Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK

DRIVING

Denmark cities to trial lower speed limits

The speed limit across 16 municipalities in Denmark could be lowered in a pilot scheme introduced by the Ministry of Transport to make roads safer.

Published: 26 May 2022 14:44 CEST
Åboulevarden in Copenhagen. P
Åboulevarden in Copenhagen. On Monday 20th May, there will be a vote on whether to trial a lower the speed limit in the capital. Photo: Teitur Jonasson/Scanpix 2022

Following new speeding rules called hastighedsbekendtgørelsen, which were introduced by the Ministry of Transport on 6th January 2022, 16 municipalities in Denmark have been allowed to lower local speed limits from 50 to 40 kilometres per hour on selected sections in urban areas. 

This can be done without asking the police for permission and as long as it does not have a significant impact on the general traffic flow. It is part of a three-year pilot scheme to increase road safety. 

On Monday 30th May the Technical and Environmental Committee in Copenhagen will vote on whether to implement the lower speed limit in the capital.

The proposal is for there to be a maximum of 30 kilometres per hour in the entire inner city and 40 kilometres per hour in the outer part of the city, with some major roads maintaining the 50 kilometres per hour speed limit. 

“We want to slow down because it can help reduce CO2 emissions. We get better urban space, fewer serious traffic accidents, less air pollution and noise nuisance”, technical and environmental mayor Line Barfoed told DR News.

Dennis Lange from motorist organisation FDM doesn’t agree with Copenhagen’s plans. 

“The way the city of Copenhagen wants to do it is wrong. The pilot scheme does not aim to reduce the speed in the entire municipality. It is more about a political aversion to cars and about trying to get cars out”, he told DR News.

If the proposal for speed reductions is voted through on Monday, Copenhagen municipality will start the pilot scheme in Valby, and then roll it out over the rest of the city continuously over the next few years.

In Aalborg, lower speed limits begin this year. The municipality has already selected several stretches of road in the city centre, around schools and public institutions and on roads where there are many cyclists, as well as three villages including Gunderup.

“Hopefully there will be more calm, and we also have an easier time getting out of our driveway”, Gunderup resident Per Stig Larsen told DR News.

“We know that the speed has been a major nuisance for many citizens and has created unsafe conditions. If we can meet them, we want to. It is important to be able to move in a proper way and create better conditions in traffic”, Jan Nymark Thaysen, councillor for the City and Country department told DR News.

In Furesø, road engineer Anne Lisbeth Sørensen told DR News that three zones have been identified where the speed limit can be lowered but the physical work can only start in 2023, as they have not received money for it yet.

The 16 municipalities that are part of the lower speed limit scheme are: Aarhus, Aalborg, Frederiksberg, Allerød, Fredensborg, Frederikssund, Furesø, Gentofte, Hillerød, Hørsholm, Lyngby-Taarbæk, Rudersdal, Odense, Randers, Norddjurs and Copenhagen.

READ MORE: How and when should I exchange my foreign driving licence for a Danish one?

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

DRIVING

What happens if you are caught driving without a valid licence in Denmark?

Driving without a valid driver's license in Denmark can have severe consequences, as the penalties and fines are strict.

Published: 14 May 2024 15:42 CEST
Updated: 18 May 2024 09:25 CEST
What happens if you are caught driving without a valid licence in Denmark?

While it’s not unheard of to forget your driver’s license at home or slack around when it comes to renewing it, per Danish road traffic laws, you should always carry your license when driving – and ensure it’s valid.

If you fail to do so, you’ll face hefty fines – and might even risk a prison sentence or having your vehicle confiscated in case of repeated offences.

READ MORE: EU countries to extend range of offences foreign drivers can be fined for

Driving without a valid license in Denmark (or in any other country, for that matter) is simply not worth the risk, no matter the circumstances.

Therefore, the penalties are designed to enforce compliance and ensure that all drivers in the country are legally certified to drive.

The fines and penalties

All drivers must possess a valid driver’s license when operating a vehicle, per the Danish Road Traffic Act (Færdselsloven).

If you fail to comply, you’ll be slapped with a fine corresponding to the specifics of the situation, as the Danish Road Safety Council (Rådet for Sikker Trafik) points out on its website.

If you’ve forgotten to bring your license, expect to pay 1,000 kroner.

However, if you’re caught driving without ever having acquired a license, you’ll likely have to pay 7,000 kroner – and that’s if you’re a first-time offender.

READ MORE: Do you really need to own a car living in Denmark?

A second offence will increase the fine to 8,500 kroner. If you’re caught a third or fourth time, you’ll need to pay 10,500 and 14,000 kroner, respectively.

After that, you’ll face prison sentences ranging from 7 days if you’re caught for a fifth time to 50 days for the 10th time you’re caught.

Also, know that if you’re caught driving without a license three times within three years, the Danish authorities have the right to confiscate your vehicle (this might occur even faster if drunk driving is involved).

What happens if you’re caught driving with a suspended licence?

Choosing to drive while having your driver’s license suspended is a severe breach of the law.

Repeated offences during your suspension period – also called a disqualification period – can lead to even harsher penalties, including up to one and a half years in prison and vehicle confiscation.

Additionally, driving without a valid license during this period can also lead to insurance claims being denied.

Remember, in addition to your physical driving license, you can also access your driving license digitally on your mobile through the Driving License app.

However, to register in the app, you’ll need a valid Danish driving license, a MitID, and a valid Danish passport.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Denmark’s MitID app

Practising driving (without a licence)

It’s important to note that practising driving, a popular activity among would-be drivers without a licence, is sometimes allowed.

The Road Traffic Act primarily applies to public roads and spaces, including most parking lots open to the public.

However, certain private areas that are not generally accessible or used by the public may not fall under these rules, so you should be able to use them to practice driving.

Nevertheless, if you end up in an accident while driving without a licence in such an area, it may negatively affect the assessment of the insurance companies.

Psst! If you’re wondering how and when you should exchange your foreign driving licence for a Danish one, make sure to consult The Local’s explainer on the issue.

SHOW COMMENTS