Planning a family road trip in Iceland is exciting, but it also means making sure everyone is safe and legal on the road—especially the youngest travelers. Iceland has clear car seat rules designed to protect children in all driving conditions, from calm summer days to windy winter roads. If you’re staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland—at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—this guide will help you understand what you need before you set off.
Iceland’s car seat rules are based on a child’s age, height, and weight, and they apply whether you’re driving your own car or a rental. Children under 135 cm in height must use an appropriate child restraint system (car seat or booster) that is approved and correctly installed. This means that even if your child is older, if they are under 135 cm, they still need a proper seat. All car seats must meet European safety standards (ECE R44/04 or i-Size / ECE R129), which most rental companies in Iceland follow.
Rear-facing seats are strongly recommended for as long as possible, at least until age 4, and are often considered the safest option on Iceland’s sometimes unpredictable roads. If you’re using a rear-facing seat in the front passenger seat, the airbag must be deactivated. This is a key rule in Iceland: never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. For older children, a high-back booster is recommended until they reach the required height, as it offers better side-impact protection and keeps the seat belt in the correct position.
Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car, in every seat, at all times. Icelandic police do carry out checks, and fines can be issued if children are not properly secured. More importantly, weather and road conditions can change quickly, especially in West Iceland, so proper restraints are essential for safety, not just for legal compliance.
If you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, you’re perfectly placed for exploring West Iceland by car—whether you’re heading towards the waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, the hot spring Deildartunguhver, or driving north towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Before you set off, make sure your rental car is equipped with the right child seats. Many guests at Hvítá Inn arrive from Keflavík or Reykjavík with rental cars, so it’s wise to book your car seat in advance with the rental company and double-check the installation when you arrive at the inn.
From Stykkishólmur Inn, you can explore the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with its black beaches, lava fields, and charming fishing villages. These routes are family-friendly but can involve gravel roads and changing weather. If you’re traveling with young children, take a few minutes in the parking area at Stykkishólmur Inn to ensure the car seat is tightly installed, the harness is snug (no loose straps or bulky coats under the belts), and that your child is in the correct type of seat for their size. Staff can often help point you to nearby services if you need adjustments or have questions about local driving conditions.
Farther north and west, Ísafjörður Inn is a great base for exploring the dramatic Westfjords. The roads here can be more remote, with tunnels, mountain passes, and sometimes narrow, winding stretches. This makes proper child restraints even more important. Before leaving Ísafjörður Inn for a day trip—perhaps to Dynjandi waterfall or one of the quiet fjord villages—check that your child’s seat is still firmly anchored. Long drives on bumpy roads can sometimes loosen poorly installed seats, so a quick check each morning is a good habit.
When planning your trip with Ourhotels.is, consider these practical tips for car seats in Iceland:
– Reserve car seats with your rental car in advance, especially in high season, as supplies can be limited.
– Bring your own car seat if you prefer, but confirm that it meets European standards and can be installed with the type of seat belts or ISOFIX systems in Icelandic rental cars.
– Allow extra time at the airport or at your first hotel—such as Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—to install and adjust the seat properly before starting a long drive.
– Dress children in thin, warm layers rather than thick coats under the harness; bulky clothing can reduce the effectiveness of the seat in a collision.
– Always follow local speed limits and road warnings; safe driving is the best complement to a properly installed car seat.
Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland gives you a comfortable base between days of exploring, and it also makes it easier to travel at a relaxed pace with children. Whether you’re waking up to river views near Borgarnes at Hvítá Inn, enjoying the harbor atmosphere at Stykkishólmur Inn, or soaking in the dramatic fjord scenery around Ísafjörður Inn, you can plan your drives around your family’s needs—frequent breaks, shorter legs, and safe, well-prepared journeys.
By understanding and following Iceland’s car seat rules, you not only avoid fines but also ensure that your family can enjoy the country’s landscapes with peace of mind. Combine safe driving, proper child restraints, and comfortable stays with Ourhotels.is, and your Icelandic road trip through the west and the Westfjords becomes both memorable and secure for every member of the family.
