Sektir á Íslandi 2026: Ítarleg yfirlit yfir sektarfjárhæðir

Icelandic Traffic Fines Are Not Suggestions

Iceland's traffic fine system was overhauled in 2023, with significant increases across most categories. The 2025-2026 schedule reflects further adjustments tied to inflation. For visitors, the most important thing to understand is this: Icelandic traffic fines are not negotiable, they follow you internationally, and rental companies will charge them to your credit card months after your trip if necessary.

Speeding Fines — The Full Schedule

Speeding is the most common violation for visitors. The fine structure is progressive:

• 1-5 km/h over the limit: 15,000 ISK (approximately €100)
• 6-10 km/h over: 25,000 ISK
• 11-15 km/h over: 40,000 ISK
• 16-20 km/h over: 60,000 ISK
• 21-25 km/h over: 80,000 ISK
• 26-30 km/h over: 100,000 ISK
• 31-40 km/h over: 130,000 ISK + 2 penalty points
• 41-50 km/h over: 170,000 ISK + 3 penalty points + possible license confiscation
• 50+ km/h over: Court summons, fine determined by judge, potential driving ban in Iceland

In school zones (30 km/h limit, marked with flashing lights during school hours), fines are doubled. School zone speed cameras are active in most towns and many tourists get caught here because they do not recognise the flashing light system.

Other Common Fines for Visitors

• Driving without headlights on: 15,000 ISK
• Seat belt violation (driver): 15,000 ISK per unbelted person
• Handheld phone use: 15,000 ISK (first offence), 25,000 ISK (repeat)
• Running a red light: 70,000 ISK
• Failure to yield at roundabout: 30,000 ISK
• Illegal parking in Reykjavík: 5,000-15,000 ISK depending on zone
• Parking in a disabled space without permit: 50,000 ISK
• Off-road driving: 50,000-500,000 ISK (environmental damage can increase this)
• Driving a 2WD vehicle on an F-road: 50,000 ISK minimum + all recovery costs
• DUI (0.05-0.10% BAC): 100,000 ISK + license confiscation
• DUI (0.10%+ BAC): 200,000+ ISK + immediate license confiscation + potential jail time

How Speed Cameras Work in Iceland

Iceland uses both fixed and mobile speed cameras. Fixed cameras are marked with warning signs ("Hraðamælir" or a camera symbol) on major roads and in urban areas. However, mobile speed cameras operated by police from parked vehicles are not marked and can appear anywhere — including rural Ring Road stretches.

The cameras photograph both the front and rear of the vehicle, capturing the license plate. For rental cars, the police identify the rental company from the plate, and the company forwards the fine to the renter's credit card. This process can take 2-6 months after the violation, so you may receive a charge long after your trip.

How to Pay Fines

If stopped by police, you may be able to pay on the spot by card. For camera-detected violations, you will receive a notice (either directly or through the rental company). Fines can be paid online through the Icelandic police website (logreglan.is). Unpaid fines can result in collection actions and may affect future visa applications to Iceland or other Schengen countries.

Penalty Points System

Iceland uses a penalty points system. Accumulating 12 points within a 36-month period results in license suspension. For tourists, this means that multiple serious violations during a single trip could result in your rental car being impounded and your driving privileges in Iceland suspended for your remaining stay.