
Road Closures
Road Closures
Roads in Iceland can close quickly and without much warning.
Why roads close
- Severe weather (snow, storms, wind)
- Ice or unsafe driving conditions
- Flooding, landslides, or volcanic activity
- Maintenance or accidents
What to know
- A closed road means do not enter under any circumstances
- Driving on closed roads is illegal and dangerous
- Insurance may be invalid if you ignore closures
What to do
- Check road conditions on road.is before driving
- Look for road status
- Only drive when roads are marked passable
Emergency services
In severe conditions, Iceland relies on the ICE-SAR (Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue):
- They rescue stranded drivers and assist in emergencies
- Often help close roads during dangerous conditions
- They are volunteers, not paid professionals
Ignoring closures puts you and them at risk
If your route is closed
- Do not go around barriers
- Turn back and change your plan
- Wait until conditions improve
Remember: If a road is closed, it is closed for a reason—never drive around it.