Driving in Iceland vs Jamaica: Key Safety Differences
Exploring the roads of Iceland and Jamaica unveils a fascinating contrast in motoring regulations and practices. While Icelandic drivers navigate on the right with solid yellow lane markings, Jamaicans adhere to left-side traffic, emphasizing caution with various lane usages. Understanding these disparities is vital for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in these unique landscapes.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in iceland is the Right Side of the road
93
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in iceland is 93
2.229 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for iceland is 2.229 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Marks the center of the road on two-way streets. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Yes | No | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes | Limited | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted. | Primarily for buses in certain urban areas | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Marked with signs indicating bus lane | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes | Limited | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles. | Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Occasional with bicycle symbols | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | Not applicable | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings |
Driving Side
iceland:
Right
jamaica:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
iceland:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
jamaica:
Marks the center of the road on two-way streets.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
iceland:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
jamaica:
Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution.
Overtaking: On Left
iceland:
Yes
jamaica:
No
Overtaking: On Right
iceland:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
jamaica:
Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
iceland:
List length: 4
jamaica:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
iceland:
Use rightmost lane.
jamaica:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
iceland:
Yes
jamaica:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
iceland:
Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted.
jamaica:
Primarily for buses in certain urban areas
Bus Lanes: Markings
iceland:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
jamaica:
Marked with signs indicating bus lane
Cycle Lanes: Presence
iceland:
Yes
jamaica:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
iceland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
jamaica:
Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left
Cycle Lanes: Markings
iceland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
jamaica:
Occasional with bicycle symbols
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
iceland:
N/A
jamaica:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings
Speeds Limits
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h on gravel roads | 80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h on paved roads | 80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h on paved roads | 70 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Fixed speed limits via signs | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | Common for immediate traffic violations |
Urban Areas: Standard
iceland:
50 km/h
jamaica:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
80 km/h on gravel roads
jamaica:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h on paved roads
jamaica:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
iceland:
80 km/h on paved roads
jamaica:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
90 km/h
jamaica:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h
jamaica:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
iceland:
Yes
jamaica:
Common for immediate traffic violations
Signals
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing | |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | N/A | Not used in Jamaica | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Typically allowed in situations to avert danger | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Discouraged near hospitals and schools | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | N/A | Rarely enforced | |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To signal intentions, often a warning | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not widely restricted | |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, especially if indicator lights fail | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | N/A | More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Icelandic; symbols are standard | English; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with red borders | Often triangular with red borders |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
iceland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
jamaica:
Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
iceland:
N/A
jamaica:
Not used in Jamaica
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
jamaica:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Allowed
iceland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
jamaica:
Typically allowed in situations to avert danger
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
iceland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
jamaica:
Discouraged near hospitals and schools
Horn Usage: Penalties
iceland:
N/A
jamaica:
Rarely enforced
Headlight Flash: Usage
iceland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
jamaica:
To signal intentions, often a warning
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
iceland:
Not to be used to signal other messages
jamaica:
Not widely restricted
Hand Signals: Permitted
iceland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
jamaica:
Yes, especially if indicator lights fail
Hand Signals: Common Usage
iceland:
N/A
jamaica:
More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles
Traffic Signs: Language
iceland:
Icelandic; symbols are standard
jamaica:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
iceland:
Triangular with red borders
jamaica:
Often triangular with red borders
Turns
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Prohibited | |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise | |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs | Allowed unless signs prohibit it |
Right Turn On Red
iceland:
Not allowed
jamaica:
Prohibited
Left Turn: General
iceland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
jamaica:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
Left Turn: At Intersections
iceland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
jamaica:
Yield to oncoming traffic
U- Turns Allowed
iceland:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs
jamaica:
Allowed unless signs prohibit it
Documentation
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted with International Driving Permit | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted with International Driving Permit | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required | Annual inspection required; proof via certificate | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Not consistently used | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Recommended | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Recommended |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
iceland:
Annual inspection required
jamaica:
Annual inspection required; proof via certificate
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
iceland:
Displayed on the windshield
jamaica:
Not consistently used
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
iceland:
Mandatory
jamaica:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
jamaica:
Recommended
Road Etiquette
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To signal intentions or warnings | |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Informally regulated | |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice | |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged | |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Encouraged only to avert danger | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Moderate use; more common than in some countries | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crossings | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over and stop if safe | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Sirens and flashing lights |
Flashing Lights: Usage
iceland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
jamaica:
To signal intentions or warnings
Flashing Lights: Misuse
iceland:
Discouraged, fines may apply
jamaica:
Informally regulated
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
iceland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
jamaica:
Common practice
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
iceland:
Discouraged and may be penalized
jamaica:
Discouraged
Use Of Horn: Limited
iceland:
Only in emergency situations
jamaica:
Encouraged only to avert danger
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
iceland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
jamaica:
Moderate use; more common than in some countries
Pedestrians Priority
iceland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
jamaica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
iceland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
jamaica:
Pull over and stop if safe
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
iceland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
jamaica:
Sirens and flashing lights
Exploring the roads of Iceland and Jamaica unveils a fascinating contrast in motoring regulations and practices. While Icelandic drivers navigate on the right with solid yellow lane markings, Jamaicans adhere to left-side traffic, emphasizing caution with various lane usages. Understanding these disparities is vital for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in these unique landscapes.
Alcohol
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.03% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% - zero tolerance | Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited | |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence | |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check for impairment warnings | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common | Occasionally conducted | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial penalties can apply | Varies with severity and past offenses | |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe breaches | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension and fine | Can result in fines and license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
iceland:
0.05%
jamaica:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
iceland:
0.02%
jamaica:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
iceland:
0.00% - zero tolerance
jamaica:
Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
iceland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
jamaica:
Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence
Zero Tolerance: Medications
iceland:
Check if medication affects driving ability
jamaica:
Check for impairment warnings
Enforcement: Random Checks
iceland:
Common
jamaica:
Occasionally conducted
Enforcement: Fines
iceland:
Substantial penalties can apply
jamaica:
Varies with severity and past offenses
Enforcement: Imprisonment
iceland:
Possible for severe offenses
jamaica:
Possible for severe breaches
Test Refusal
iceland:
Can result in license suspension and fine
jamaica:
Can result in fines and license suspension
Roundabouts
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority | |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly | |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal if taking an immediate exit | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal when preparing to exit | Signal left when preparing to exit | |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for immediate or second exit | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for other exits |
Priority: Entering
iceland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
jamaica:
Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority
Priority: Inside
iceland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
jamaica:
Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
jamaica:
Signal if taking an immediate exit
Signaling: Exiting
iceland:
Signal when preparing to exit
jamaica:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
iceland:
Use for first exit or straight
jamaica:
Use for immediate or second exit
Lane Usage: Left
iceland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
jamaica:
Use for other exits
Emergency Services
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 | 119 or 110 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | National Police number 112 | 119 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact local towing services or insurance provider | Depends on provider; often through insurance | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Recommended | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
iceland:
112
jamaica:
119 or 110
Contact: Traffic Police
iceland:
National Police number 112
jamaica:
119
Contact: Roadside Assistance
iceland:
Contact local towing services or insurance provider
jamaica:
Depends on provider; often through insurance
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
iceland:
Mandatory
jamaica:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
jamaica:
Recommended
Penalties And Fines
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Iceland | Jamaica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense | Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply | Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines if found using without hands-free | Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | Subject to fines and points | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly | Possible for minor fines | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame | Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days | |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Must be paid promptly to avoid complications | |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible for unresolved fines |
Common Fines: Speeding
iceland:
Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense
jamaica:
Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit
Common Fines: Alcohol
iceland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
jamaica:
Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
iceland:
Mandatory; fines apply
jamaica:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
iceland:
Fines if found using without hands-free
jamaica:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
iceland:
Fines and points on license
jamaica:
Subject to fines and points
Payment: On The Spot
iceland:
Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly
jamaica:
Possible for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
iceland:
Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame
jamaica:
Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days
Foreign Drivers: Fines
iceland:
Same as residents; must be paid
jamaica:
Must be paid promptly to avoid complications
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
iceland:
Possible if fines are not paid
jamaica:
Possible for unresolved fines