What is a Ghost Island (Málflöt)?A ghost island, referred to as Málflöt in Icelandic traffic legislation, is a specific type of road marking that creates a delineated area on the road surface. Unlike a physical traffic island with a raised kerb, a ghost island is entirely painted, typically with diagonal white stripes bordered by solid white lines. Its primary function is to guide drivers, separate opposing traffic flows, or provide a safe turning radius at complex junctions, entrances, or areas where traffic diverges.

The Purpose and Function of Ghost Islands

Ghost islands are strategically placed to improve road safety and traffic flow. They effectively channel vehicles into appropriate lanes, reduce cutting corners, and provide a clear visual barrier for drivers. At junctions, they often create a safe space for vehicles waiting to turn right (in countries with right-hand traffic like Iceland) without obstructing oncoming traffic. By giving the illusion of a solid barrier, they encourage drivers to maintain a safe distance and follow the intended path through an intersection, making multi-lane turns and complex maneuvers more predictable.

When Can You Drive Over a Ghost Island in Iceland?

While ghost islands are designed to guide traffic, the Icelandic traffic regulations, similar to many other jurisdictions, treat them as areas generally to be avoided. You should not drive over a ghost island under normal circumstances. Its purpose is to direct you, and crossing it defeats that purpose and can create confusion or hazards for other drivers.

However, there are specific situations where driving over a ghost island is legally permissible, or even necessary, in Iceland:

• Passing a stationary obstruction: If your lane is blocked by a stationary vehicle, a parked car, or another obstruction, and you cannot safely proceed without crossing the ghost island, it is permissible to do so to pass the obstruction.
• Road too narrow: In rare instances, if the road is too narrow for you to safely navigate around the ghost island without risking a collision or driving into oncoming traffic, you may carefully drive over it.

In all other cases, you must treat a ghost island as if it were a solid physical island and drive around it. Always prioritize safety and avoid crossing it unless absolutely necessary.

Ghost Islands and Your Driving Theory Exam

Questions about ghost islands frequently appear in the Icelandic driving theory exam. You will need to know their definition, purpose, and the correct procedure for approaching and navigating them. Exam questions often test your understanding of:

• When it is permissible (and impermissible) to drive over a ghost island.
• How ghost islands manage traffic flow at junctions.
• The safety implications of ignoring these markings.

Knowing that they are primarily for guidance and should only be crossed out of necessity due to an obstruction or road width is key to answering these questions correctly.