Roundabouts
Iceland loves roundabouts — and the one rule that matters is simple: traffic already in the circle goes first.
The one rule that matters
Give way to any car already in the roundabout — it approaches from your left. Wait for a gap, then enter. If it is clear, you do not need to stop at all.
Drive the diagram
Pick your exit before you enter
Exit 1 · outer lane
Take the first exit
Choose the outer lane on approach. Give way, enter the gap, then signal right just before peeling off.
- Lane
- Outer lane
- Leave at
- First exit
- 1Approach in the outer lane.
- 2Give way to cars from your left.
- 3Enter only when the circle is clear.
- 4Signal right just before exit one.
Every route: do not signal to enter. Signal right just before your exit, and never stop inside the circle to wave another car in.
Two-lane roundabouts (Reykjavík)
Use the outer lane for the first exits and the inner lane to go further around. In Icelandic two-lane roundabouts the inner lane commonly has priority when exiting, so choose your lane before you enter and hold it.
Signaling
You do not signal to enter. Signal right just before the exit you want, so drivers waiting to join can read your intention.
The common mistake
Do not stop inside the roundabout to wave someone in — keep moving and exit smoothly. Hesitating in the circle is what causes the near-misses.
