Iceland has strict driving laws and huge fines. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? They talked to someone and said well right down your email and phone and will be in touch. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. Don't forget, Iceland is an island and if you ever want to leave, pay your fine and the next time obey the law. I thought that was very very high. Don't worry, it might sound more stressful than it really is. Like nearly $500 for 11 km/h (6.7 mph) over on a road like that. I honestly think with the huge increase of tourism in Iceland, they will start tracking down on unpaid fines and tickets to foreigners. In hindsight, it was terrible advice to have given. Hi there! Just remember that speed limits are there for your protection. For more details, review our .chakra .wef-12jlgmc{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;font-weight:700;}.chakra .wef-12jlgmc:hover,.chakra .wef-12jlgmc[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-12jlgmc:focus,.chakra .wef-12jlgmc[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);}privacy policy. If there is no marked road or track then you are not allowed to drive there. You may have noticed as you drive around Iceland, especially outside of Reykjavik, there are not a lot of police. The best way to avoid getting a speeding ticket in Iceland is always to drive safely and according to driving laws and posted signs along your route. Use the inside line if you plan to exit on the second, third, or fourth exist. well written blog btw, Im enjoying reading what you have to say and thoroughly enjoyed this particular post. I would definitely pay the fine! Speed cameras in Iceland look like gray rectangles, with lenses on them. If it was, say, <$150, people would be more likely to pay out of conscience or concern for a return trip to the country. Extra caution should be taken on gravel roads as the uneven, loose surface can mean your tires have less traction. A man from the Czech Republic whom Erlingsson caught on Sunday complained that the fine was equivalent to his monthly salary and an Italian woman started to cry when she was told how much she had to pay. If you want to fight your traffic ticket, you must plead "not guilty" in an Arizona court. Thanks for the blog.. Too bad I saw it 2 days too late i was caught in almost a similar fashion travelling at 128km per hour in a 90 km zone..by a police car coming in the opposite direction armed with a mobile speed detector..which I sid not see at all. I was so nervous lol. One individual who allegedly called theIcelandic police department spoke to a woman who saidnothing would happensince they are not a citizen of Iceland. I decided to pay the ticket immediately using my credit card. There are police and speed cameras all over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Here is a short list of of speeding fines in Iceland and how they increase with the offence: 1. If you ever got a parking ticket stuck under your windshield wiper, you know how annoying and frustrating that could be, especially when you thought you have your car parked at the right place. The largest selection of Car Rentals in Iceland. Do you want to know more about this subject? Re: Iceland Speeding Ticket fines 4 years ago Save Relative to the subject: On may 1st 2018 the regulation of traffic enforcement, including traffic fines, will be updated. The best way to avoid getting a speeding ticket in Iceland is always to drive. Samuel Hogarth
Paved roads, given how easy it is for tires to grip them in normal conditions, are known for being on the higher end with ranges from 60 to 90 km/h in many cases. Our major roads are getting filled with little signs the authorities are putting up at the spot of fatalities, I recently counted 19 of these signs, all within ten minutes of my home. The Icelandic road system is unique and drivers must be aware of both on-road and off-road conditions. Second/Subsequent Extreme DUI Offenses: No less than $3,250. Fines for everything will be raised a lot. Afterward, they gave me a copy of the ticket and receipt, wished me well, and warned me about the many speed cameras along the way towards Reykjavik. What do you think? In Iceland, there are two types of parking violation charges: The #1 parking violation charge is a fine meant for vehicles that failed to park at the right designated parking areas or for drivers who stays longer than necessary at the parking area. Remember that the inside lane always has the right of way. Verified Expert. Anyone caught driving at the speed of 111-120 km/h (68-75 mph) can expect a fine of ISK 50,000 (USD 816) and those caught driving at the speed of 141-150 km/h (88-94 mph) will have to pay ISK 130,000 (USD 2,121). We drove the ring road in 5 days, perhaps a bit too ambitiously. Fines for speeding are high, ranging from 30.000 ISK to 150.000 ISK. However, police officers most likely have visibility to outstanding fines previously incurred in their country, and definitely will in their specific state/region. In the event of an accident every person (tourists included) are obliged by law to help and assist at the site of an accident - even if you are not directly involved. Plus, there are signs that alert you when theres an upcoming speed camera (see photo). The speed cameras in Iceland are pole mounted at the side of the road. You do not indicate when you enter the roundabout, instead, you need to indicate when you are leaving it. If you were speeding consistently that is possible since the times line up. The most common rental car in Iceland is Toyota yaris and Suzuki jimmy, both small vehicles with short wheelbase, and provide very little protection in an accident. Would have never expected a full blown article on speeding ticket but this sure is helpful. Sometimes, the speed limit can be even lowerwhen turning a sharp corner or driving along a steep mountain road. They are on average 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long with the longest stretching over 9 kilometers (5.5 miles). (50-60km zones), Driving 41km/h or faster over allowed top speed. I just returned from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Go Icelands office will then withdraw a handling fee of 5000ISK (39USD) as stipulated in the car rental agreement. Icelandic roads are constructed differently to European and American ones - in rural areas they are surfaced with gravel so if you go around a bend too quickly you will have a serious accident. Icelandic Traffic Laws: Everything You Need to Know. They also got my address from the driver license. As a general guide the fine is usually between $195- $460 USD, however, if you are driving very fast, such as 41+km/h above the legal top speed (in 80-90km zones), then you may get fined $615-$690. Follow the roundabout on the outside line whilst indicating towards the inside lane until you've reached your exit, at this point indicate towards your exit. Vehicles pulling a trailer (i.e. Police in Iceland manages to collect only 45% of speeding tickets given to foreign travelers. Why is it important to obey Iceland speed limits? Even then the times (and the fee) indicate you were going quite a lot over the limit (+125 km/h). Option 2: Wait to receive your ticket in the mail and pay the fine with no discount. One sets the time upon arrival and then, depending on the parking zone, one can park for free for 15 minutes up to several hours. How are speed limits controlled in Iceland? And also as a social contribution to a country which has offered so much of its natural beauty which I enjoyed practically for free ( no entrance fees..). Many get high fines, long after they have left the country, collected with the aid of the authorities in their country. The first thing drivers should know is that Iceland speed limits are much lower than they are in other countries. This can be very hard for police officers to decipher. The more a driver is over the speed limit, the greater the number of day fines they will receive. Some signs are digital and will measure your speed as you pass by. Parking violation fines are imposed on vehicles when a parking offense like parking where there is a marked "No Parking Zone" or where the driver parked on the curb or too close to the walkway. The speed limit in Iceland can basically be divided into three general speed limits: Speed limit for paved/tarred roads away from towns & cities: 90km/h (55mph) Dirt or gravel road speed limit: 80 km/h (50mph) Speed limit in towns & cities: 50 km/h (30mph) You MUST bring the following to the class: Driver's license. Somebody would have to do the math of a higher compliance rate/lower fine structure vs. a higher fine rate/lower compliance, but I bet they'd get more payments at a lower cost. There are two main ways you get a speeding ticket; you either get pulled over on the road and given a ticket, or you get a ticket delivered to you by mail. There have been few incidents in the past where people have hired rental cars, travelled, returned home, and then weeks later received a letter to their home address with a request to pay fines in Iceland. S o no stopping in the middle of the road for pictures! Speed limits in Iceland vary according to the type of road you are on, so it is important you check signs when driving and keep within speed limits. There are new traffic signs to learn, different driving styles, avarietyof different road types and situations, speed limits and different laws. This website uses cookies to help you browse on the website/ web. They also hope to reduce air pollution and be more ecologically aware. With insufficient numbers of officers, Police relies on peoplesconscience a fine for speaking on mobile while driving is raised from 25.000 to 40.000 ISK (from about 250 USD to 400 USD). Just about everything now is considered "reckless driving". If you are unsure then you should always stick to a slower speed. Hopefully, it wasnt too difficult to figure out. In rural areas, gravel roads are 80km/h and paved roads 90km/h. They said I had to pay. It actually ruined my entire day but its all okay now (8 months later haha). How nice of them! These fines make Iceland's at about $800 actually look cheap. What do speed cameras in Iceland look like? In other cases travelers have put down their hotel as an address, and tracking down the correct home address can be extremely time consuming. This happens to my boyfriend almost every week ?? Proudly made in Reykjavk City. The tourist driver ended up paying 150,000 ISK in total after his detected misdemeanor and paid both fines on the spot. Of those whose addresses we find, only about 45% pay.. If I paid then and there, they would give me a 25% discount. We appeal to peoples good conscience when other means at our disposal fail. Arizona traffic tickets may be paid online, by mail, by phone, or in person, depending on the county. I would be so freaked out being pulled over in a country where I didnt speak the language!! The Ministry of Transport is working on new laws which will facilitate collecting fines for driving infractions, especially from foreign tourists, RV reports. The first thing drivers should know is that Iceland speed limits, On open roads the speed limit varies too; on, These Iceland speed limits are the legal maximum, but depending on driving conditions, you may wish to. With insufficient resources police relies on people's good conscience. On the sixth day, driving between Hvammstangi and Arnarstapi, I saw a van with flashing lights driving towards me. Girl I know the feeling!! If you are unable to avoid getting a fine, then it may be possible for you to dispute it. Iceland has some of the lowest speed limits in the world. Also, there are no roundabouts in the whole of Iceland with more than two lanes. Even if you arent told you have a fine when you return your rental car, it does not mean you are in the clear. While some tourists view it as very high, there are others who believe the fines are the same as every other country in Europe. If unpaid after 14 days, the fine goes up to 15.000ISK (115USD). From speeding 20 miles over the limit, to passing a stopped school bus, to failure to yield right of way, to having faulty brakes etc. Although somecar hiring services could be blamed for not doing enough to spreading the word - That said, many car rental companies in Reykjavik go out of their way to make speed limits and road limitations known to their clients. Driving In The Westfjords Of Iceland - Full Guide, Driving 26km/h faster over allowed top speed (30-35 km zones), Driving 36km/h faster over allowed top speed (50-60 km zones), Driving 41km/h faster over allowed top speed (70 km zones), Driving 41km/h faster over allowed top speed (80-90 km zones), If the citation is paid in full immediately, if fine is unpaid within 14 days - after date of citation, Fine unpaid after 28 days - after date of citation, A bus is driving faster over the legal limits, A vehicle over 3.5000 kg is driving over the legal limits. 30-35 km zones. Observing all traffic laws will save you lots of embarrassment from the Iceland authorities and also save you your hard earned dollars if you dont over-speed or parked at the wrong place. For many years Hvalfjrur Tunnel was subject to a fee, however, as of 2018, this tunnel is now toll-free. Fines are automatically processed and delivered to the owner of the offending vehicle. It is rumored that some of these also work as speed cameras. Fine $460. The speed limit on the Highway 1 ring road is usually 90 km/h (56 mph). How do I pay my speeding fine in Iceland? On the lookout Police in Iceland have trouble tracking down and fining foreign speeders. You can pay with credit card, on the spot. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Does anyone know how the speeding fines are collected? Parking and camping outside of designated camping zones in Iceland are illegal. Then the same procedure takes over as with parking offences in Reykjavik. If you mustdrive in Iceland, you need to acquaint yourself with the right information about their driving laws else, you might be forced to cough out more fines than you ever expected. . There are varying opinions based on the speed fines in Iceland. If you are planning to rent a car in Iceland and go on a self-drive tour, but are not too sure of the signs, here are some frequently asked questions on speeding fines in Iceland in case you got on the wrong side of the traffic law: If you are caught violating the speed limit Either: 1. In fact, this is the reason they give you a 25% discount to encourage you to pay the fine. I noticed that in certain parts of the country there are 'camera' signs indicating that speed cameras are in effect. Speed bumps are used to slow down cars. Fine $195. Try Tilos, or Lipsi, they have not changed in. When you get your speeding ticket in the post, make sure to pay it quickly because youll pay 25% less than waiting. We simply dont have the necessary number of people Gurn tells RV. For example if you drive between 110-121 km you pay 80.000 isk and 60.000 isk with the 25% discount. The following signs also indicate the right of way: To make your life easier, we've put together a summary of everything you need to know when it comes to Icelandic traffic laws. #istanbul #turkey #visit_tu. I also thought it was kind of them to warn me about the speed camera because I actually had no idea Iceland had any! Iceland! Therefore, its impossible to track down every individual who decides not to pay the fines. The police, however, have in many cases had found it difficult to track down the correct addresses of the travelers in question. You may get your speeding ticket on the day or later. Overall, not a terrible experience. passport control - to ensure - that the ticket has been paid has not really worked as yet. The biggest challenge with tunnels is quickly adapting to the darkness when entering the tunnel and with the brightness when leaving. Isafjordur, a fishing town in northwest Iceland, has experimented with a new method of traffic safety and speed control. Got a speeding ticket in Iceland? The floating crosswalk was thought up by town environmental commissioner Ralf Trylla. Both were amazing..:). Alternatively, you may use. Where were you driving? I envy the lot of you. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88000896', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland, as well as so many speed limit signs. Option 1: Pay the fine. All speeding fines are also updated and raised significantly. Oh no! It goes up to 30.000ISK (230USD) after 14 days and after 28 days to 40.000ISK (307USD), Blastasjur who takes care of the parking system in Reykjavik sends an E-mail to the main office of Go Iceland Car Rental with all the detail of the offence.The staff finds out who was renting the car and sends information to the driver of the car. In Iceland, there are two types of parking violation charges: The #1 parking violation charge is a fine meant for vehicles that failed to park at the right designated parking areas or for drivers who stays longer than necessary at the parking area. People driving without license plates
Iceland Speeding Ticket fines 5 years ago Save Good evening. Scandinavian Travel Services ehf. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. This article will prove helpful if you want to avoid getting speeding tickets on your visit to Iceland. At no point was I doing in the 111-120, is there any degree of leniency? IMHO your best bet is to send an e-mail to the address on the fines you got saying that you were just receiving the fines and if they would be willing to extend the discount-grace period. Discounted to ISK 86000 if I pay on the spot which of course I did. Considering it was 11pm, it may have been one of the most frightening experiences of my life, especially when it started to rain near the top. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If an accident occurs farmers in Iceland do appreciate if the local law enforcement are informed so they will be able to attend the wounded animal. Which is $460. Ripped off? So, if you do get tickets, then as most Icelandic guides will humorously tell you: "Smile and Pay Up" (well, you really dont have to complain much for your negligence) you violated the traffic law, you got caught so your speed fine is your punishment. The standard toll for normal passenger vehicles is ISK 1,500, (approx. You can read about that here An Epic 7-Day Iceland Road Trip In March. If you receive the ticket after the discount has expired, you can always call and explain the situation to get an extension. Most likely when you receive your ticket in the mail from an Iceland speed camera,they offer a 25% discount if you pay within a certain amount of time. You may get a ticket in the mail; often it will be perhaps the week after the alleged crime. Uk credits cards not working in Iceland ? This is sooo important to have an understanding of! Motorist who are stopped without a license plate on the front of the car are stopped and made to move the back plate to the front. I dont know why we arent broke already haha. The cost of a speeding ticket varies according to many factors; such as the speed you are driving. These are bridges where only one car will fit at a time. That way you will probably get a 2-week period where the fine lowers by 30% or so. Slow down, and the bigger, the safer is the car! Instead of paying 30,000 ISK ($247 USD), the fine would be 22,500 ISK ($185 USD). Knowing the driving rules in Iceland will help to keep you safe from harm and from expensive fines! Driving 36km/h or faster over allowed top speed. Parking is free but you need to get a parking clock at a gas station, tourist information and there are shops that carries them too. The state of Virginia, faced with a similar situation has taken drastic measures, as of July 1, 2007, in an attempt to control the problem. And thats after a 25% discount for paying the cop in his (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, if you refuse to pay your fine, you should also never think of returning to Iceland because if you do and the police stop you the next time you visit, you will go to jail. Here is a table showing how much you are likely to pay when you violate any of the speed limits: Here is another tricky part of yourtraveling to Icelandthe Iceland parking fines! Again this is all about your moral and ethical value to society. 50/1987Here are the fees associated with these offenses: You will have different options depending on the type of ticket. Just to clarify I was not speeding. Speeding fines in Iceland are very expensive. Don't worry, we won't spam you. If there's one thin, Top 5 Bars In Istanbul, Turkey | The Old City of Sultanahmet, The Best Day Trips From Nice | What To Do & How To Get There, An Epic 7-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary | Highland & Castles Edition, 5 Reasons Why You Should NOT Visit Santorini, What To See In Medieval Rhodes | Old Town Walking Tour, Staying At The Funky Loft In Brooklyn, NY, 12 Best Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro Brazil, Nour El Nil: Malouka | Nile Cruise Review, Hi, you wrote about Chichime, where the Kuna run a hostel for, Thanks for this information very useful but also proves what an increasingly, Please, utter rubbish. I lived in Iceland for a while and got one for $500 :/ made sure to not speed again after that one!! Even if you arent told you have a fine when you return your car, it does not mean you are in the clear. Seriously, insane! On the lookout Police in Iceland have trouble tracking down and fining foreign speeders. Naturally, I thought it was an ambulance so I pulled over. in an hour. $500 is a pretty hefty fee.? Definitely 100% in the wrong. As in every country, Iceland also has speed limits to keep and there are police all around Iceland measuring the speed and not to be forgotten, the speed cameras. If a speed camera snaps a shot of you, the Icelandic police trace the car back to the proper rental car company. Keflavik office With insufficient resources police relies on people's good conscience. If you intend to drive in Iceland, its important you know the, However, driving in Iceland requires some more precautions compared to driving in other countries. Parking in Reykjavik is the same as parking in any other European capital.