Driving in Iceland vs. New Zealand: Key Differences
Exploring the roads of Iceland and New Zealand reveals fascinating contrasts in driving regulations and safety practices. With Iceland driving on the right and New Zealand on the left, motorists must adapt to unique lane usage, speed limits, and traffic signals. Understanding these key distinctions is essential for a secure and enjoyable journey in each country.
Driving Side
The driving side in iceland is the Right Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in iceland is 93
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
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Marks the right edge on divided roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right. | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted. | Reserved for buses during certain hours. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and green pavement. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | Not applicable | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Speeds Limits
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 50 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h on gravel roads | 100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h on paved roads | 100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h on paved roads | 90 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 90 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | No; fines are usually mailed after citation |
Signals
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | N/A | Not used in New Zealand | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | N/A | Fines may apply for misuse | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | N/A | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Icelandic; symbols are standard | English; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with red borders | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Turns
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| U- Turns Allowed | Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by a sign |
Documentation
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required | Regular inspection required; proof may be required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Displayed on license plate or windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at marked crossings | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Move to the left and stop if necessary |
Exploring the roads of Iceland and New Zealand reveals fascinating contrasts in driving regulations and safety practices. With Iceland driving on the right and New Zealand on the left, motorists must adapt to unique lane usage, speed limits, and traffic signals. Understanding these key distinctions is essential for a secure and enjoyable journey in each country.
Alcohol
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% - zero tolerance | 0.00% | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common | Common; checkpoints used regularly | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial penalties can apply | Substantial fines, can vary widely | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension and fine | Can result in license suspension and other penalties |
Roundabouts
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal left if making an immediate left turn upon entry | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
Emergency Services
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 | 111 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | National Police number 112 | 111 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact local towing services or insurance provider | 0800 500 222 for AA (Automobile Association) | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Iceland | New zealand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense | Varies; $30 to $630, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply | $150, points may also apply | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines if found using without hands-free | $80 to $150, points in some circumstances | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | $150, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly | No; fines usually paid online or by mail | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame | Varies; typically 28 days to pay |