What You Should Know About Winter Tires in Iceland

Iceland definitely turns into a breathtaking winter wonderland resembling a scene from Frozen. And, sometimes, it can seem like you caught Elsa on a bad day. The weather can make driving and overall road conditions tricky to navigate here on the island, especially during the winter when conditions can become pretty extreme.

You’ll need to contend with snow and ice (which is especially difficult to deal with if you’re not used to these elements back home). Managing these situations goes hand in hand with all sorts of gadgets and accessories, such as driving with winter tires in Iceland.

But, as we already mentioned, all these things can be confusing, especially to someone who doesn’t need them and never has to use them in their home country. That’s why we decided to tackle the topic of winter tires and hopefully bring some clarity on the subject. So, let’s not pump the brakes and slide right into everything you need to know about these tires in Iceland.

Are Winter Tires Compulsory in Iceland?

Yes, there is a certain period during the year when you will be required by law to drive with winter tires. So, let’s take a closer look at what Iceland law requires:

Icelandic Winter Tires Law

From the 1st of November till the 15th of April, all vehicles must have winter tires on. Just keep in mind that this period can differ slightly from year to year, depending on how quickly the weather turns or how long the winter weather stays.

The good news? If you’re renting with Campervan Reykjavik, your winter tires are completely free during this mandatory period. That’s one less thing to worry about as you prepare for your Icelandic winter adventure!

What is Considered Winter Tires?

You will find two types of tires in Iceland that are considered winter tires:

Studded Tires

Studded tires look exactly what they sound like; they have metal spikes that increase grip and decrease the odds of slipping. It’s a little bit like the spike shoes athletes wear to retain grip on the tracks. These studded tires are exclusively for the period mentioned above and are illegal to have on during the warmer months of the year. Studded tires are considered the best option of the two types.

Non-studded Winter Tires

Non-studded winter tires are legally allowed as long as they have a minimum tread depth of 3mm. These are second-best when it comes to grip and traction compared to their studded counterparts.

Tips for Driving in Winter in Iceland

If this is going to be your first time driving in Iceland in the winter, the following tips and advice will come in very handy:

• It’s important to adhere to the speed limits here in Iceland, but that doesn’t mean you must push it to the limits, especially not during the wintertime. Irrespective of the tires you have on, it’s better to drive slowly when the roads are icy.

• Don’t slam down on the breaks. This is when you’re going to be at great risk of skidding. This is also where driving slowly can be to your advantage.

• Just in case of a possible slip, keep an extra driving distance between yourself and other vehicles.

• Try to stick to the main roads when conditions become very challenging. These roads are usually paved and well-maintained.

• Even though the main roads are well-maintained during the winter, keep in mind that the further north you go, the

• Also, remember that the F-roads are closed throughout the winter, so don’t plan any road trip that includes them.

• Stay on top of what’s happening with the weather and on the roads by regularly checking the Verdur and the Umferdin websites.

Using Snow Tires in Iceland with Your Rental Campervan

If you’re planning on renting a campervan in Iceland during a winter trip, you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands. Your rental will already be fitted with winter tires to be compliant with local laws, rules, and regulations. Your rental agent will also advise you on any potential extras you may need, which insurance to take, and even give you a few local hot tips (along with a couple of vouchers, if you’re lucky) to make your Iceland adventure as memorable as possible