Driving in Denmark: Basic Rules and Tips for Foreigners
Worldwide, Copenhagen is known as the city of Hans Christian Andersen, therefore the main symbol of the Danish capital is the monument to the Little Mermaid. This is the most visited city not only in Denmark, but also in all of Scandinavia. It is located on the bay, and it is easy to get to Stockholm and Oslo, as well as to Germany, the Netherlands and Poland.
The main attractions of Copenhagen are compactly located in the center: they can be walked around or moved between them by bike or public transport. Car rental should be taken only if you are planning a long trip to the Danish islands or are going to visit the Scandinavian countries.
However, if you prefer to travel by car, then it will be helpful for you to learn some tips about driving rules in Copenhagen.
Give the way to the cyclists!
Cyclists are the key word for all Danish drivers. Here, two-wheeled participants of the movement have some privileges. For most Danes, a car is an inaccessible luxury, because the tax on ownership of this vehicle is one of the highest in Europe and is more than the cost of the car itself. So don’t be surprised if you see on the road a traffic jam from cyclists.
Parking space
Moving around the city by car is complicated by traffic jams, an abundance of one-way streets and bicycle paths, as well as a shortage of parking spaces. Parking here is paid – from 11 to 30 DKK per hour. Remember that the paid parking in Copenhagen is divided into three zones: the most expensive – the red one – is located in the city center, the parking zone of the green zone is cheaper, and the cheapest one – is that of the blue zone, which, moreover, is always free on Sunday. There is also a separate parking area Frederiksberg with its own tariffs. You can leave the car on the street for free only on public holidays.
Traffic rules and basic fines
On the highway in Denmark, all but the Swedes and the Dutch go very carefully, observing the speed limit and all signs, but in Copenhagen itself, it seemed that many violate at least speed. In Denmark, speed limits are the following: in the city you can drive no faster than 50 km/h, on country roads – up to 80 km/h, on motorways – 110 km/h. On the roads, there are various devices for measuring and controlling the speed regime, so it is better not to violate it.
In Denmark, right-hand traffic operates. Traffic signs can use both standard international symbols, and include Danish phrases.
Serviceable lights, a seat belt and a warning triangle are three things that should be in your car during a trip to Denmark. Use of seat belts is mandatory for front and rear passengers. Penalty for violation of safety rules is DKK 1,500.
The maximum permissible level of alcohol in the blood is 0.5 ‰. If the blood alcohol level is more than 0.5 ‰ and less than 2.0 ‰, the penalty is determined by multiplying the monthly salary by the number of per mile.
The use of a passing beam is obligatory 24 hours a day. Penalty for violation makes DKK 1,000.
It is forbidden to use during the driving your telephone especially if it is not equipped with a technical device that allows negotiating without using hands. The penalty is DKK 1,500.
Police officers have the right to levy fines on the spot for violations of traffic rules. If the driver refuses to pay a fine on the spot, the police will take the case to court. The police have the right to keep the car until the case is considered in court.
Vehicles parked in violation of the rules can be taken away by the police at the expense of the owner.
Toll Roads
As a rule, Denmark does not take the payment for the use of roads. The only way when you should pay for moving is while driving through the bridges Storebæltsforbindelsen (Great Belt Bridge) and Øresundsbron (Eresund Bridge).
Hiring a Car in Copenhagen
In order to rent a car in Denmark you must be at least 21 years old and you must have at least three years of driving experience. For drivers under the age of 25 years an additional fee is possible on site. When you visit Copenhagen, it is better to use car rental in Copenhagen airport.
Basically, Denmark’s traffic rules do not differ from the rules of most Scandinavian countries. However, you should familiarize yourself with them, because there are always special nuances that you need to know if you are going to rent a car in a foreign country.
