Weekend Marked By Drunk Tourists And Conflict

The weekend in news shines a light on drunk driving and late-night confrontations in Reykjavík. Visir reports that in two different situations, this weekend, tourists were caught drinking and driving. Also, three doormen were assaulted at the downtown bar Sólon.

Last night the police stopped a tourist in the capital area who, according to their report, was intoxicated on alcohol and possibly other drugs. The same night, a tourist was caught driving over the speed limit on Reykjanesbraut, in the Hafnarfjörður area. In Iceland, the speed limit on paved roads is 90 km/h and the driver was clocked going 126 km/h. The tourist was fined, which was paid on the spot.

Drinking and driving is taken as a very serious offense in Iceland. You can expect a fine of 90,000 ISK and the loss of driving rights for two months for a first offense. The fines can go up to 300,000 ISK and you can end up losing your license for 4 years.

The police also had a busy night downtown, as three people attacked and injured the security guards of a nightclub. The authorities are still looking for the offenders, who escaped the scene immediately after the confrontations. The attackers have not yet been identified, Vísir reports, but an investigation is undergoing. Morgunblaðið reports one of the doormen was seriously injured and had to be taken into the emergency room, but his current status is unknown.