DenmarkDenmark
Traffic rules
Denmark
1. Denmark
Denmark is a country in Northern Europe and Scandinavia, consisting of the Jutland peninsula and many islands between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Traffic drives on the right, and bridges play an important role in longer journeys: the Storebælt connection links Funen and Zealand, while the Øresund connection links Denmark with Sweden, and both are tolled. Cyclists are a major part of everyday traffic, particularly in towns and cities, so drivers must pay close attention to cycle lanes and to cyclists continuing straight when turning.
Danish is the main language used on text-based road signs, and place names often contain the letters æ, ø and å. Denmark also has a recognised German-speaking minority in southern Jutland, close to the German border. Drivers should be aware of several distinctive Danish rules: lights must be used during daytime driving, there is no fixed winter-tyre season but tyres must be suitable for the actual conditions, and low-emission zones restrict certain diesel vehicles in Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Odense, Aarhus and Aalborg.
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Which number can you call in an emergency in Denmark?
Call 112 for urgent emergency assistance. Give the operator your location and explain what happened.
What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Denmark?
The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5‰ (0.5 g/l) for most drivers. A lower limit of 0.2‰ (0.2 g/l) applies during the first three years after a driver first obtains a category B car licence.
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Denmark?
Built-up areas: The general maximum speed is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
Outside built-up areas: The general maximum speed on ordinary roads outside built-up areas is 80 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
Roads for motor vehicles: The general maximum speed on a motortrafikvej is 80 km/h. On suitable sections, signs may permit a higher limit of up to 100 km/h.
Motorways: The general maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h, although lower limits apply on many sections and must be followed where indicated.
What are the seat-belt and child-restraint rules in Denmark?
Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers using seats equipped with them, subject to specific legal exceptions.
Children shorter than 135 cm must normally use an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight. Once they reach 135 cm, they must use the fitted seat belt. The driver must ensure that passengers under 15 are correctly restrained.
A rear-facing child seat must not be placed in front of an active frontal airbag. Limited exemptions exist for taxis without an available child restraint and certain occasional journeys; these are not a general exemption for ordinary family journeys.
🔗 sikkertrafik.dk • Danish Road Safety Council, children in cars
🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish Road Traffic Act, sections 80 and 80a
🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish regulation on seat belts, sections 4 and 5, limited exceptions
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Denmark?
Drivers may not use handheld telecommunications or other handheld communication devices while driving. Hands-free or securely mounted equipment may be used, provided it does not interfere with safe driving.
Are winter tyres mandatory in Denmark?
There is no fixed calendar period requiring winter tyres on every journey. Your tyres must be suitable for the actual and expected conditions, including snow, ice and slush. If conditions during the journey make your tyres clearly unsuitable, you must not continue driving on them.
Must cars use lights during the day in Denmark?
Yes. Motor vehicles must use dipped headlights, approved daytime running lights or permitted front fog lights during daytime driving. The appropriate lights must be used in darkness and reduced visibility.
Can a visitor use a driving licence issued in another EU country in Denmark?
Yes. A valid, full EU driving licence is recognised for the vehicle categories it covers. You must meet the applicable minimum age. A learner licence or a temporary replacement certificate does not have the same automatic recognition.
Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Denmark?
Yes. On an ordinary, open motorcycle, both the rider and passenger must wear a protective helmet. Use a helmet that meets the applicable approval requirements and fasten it correctly. Check the specific rules before relying on an exemption for an enclosed or specially equipped vehicle.
