Denmark 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Færdselsstyrelsen
Last Updated: 1 February 2026
Summary
Denmark implements EU General Safety Regulation Phase 3 in 2026 requiring advanced distraction monitoring in all new cars, expands environmental zones with stricter particle filter requirements, introduces updated speed limit signage, and increases penalties for dangerous driving near cyclists.
Key Changes
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Intelligent Speed Assistance and Distraction Warning
Effective 7 July 2026
Basic ADAS required
Since July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping, and drowsiness detection based on driving patterns
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with in-cabin camera detecting phone use, eating, or looking away from the road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2019/2144
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction detection from July 2026. Your car will alert you if you look at your phone or away from the road for too long. ISA, AEB, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024. Know these systems for your køreprøve.”
Stricter Environmental Zone Particle Filter Requirements
Effective 1 July 2026
Euro 5 diesel exempt
Diesel vehicles meeting Euro 5 standards could enter environmental zones without particle filters
Particle filter required for older diesel
All diesel vehicles registered before 2015 must have an approved particle filter to enter miljøzoner in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg
Official Source: Miljøstyrelsen
Instructor's Tip
“Denmark's four largest cities have stricter miljøzone rules from July 2026. If you drive a pre-2015 diesel, you need an approved particle filter and the green miljøzone sticker. Foreign vehicles are also covered - check before driving into city centers.”
Increased Penalties for Endangering Cyclists
Effective 1 January 2026
Standard fine of DKK 1,500
Failing to yield to cyclists or passing too close carried standard traffic fine
DKK 2,500 fine + conditional suspension
Fines increased for right-turn cyclist collisions; conditional license suspension for serious incidents; mandatory mirror check before turning
Official Source: Færdselsloven
Instructor's Tip
“Denmark takes cyclist safety very seriously. The "højresvingsulykke" (right-turn accident with cyclists) is a major focus. Always check your right mirror and blind spot before turning right. Fines are now DKK 2,500 and you can lose your license.”
Changes by Category
🚗Speed Limits(1)
Updated Speed Limit Zones Near Schools
Effective 1 August 2026
40 km/h advisory near schools
Reduced speed limits near schools were advisory and inconsistently applied
30 km/h mandatory school zones
Mandatory 30 km/h speed limit within 200 meters of all primary schools during school hours (7:30-16:00)
Official Source: Vejdirektoratet
⚠️Penalties & Fines(1)
Increased Penalties for Endangering Cyclists
Effective 1 January 2026
Standard fine of DKK 1,500
Failing to yield to cyclists or passing too close carried standard traffic fine
DKK 2,500 fine + conditional suspension
Fines increased for right-turn cyclist collisions; conditional license suspension for serious incidents; mandatory mirror check before turning
Official Source: Færdselsloven
🛡️Safety Rules(1)
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Intelligent Speed Assistance and Distraction Warning
Effective 7 July 2026
Basic ADAS required
Since July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping, and drowsiness detection based on driving patterns
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with in-cabin camera detecting phone use, eating, or looking away from the road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2019/2144
🌱Environmental Zones(1)
Stricter Environmental Zone Particle Filter Requirements
Effective 1 July 2026
Euro 5 diesel exempt
Diesel vehicles meeting Euro 5 standards could enter environmental zones without particle filters
Particle filter required for older diesel
All diesel vehicles registered before 2015 must have an approved particle filter to enter miljøzoner in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg
Official Source: Miljøstyrelsen
Instructor Tips
Re: EU GSR2 Phase 3: Intelligent Speed Assistance and Distraction Warning
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction detection from July 2026. Your car will alert you if you look at your phone or away from the road for too long. ISA, AEB, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024. Know these systems for your køreprøve.”
Re: Stricter Environmental Zone Particle Filter Requirements
Instructor's Tip
“Denmark's four largest cities have stricter miljøzone rules from July 2026. If you drive a pre-2015 diesel, you need an approved particle filter and the green miljøzone sticker. Foreign vehicles are also covered - check before driving into city centers.”
Re: Increased Penalties for Endangering Cyclists
Instructor's Tip
“Denmark takes cyclist safety very seriously. The "højresvingsulykke" (right-turn accident with cyclists) is a major focus. Always check your right mirror and blind spot before turning right. Fines are now DKK 2,500 and you can lose your license.”
Re: Updated Speed Limit Zones Near Schools
Instructor's Tip
“From August 2026, all primary schools will have mandatory 30 km/h zones active during school hours. Watch for the new signage with time indicators. These zones are actively enforced with speed cameras.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What new safety features are required in Danish cars from 2026?
Can I drive my older diesel car in Danish city centers?
What are the penalties for endangering cyclists in Denmark?
Are there new speed limits near Danish schools?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Færdselsstyrelsen — Official regulatory body
- EU General Safety Regulation 2019/2144 — EU GSR2 Phase 3: Intelligent Speed Assistance and Distraction Warning
- Miljøstyrelsen — Stricter Environmental Zone Particle Filter Requirements
- Færdselsloven — Increased Penalties for Endangering Cyclists
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