Driving Cars and Bikes

Find out about the rules of the road: what to carry in your car, vehicle tax, speed limits, road types, drink driving, penalties....

The minimum age in Denmark to drive a car is 18 years. Drivers must have a valid driving licence and be 18 years or older. They may start to learn to drive three months before their 18th birthday.

Rules and Regulations

  • Drive on the right in Denmark
  • Drivers must have a valid driver's licence for the vehicle they are driving
  • The use of a handheld phone whilst driving is illegal in Denmark
  • Wearing of seatbelts is compulsory in both the front and back seats. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure all passengers under 15 wear belts
  • Head lights are compulsory at all hours, dipped during the day
  • Speed limits are strictly enforced
  • Sounding of the horn is only done in extreme circumstance
  • Third party liability insurance is compulsory in Denmark
  • Children under 135cm must have a suitable child seat adapted to their age, weight and height
  • Carrying a warning triangle is obligatory
  • Motorcyclists must wear helmets

Documents to carry in the car

The following documents should be carried with the driver in the car:

  • Valid driver's licence
  • Vehicle Registration information
  • Certificate of motor insurance

Items to carry in the car

It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle in the car. The following items are recommended:

  • A first aid/emergency kit
  • Spare bulb kit
  • Fire extinguisher

Safe road usage

  • When approaching a roundabout give way to traffic on the left unless a traffic sign states otherwise
  • Indicators should be used when changing lane on the motorways
  • Use hazard lights if approaching a traffic jam
  • There is a general duty to give way to the right
  • Strict drink driving laws exist in Denmark with only 0.5g/l permitted
  • Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles
  • The speed limit for towing vehicles is 80 Km/h whether or not signposted
  • A red and white triangular give way sign or a line of white triangles across the road indicates that the driver must give way to traffic
  • Give way to buses that signal to pull out from bus stops.
  • Cyclists generally have right of way

The Danish Roads Directorate has information on the rules of the road and driving in Denmark: Click here