper speed.
Mobile speed cameras are more difficult to identify because they don’t have signs warning you, and they can be moved to a new location. These cameras are often mounted in unmanned vehicles parked along the road. Be aware of any vehicles that may be parked in an unusual location with no one around. These may be mobile speed cameras.
While most locals know where speed cameras are generally located, visitors have a bigger challenge to avoid being caught by Iceland’s speed cameras. Knowing where these are generally located can give you peace of mind and help you navigate the country with fewer worries. You can view known locations of speed cameras on this speed camera map.
There are several Iceland speed cameras located around the Ring Road. In most cases, these cameras are clearly marked to help you identify them before you are captured. Many of these cameras are located within 100 kilometers of Reykjavík, but you can also find them in other heavily traveled areas that may not have a large police presence.
In Reykjavík and other towns in Iceland, speed limits often change quickly. They are a prime spot to set up speed traps and catch people who don’t adjust their speed appropriately. However, speed traps aren’t incredibly common in Iceland. Police officers may position themselves in small towns and other areas where speeding is common as a safety measure, though.
While many of the fixed speed cameras are located somewhat close to the city, you should still be careful with your speed, even in remote areas. Remote areas may be less likely to have fixed speed cameras, but they may have mobile cameras or police patrols positioned to capture speeders as they enter a town or other reduced speed limit area.
Despite your best intentions, you may find yourself caught by one of Iceland’s speed cameras or the local police. In these situations, you may wonder what you need to do about getting an Iceland speeding ticket in your rental car. Here’s everything you need to know about the process.
If you receive your speeding ticket from an Iceland speed camera, your rental company will receive the ticket instead. Speeding tickets that are issued through speed cameras are sent to the car’s owner. When you’re renting a vehicle, the owner is the rental company. They will receive the ticket in their bank account and will require you to pay it.
Once the rental company receives the speeding fine, they will pass the cost on to you. If you are still in the country, you will be billed for the fine plus a service fee from the rental company to cover their costs. If you are no longer in the country, they may pass your contact information to the local police, and you will receive the fine in the mail.
If you receive a fine in the mail, you should contact the local police department that issued the ticket to verify its legitimacy. Visitors sometimes receive these tickets in the mail months after their visit. Contacting the issuing police department can give you peace of mind that it’s not a scam so you can pay your fine.
If you are still in Iceland when you receive your speeding fine from a speed camera, you can easily pay it at a local bank using the details provided by the issuing police department. You can also pay your rental company with your credit card on file if you don’t have time to visit the bank.
On the other hand, if you receive a speeding fine because you were pulled over by a police officer, you can generally pay on the spot. Police officers are equipped to accept payments in cash or by credit card, but it’s recommended to pay via credit card to ensure you have a record of the payment.
Those who receive their ticket by mail after they have returned to their home country can either pay online or complete an international bank transfer. Paying online is generally cheaper than paying the fees associated with these bank-to-bank transfers, especially internationally.
The fines for speeding in Iceland can be quite high. One speeding ticket can quickly ruin your travel budget. This leaves many visitors wondering if there’s a discount for paying their fines quickly. The short answer is yes, especially if you are stopped on the spot. You may also get a discount if you pay at a bank within three days or the designated time if you receive your ticket via mail.
The discount for paying your ticket upon receipt or within the designated timeframe if you receive the ticket another way is 25% of the total. This discount can be significant, helping you reduce the financial impact of your Iceland speeding ticket.
No one wants to have their vacation ruined by receiving a speeding ticket. However, with all the beautiful nature, it’s easy to forget to monitor your speed to ensure you are following the posted limits. It’s in your best interest to pay close attention to speed limit signs and ensure you follow them carefully.
One of the easiest ways to make sure you are maintaining the proper speed limit is to set your cruise control if your rental car is equipped. Be sure you watch for speed limit changes so you can adjust accordingly and avoid paying hefty fines. Always driving the speed limit is the most effective way to avoid speeding fines in Iceland as there is little to no leeway.
The most straightforward way to check your speed in real-time is to routinely check the speedometer in your vehicle as you drive. If you are using a GPS, this device may also indicate your current speed. Some vehicles also have alarm systems that alert you when you exceed the posted limit, helping you stay safe on the road. Ask your rental company what features are available in your vehicle.
Speed limits on Icelandic roads are generally easy to predict. The main paved roads outside the city usually have posted speed limits of 90 kph. Gravel roads are 80 kph and towns are 50 kph. In the city, some roads may be as low as 30 kph. Knowing these basic rules will help you maintain the appropriate speeds.
These speed limits are based on perfect weather and road conditions, so it’s important to adjust your speed accordingly. In poor weather or rough road conditions, you may need to drive slower than the speed limit to maintain safety.
Many visitors use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze to navigate in Iceland. These apps are generally equipped with user reporting features that allow users to note disabled vehicles, speed traps, speed cameras, and other potential road hazards. The question is whether these apps are useful for identifying Iceland speed cameras.
Users can report speed cameras in Iceland on these apps, just like anywhere else. These reports are most accurate for fixed speed cameras that don’t change locations. However, if you notice a marked speed camera, be prepared to check your speed to ensure you aren’t caught on camera. The speed camera may not be present, but it’s best to be cautious.
Driving in an unfamiliar environment can be difficult. In Iceland, you likely want to take in the sights, making it more challenging to pay attention to your driving, particularly your speed. However, Iceland is quite strict about speed limits with high fines for breaking them. The last thing you want is for your travel budget to be spent on a speeding ticket or two.
When you’re renting a car in Iceland, it’s important to be aware of the speed limits and maintain the proper speed to avoid being caught by the speed cameras or patrolling police officers. Knowing how to identify the speed cameras can help you avoid trouble, but all in all, it’s best to simply keep the speed limit to avoid problems.