Iceland vs Poland: Key Driving Differences Explained
When venturing into the realms of Iceland and Poland, it's crucial to grasp their distinct driving regulations to ensure a safe journey. Key contrasts include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol tolerance, which significantly affect road behavior. Dive into this comparison to illuminate the vital aspects of navigating 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
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Used for temporary markings, such as during road works. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads. | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted. | Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' on the road. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
iceland:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
iceland:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
iceland:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
iceland:
List length: 4
poland:
List length: 5
Bus Lanes: Usage
iceland:
Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted.
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
Bus Lanes: Markings
iceland:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
iceland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
iceland:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 20 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h on gravel roads | 90 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 | 140 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 100 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 | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation. |
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
iceland:
30 km/h
poland:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
80 km/h on gravel roads
poland:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h on paved roads
poland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
iceland:
80 km/h on paved roads
poland:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
90 km/h
poland:
140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h
poland:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
iceland:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
iceland:
Yes
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.
Signals
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. | |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | N/A | Signals a change to green is imminent. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Mandatory | Yes, for all turns and lane changes | Yes, for all turns and lane changes. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting. | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Only in cases to avoid accidents. | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply. | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | N/A | Fines may apply for misuse. | |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. | |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | N/A | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Icelandic; symbols are standard | Polish; symbols are standard. | |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with red borders | Triangular with red border. |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
iceland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
iceland:
N/A
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
iceland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
poland:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
iceland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
iceland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
iceland:
N/A
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
iceland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
iceland:
Not to be used to signal other messages
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
iceland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
iceland:
N/A
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
iceland:
Icelandic; symbols are standard
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
iceland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
iceland:
Triangular with red borders
poland:
Triangular with red border.
Turns
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Allowed only if a green arrow is present. | |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. | |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs | Varies by location; check for signs. | |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. | |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
iceland:
Not allowed
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
Left Turn: General
iceland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
iceland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
iceland:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
iceland:
Yes, marked with arrows
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
iceland:
Prohibited
poland:
Prohibited.
Documentation
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted with International Driving Permit. | |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required | Mandatory every year. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Displayed on windshield. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
Driver's License: Requirement
iceland:
Valid driver's license required
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
Insurance
iceland:
Liability insurance mandatory
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
iceland:
Annual inspection required
poland:
Mandatory every year.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
iceland:
Displayed on the windshield
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
iceland:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Road Etiquette
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. | |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. | |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. | |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. | |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries. | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
iceland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
iceland:
Discouraged, fines may apply
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
iceland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
iceland:
Discouraged and may be penalized
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
iceland:
Only in emergency situations
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
iceland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
iceland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
iceland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
iceland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
When venturing into the realms of Iceland and Poland, it's crucial to grasp their distinct driving regulations to ensure a safe journey. Key contrasts include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol tolerance, which significantly affect road behavior. Dive into this comparison to illuminate the vital aspects of navigating these unique landscapes.
Alcohol
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% - zero tolerance | 0.00% | |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. | |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common | Common; checkpoints used frequently. | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial penalties can apply | Varies; can be substantial. | |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe offenses. | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension and fine | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
iceland:
0.05%
poland:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
iceland:
0.02%
poland:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
iceland:
0.00% - zero tolerance
poland:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
iceland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
iceland:
Check if medication affects driving ability
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
iceland:
Common
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
Enforcement: Fines
iceland:
Substantial penalties can apply
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
iceland:
Possible for severe offenses
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
iceland:
Can result in license suspension and fine
poland:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. | |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. | |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. | |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
iceland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
iceland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
iceland:
Signal when preparing to exit
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
iceland:
Use for first exit or straight
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
iceland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | National Police number 112 | 997 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact local towing services or insurance provider | 981 or through your insurance provider. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
Contact: Traffic Police
iceland:
National Police number 112
poland:
997
Contact: Roadside Assistance
iceland:
Contact local towing services or insurance provider
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
iceland:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Penalties And Fines
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| Iceland | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense | Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles. | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply | Mandatory, fines apply. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines if found using without hands-free | Fines apply for use without hands-free device. | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | Fines and license points apply. | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly | Rare; usually paid online or by mail. | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame | Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay. | |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. | |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
iceland:
Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
Common Fines: Alcohol
iceland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
iceland:
Mandatory; fines apply
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
Common Fines: Phone Use
iceland:
Fines if found using without hands-free
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
iceland:
Fines and points on license
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
Payment: On The Spot
iceland:
Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
Payment: Deadline
iceland:
Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
iceland:
Same as residents; must be paid
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
iceland:
Possible if fines are not paid
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.