Driving in Iceland by Age – What You Need to Rent a Campervan

Think the driving age in Iceland means you’re good to rent a camper at 17? Not quite. The legal age to drive and the age to rent are two very different things. Rental companies set their own limits, and they don’t always make sense. 

Especially when it comes to campervans, 4x4s, and motorhomes. This guide cuts through the confusion and tells you exactly what you need to rent a campervan in Iceland legally. We’ll cover age rules, license types, and what first-time drivers should know before coming to our island.

What Is the Legal Driving Age in Iceland?

17 years old is Iceland’s driving age. But don’t get confused. That’s the age at which locals get behind the wheel if they’ve passed the tests, and not you. Simple enough. But unless you’re living here or going through the Icelandic licensing process yourself, this won’t really matter. 

It’s one of those details that sounds useful but doesn’t do much for travelers. Most tourists won’t be buying a car or applying for a license. Still, it helps to know how the system works locally. 

Is It Possible to Rent a Campervan in Iceland If You’re Under 20?

So your license is valid and you’re ready to roll through Iceland? Cool. Just don’t expect the rental counter to care. Age limits for campervan rentals in Iceland aren’t straightforward. Companies set their own rules, and they don’t always make sense. 

Some care about your age, others about how long you’ve had your license. Bigger vehicles mean bigger restrictions. And just because one company says yes doesn’t mean another will. Confusing? Yep. That’s why we broke down the actual age rules below so you know exactly where you stand before you book a campervan in Iceland.

Minimum Age Rules for Campers and Motorhomes

Before anything else, let’s talk basics. The age requirement to rent a camper in Iceland depends on the size of the vehicle. Here’s how it usually breaks down:

• 20 years old for small campervans.

• 23 to 25 for larger vans and motorhomes.

• A valid driver’s license held for at least one full year.

These are just the entry rules. They don’t cover driving conditions, extra policies, or restrictions. The age requirement gets your foot in the door, but there’s more coming. If you want to know exactly where we stand on this matter, you’re more than welcome to refer to our FAQ section.

Age Limits for Larger Vehicles and 4x4 Campers

4x4 Campers and large motorhomes come with extra strings attached. These aren’t your basic vans. Bigger size, more power, and tougher roads mean stricter rules.

• Most companies only rent them to drivers 23 to 25+ years old

• You’ll often need 1 to 2 years of driving experience

• F-roads and rugged routes are usually restricted to 4x4 campers

• Insurance is tighter due to the risk of damage and higher repair costs

• Coverage may include off-road use, personal gear, and increased liability

Young Driver Surcharges Explained

Under 25? Get ready to pay a little more, even if your driving license is spotless. Most rental companies add a young driver fee automatically. Luckily, here at Campervan Reykjavik, we don't. Here’s what to expect in general:

• A daily surcharge for drivers under 25.

• Applies even if you meet every other requirement.

• Fees range from $10 to $30 USD per day (roughly 1,300 to 3,800 ISK).

• The fee hits both main and additional drivers under 25.

• It’s not a punishment; it’s risk pricing.

• Stats show under-25s are more likely to crash.

• Rental companies use the fee to offset higher insurance costs.

• You can’t opt out or argue your way around it.

• Your clean record doesn’t matter. Age is the only factor.

License Requirements for Renting a Camper in Iceland

Rental agencies don’t just accept any license you show them. Even if it’s valid back home, it might not meet Iceland’s rules. Your license needs to meet both local laws and rental agency standards. This section breaks down which licenses are accepted for camper rentals and when extra documents might be needed to get on the road.

Which Driving Licenses Are Accepted?

Not every license permits you on the road. If you’re planning on driving in Iceland, yours needs to tick a few boxes. No exceptions.

• Licenses from most EU/EEA countries, the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia are widely accepted.

• The license needs to show your full name, issue and expiry dates, license type, and a photo.

• Missing any of that? It’s not valid.

• Digital-only licenses, learner’s permits, temporary licenses, or anything expired won’t work.

• A physical, original license must be shown at pickup. No screenshots or photocopies.

If your license doesn’t meet the standard, it’s treated as unrecognized in Iceland. That means no keys and no camper. Better to check now than argue at the desk later.

When Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

This one trips people up. If your license isn’t in Latin characters, you’re going to need an international driving permit. No way around it.

• Got a license in English, French, German, or Spanish? You’re fine.

• If it’s in Russian, Japanese, Chinese, or Korean, you’re out of luck without the IDP.

• It’s not a replacement. You have to carry it with your original license.

• Show up with just one of the two, and you're not going anywhere.

• No photocopies. No screenshots. The real, physical documents only.

• The IDP must be issued in your home country and follow international standards.

When in doubt, get the permit. It’s a lot easier than getting turned away.

Important Campervan Driving Rules in Iceland

The legal driving age in Iceland isn’t the only thing to think about. Safety laws are strict, and mistakes get expensive fast. Up next, we’ll break down the rules, off-road limits, and what coverage you actually need.

Local Traffic Laws You Should Know

Icelandic traffic laws are strict. That’s not a warning. That’s just how it is. If you’re driving in Iceland, don’t expect much wiggle room.

• Headlights must always be on. Doesn’t matter if it’s sunny or midnight.

• Everyone wears a seatbelt. Front seat, back seat, doesn’t matter.

• Want to use your phone? It better be hands-free.

• Alcohol limit is 0.02%. Basically zero.

• Speeding fines? Nasty. You won’t see the camera until it’s too late.

• The rules don’t vanish on country roads. Quiet doesn’t mean lawless.

• Kids need proper car seats. Lap belts don’t count. Read more about car seat laws here.

• Drive on the right. Pay attention to the signs.

Where You Can and Can’t Drive

Driving in Iceland looks like freedom until you break the rules. Off-road driving isn’t just frowned upon. It’s flat-out illegal. The terrain may look wild and empty, but it’s protected for a reason.

• Going off marked roads can cost you $2,780 USD or more in fines.

• Icelandic moss and volcanic soil are fragile. Some areas take decades or centuries to recover from tire damage.

• Even pulling slightly off the road or parking on the side where there’s no designated space can get you in trouble.

• You’re only allowed to drive on legal, clearly marked roads and tracks.

• F-roads are legal routes through the Highlands, but only for 4x4s.

• Driving a 2WD on an F-road is illegal. It could cancel your contract and leave you stuck without help.

• Off-road violations are treated as serious crimes. Fines are enforced and collected on the spot.

Insurance Options and What They Actually Cover

Iceland might be safe, but the weather and roads? Not so much. Camper rental insurance isn’t just a formality here. It’s what stands between you and a ruined trip.

All our campers come with CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and Third Party Liability. That’s the baseline.

But if you’re smart, you’ll level up. Here’s what’s worth adding:

• SCDW. Lowers your deductible in case of damage.

• GP (Gravel Protection). Iceland throws a lot of gravel.

• SAAP (Sand and Ash Protection). Volcanic ash and coastal winds are no joke.

• TP (Theft Protection). Iceland’s safe, but it’s still coverage.

Want zero stress? Go for our PLATINUM (Zero Excess) option. No deductible. No drama. It includes everything above.

Campers take more hits than regular cars. Between rough road conditions, unpredictable wind, and flying stones, rental insurance can save your wallet and your mood. Play it safe. 

What to Know Before Taking a Campervan Trip in Iceland

You’ve made it through the paperwork. You’re allowed to drive. Great. But Iceland doesn’t care how prepared you think you are. Drivers in Iceland get caught off guard all the time. Poor planning? Big mistake out here. 

The weather flips fast. Roads vanish into nowhere. Fuel stations are few and far between. So don’t wing it. We’ll help you figure out what you actually need to prep, without the guesswork.

Top Driving Routes Around Iceland With a Camper

A rental campervan in Iceland gives you more than freedom. It hands you the keys to your own weird little movie. The question is, what kind of trip are you after? Peace and hot springs? Drama and cliffs? Here's where to start:

• Ring Road (Route 1) – 1,322 km (821 mi) of ‘Holy crap, pull over!’ moments. You loop the whole island with stops like Skógafoss (basically a wall of water), Jökulsárlón (glacier lagoon that looks fake), and Akureyri (small town, laid-back vibes). Roads are decent. Gas stations pop up just when you start panicking. Best intro route for rental campervan newbies.

• Golden Circle – Short loop. Big names. Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss. It’s close to Reykjavík and fully paved, so you can be back in time for a beer. Perfect if you just landed and want to do something epic without committing to the whole country.

• Westfjords – The edge of the world. Twisty roads, steep cliffs, and that ‘are we lost?’ silence. You’ll see puffins, red sand beaches, and Dynjandi waterfall, which looks like someone built it in Photoshop. Best done in summer. Or with nerves of steel.

• The Highlands – No villages. No trees. Just raw Iceland. Landmannalaugar’s rainbow mountains. Askja’s giant crater. Volcanic wastelands that mess with your sense of scale. Only open in summer. Bring snacks. And patience.

Common Campervan Rental Mistakes

New to road-tripping in Iceland? Don’t fall into these traps. A little prep goes a long way, especially when weather and road conditions can flip the script fast.

• Skipping gas stops? Bad move. Some fuel stations are 100 km (62 mi) apart. Out in the Westfjords or Highlands, you might not see one for 150 km (93 mi). Always top up when you can. Half a tank means nothing out here.

• Booking the wrong camper. Thinking of tackling F-roads in a 2WD? Bad idea. These aren’t just gravel roads. We’re talking river crossings, big rocks, and no cell signal. You need a proper 4x4 or risk getting stranded and losing your insurance coverage.

• Not reserving campsites. From June through August, campgrounds fill up fast. Don’t assume you’ll find a spot late in the day. Unless you enjoy parking beside a gas station, book in advance.

• Planning to drive 150 km (93 mi) like it’s nothing? Yes, don’t. In Iceland, that could take four hours. The speed limits are low. The weather flips fast. Roads turn from smooth to gravel without warning. Add a few sheep on the road and you’ve got yourself a slow crawl. 

How Iceland’s Seasons Affect Driving Conditions

Don’t just assume the roads are always clear and easy. If you’re not paying attention, you’re in for a rough ride. Here’s what drivers actually need to know:

• Summer (June to August) – Long daylight hours, open roads, and 24/7 driving vibes. Most routes are clear, even the F-roads through the Highlands. It’s the best time to rent a camper and go everywhere.

• Winter (October to April) – Icy, dark, and slow. Driving gets tricky with snowstorms, black ice, and road closures. A simple trip can become a stress test if you're not used to harsh conditions.

• Spring and Autumn – A Bit of a wild card. You’ll get sunny roads one minute, a slushy mess the next. Some routes stay closed, especially higher up.

Always check umferdin.is for road status and vedur.is for weather.

The Real Deal on Driving Age in Iceland

Driving in Iceland isn’t complicated, but it’s not your everyday cruise either. The weather flips fast. Roads get weird. And distances fool you. A rental campervan is pure freedom, but only if you treat it with respect. Know the rules, check the conditions, and plan with time to spare. 

Already brushed up on the legal stuff, like the driving age in Iceland? 

Good. Now focus on the road ahead. Skip the stress, embrace the slow, and let Iceland do its thing. You’re not just driving. You’re doing it in one of the wildest places on Earth. Make it count.