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.
Safety Rules
Effective July 7, 2026
Before
Basic ADAS required
Since July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping, and drowsiness detection based on driving patterns
After (2026)
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
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.
Environmental Zones
Effective July 1, 2026
Before
Euro 5 diesel exempt
Diesel vehicles meeting Euro 5 standards could enter environmental zones without particle filters
After (2026)
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
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.
Penalties & Fines
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
Standard fine of DKK 1,500
Failing to yield to cyclists or passing too close carried standard traffic fine
After (2026)
DKK 2,500 fine + conditional suspension
Fines increased for right-turn cyclist collisions; conditional license suspension for serious incidents; mandatory mirror check before turning
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.
Speed Limits
Effective August 1, 2026
Before
40 km/h advisory near schools
Reduced speed limits near schools were advisory and inconsistently applied
After (2026)
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)
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.
From July 7, 2026, all new cars sold in Denmark must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) - a camera-based system that detects if you're using your phone, eating, or not watching the road. ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance), AEB, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024 under EU GSR2.
From July 2026, diesel vehicles registered before 2015 need an approved particle filter and miljøzone sticker to enter environmental zones in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg. Without the filter, you risk a fine of DKK 2,500 for private vehicles or DKK 15,000 for heavy vehicles.
Fines have increased to DKK 2,500 for failing to yield to cyclists or passing too closely. Serious incidents, especially right-turn collisions (højresvingsulykker), can result in conditional license suspension. Always check mirrors and blind spots before turning right.
Yes. From August 2026, a mandatory 30 km/h speed limit applies within 200 meters of all primary schools during school hours (7:30-16:00). These zones replace the previous advisory 40 km/h recommendations and are enforced with speed cameras.
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: February 1, 2026
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Everything you need to pass on your first attempt