CARS
In Denmark you drive on the right-hand side of the road. It is legally required to drive with lights on 24 hours a day.
Most of the traffic signs in Denmark are international.
Danish motorways are toll free, but the two major bridges, Øresund that connects Denmark to Sweden and Storebaælt which connects the Island of Sjælland to the Island of Fynn, charge tolls.
The minimum age for driving, provided you hold a full driving license, is 18 for cars and motorcycles.
Always give way to buses that signal to pull out from a bus stop. Drivers should be aware of cyclists when turning right. Cyclists and moped riders going straight have the right of way. When turning right, look out especially for bicycle traffic coming from behind.
As a rule, pedestrian crossings are zebra crossings. Speed must be adjusted so as not to endanger pedestrians when crossing or stepping onto it. At junctions and roundabouts, give way to pedestrians crossing the lane you are entering.
The use of seat belts is compulsory both in the front and back seats. The driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 15 wear seatbelts. Children under a height of 135cm must use approved safety seating devices adapted for their height and weight.
Only hands-free mobile telephones are allowed while driving. In Denmark, you are not allowed to drive under the influence of drugs. The legal limit for alcohol in your blood is 0.5 per thousand, anything higher than 0.5 will incur a severe penalty.
Stopping and parking is, as a rule, permitted on the right side of the road but prohibited on motorways. Unlawfully parked cars result in a fine of 510 – 750 DKK. In Copenhagen you often have to pay for parking, rules and prices vary from area to area. A parking disc is obligatory where parking time is limited. The parking disc must be set to show your arrival time. Discs are available at gas stations, banks, etc.
If you live within the Pay and Display Zone, you can buy a residents’ parking permit which exempts you from purchasing tickets at the Pay and Display ticket machines in your area of residence. A resident parking permit does not exempt you from complying with any local parking restrictions, which are indicated by special signs showing time or other restrictions on parking.
Always carry the documents mentioned below while driving a car:
- Driving license
- Vehicle registration document (V5)
- Certificate of insurance
When arriving in Denmark and if you are from outside the EU/EEA, you will need to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Danish license. For more information, consult the following links: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/Coming-to-Denmark/Foreign-driving-licences (in English)
The normal speed limits in Copenhagen/Denmark are outlined below, except unless otherwise indicated:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Outside urban areas: 80 km/h
- Motorways: 110 km/h, in some places 130 km/h
You can call 112 nationwide to reach the Danish police, fire department, and ambulance services. Use the emergency telephones that can be found along the motorways if you have an accident, a breakdown or if you run out of petrol.
If you are interested in motorway maps or traffic rules visit: (in Danish) http://www.trafikken.dk