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Denmark: traffic fine rules

What FineCalc knows about traffic fines in Denmark: speeding, offences, notices and deadlines – and every source behind them.

13 October 2026
Data as of
2026.10.1
Data version
16
offences
180
speeding tiers
19
sources

Good to know

Fines go by percentage

In Denmark the fine depends on the percentage by which the limit was exceeded – and on whether it was a motorway. The rates apply nationwide and were last raised on 01.01.2022.

Victim Fund contribution doubled

Since 15.02.2026, 1.000 kr. for the Victim Fund is added to every fine with a penalty mark, disqualification or driving ban (previously 500 kr.).

Speeding

180 tiers across 3 types of road.

Speed limits covered (km/h)

Built-up area

30405060

Open road

60708090100

Motorway

8090100110130

Measuring tolerance

Whether and how much the police deduct from the reading is not reliably published. Enter the speed stated in the police letter – only that figure counts. What matters is the excess as a percentage of the limit.

Offences in the catalogue

Alcohol and drugs1

  • Drink-driving

    The limit is 0,50 ‰ blood alcohol (0,25 mg/l breath). Since 1 July 2025 a limit of 0,20 ‰ has applied to novice category B drivers during their first three years. The fine depends on income.

    færdselslovens § 53, stk. 2

Phone, seat belt and helmet2

  • Using a phone while driving

    Any hand-held use of a phone or other device while driving is prohibited.

    færdselslovens § 55 a

  • Seat belt and child restraint

    The driver is responsible for passengers under 15.

    færdselslovens § 80, stk. 1

Lights, right of way and distance5

  • Running a red light

    Turning right on red is not allowed in Denmark. Amber before red costs 1.500 kr. without a mark.

    færdselslovens § 4, stk. 1

  • Following too close

    færdselslovens § 15, stk. 3

  • Illegal overtaking

    Overtaking on the right, before junctions, at a pedestrian crossing without a clear view, against a no-overtaking sign or across a solid line.

    færdselslovens §§ 21, 23 og 25

  • Giving way, cyclists and pedestrians

    When turning right you must let cyclists going straight ahead pass – this is strictly enforced.

    færdselslovens § 26, stk. 2–4

  • Solid line, emergency lane, road signs

    færdselslovens § 4, stk. 1

Vehicle, documents and equipment4

  • Driving without lights

    Dipped headlights or daytime running lights are compulsory in Denmark at all times, also in daylight.

    færdselslovens §§ 33 og 33 a

  • Worn tyres, studs out of season

    Per tyre. Studded tyres are only allowed from 1 November to 15 April and must be fitted to all wheels.

    færdselslovens § 67

  • Licence and owner's duties

    færdselslovens § 56, stk. 1

  • Low-emission zone violation

    Low-emission zones (miljøzoner) exist in Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg. Diesel vehicles need Euro 5 (lorries and buses Euro VI) or a particle filter. Older foreign diesel vehicles must be registered at miljoezoner.dk no later than the day they enter.

    bekendtgørelse nr. 588 af 19/06/2026 om miljøzoner

Parking and tolls2

  • Illegal parking on a public road

    Parkeringsafgift from the municipality or the police: a charge, not a criminal fine. The amounts are set in the statute and are the same everywhere.

    færdselslovens § 121, stk. 5 og 6

  • Illegal parking on private land

    Kontrolafgift from a private parking company: a contractual claim whose amount the company sets itself. No statutory maximum is known.

    færdselslovens §§ 122 c og 122 d

Bicycle and e-scooter2

  • Bicycle

    There is no per-mille limit for cycling; it is an offence to ride when you can no longer do so safely.

    færdselslovens § 118 a, stk. 1

  • E-scooter

    For e-scooters the 0,50 ‰ limit and compulsory helmets apply. The car licence is not affected.

    færdselslovens § 53

Notices and deadlines

Police penalty notice (bødeforelæg)

“Bødeforelæg”: letter from the police with the fine – after a stop or by post

By the date stated in the letter you pay – or you ask for a court hearing. Only drivers resident abroad can pay in cash on the spot.

  • Payment or objection – date in the letter, usually 20 days20 days from delivery
retsplejelovens § 832

Speed-camera letter to the owner (ATK)

Letter after an automatic speed check (photo van or “stærekasse”)

Up to and including 30 % over, the registered owner is liable – even without a usable photo. No penalty mark is given. Above that the owner must state who drove.

  • Driver takes over the fine30 days from delivery
  • Payment or objection – date in the letter, usually 20 days20 days from delivery
færdselslovens § 118 c og § 65

District court judgment (dom)

Judgment of the byret after an objection or charges

The convicted person can appeal only if the fine exceeds 20.000 kr. or more than a fine, confiscation or disqualification was imposed – otherwise only with special leave.

  • Appeal or application for leave14 days from the date of issue
retsplejelovens §§ 902–904

Parking charge (parkeringsafgift)

“Parkeringsafgift”: ticket from the municipality or police for illegal parking on a public road

No reduction, no instalments. You can only complain to the body that imposed the charge.

  • Payment10 days from delivery
færdselslovens §§ 121–122 b

Private parking charge (kontrolafgift)

“Kontrolafgift”: ticket from a private parking company

A contractual claim. The payment period is stated on the ticket.

    færdselslovens §§ 122 c og 122 d

    Low-emission zone fine (miljøzone)

    Administrative fine from Miljøstyrelsen (Environmental Protection Agency)

    Entry is checked automatically by number-plate recognition.

    • Send in proof of compliance80 days from delivery
    bekendtgørelse nr. 588 af 19/06/2026 om miljøzoner

    Guides in the app

    • Driving in Denmark with a foreign plate

      What tourists and commuters need to know

    • Penalty marks and disqualification

      Klip, betinget and ubetinget frakendelse

    The exact amount for your case is in the app

    This page lists what the rule pack covers. The app works out the amount, the deadline and the consequences for your case.

    Coming soon to the App Store

    Sources

    All amounts were checked against these sources on the data date. Laws and tariffs may have changed since.

    Official sources19

    For information only, not legal advice. Only the law and the authority's notice are binding. Rates may have changed since the data date.

    All countries Download the rule pack (JSON)