Driving in Denmark
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in Denmark.
Can You Drive in Denmark?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: EU licenses: valid indefinitely while visiting. Non-EU licenses: valid for up to 90 days
Important Note
EU/EEA licenses are fully valid in Denmark. Non-EU visitors can drive with their home license for stays up to 90 days. An IDP is recommended for non-EU license holders, especially if the license is not in Latin script. After 90 days, a Danish license exchange is required for residents.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest (must be accessible inside the vehicle, not in the trunk)
- Proof of insurance
Recommended Items
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Spare bulb kit
- Ice scraper and de-icer (winter months)
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
Storebælt Bridge: DKK 260 for cars; Øresund Bridge: approximately DKK 320–390 for cars
Denmark has very few toll roads. The main tolls are the Storebælt Bridge (connecting Zealand and Funen) and the Øresund Bridge (connecting Denmark and Sweden). The Øresund Bridge toll is shared between Denmark and Sweden. BroBizz is the electronic payment system for both bridges.
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- Always carry a blue parking disc (P-skive) — available free from gas stations, tourist offices, and police stations
- Use the EasyPark or ParkOne app for mobile parking payment in most Danish cities
- In Copenhagen, parking is free on Sundays and public holidays in most zones but always check signage
Average Cost: DKK 15–40/hour in Copenhagen city center; lower in smaller cities
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Forgetting to use daytime running lights — dipped headlights must be on at all times while driving in Denmark, day and night
- 2Not yielding to cyclists — Denmark has extensive cycle lanes and cyclists have strong right-of-way protections
- 3Speeding in residential areas — Denmark uses point-to-point (section) speed cameras that measure average speed over a distance
- 4Parking without a parking disc (P-skive) in time-limited zones — you must display a blue parking disc showing your arrival time
Traffic Fines
Speeding
DKK 1,200–10,000+ depending on speed exceeded; over 30% above limit earns a klip; over 100% above limit can result in vehicle confiscation
No Seatbelt
DKK 2,500 (fine plus mandatory Offerfonden donation)
Phone Use
DKK 1,500–2,000 plus a klip (penalty point) on license
Red Light
DKK 2,000 plus a klip on license; conditional license revocation for repeat offenses
Illegal Parking
DKK 510–2,040 depending on violation type and duration
Ready to Drive in Denmark?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
112 (emergency) / 114 (non-emergency police)
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Roadside Assistance
FDM (Forenede Danske Motorejere): +45 70 13 30 40 — Denmark's main roadside assistance service
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master Denmark Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
