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Car Hire in Denmark: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Denmark's speed limits, bridge tolls, Copenhagen parking, low-emission zones, cyclists, winter driving and practical rules for journeys across Zealand, Funen and Jutland.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Denmark's main roads are generally straightforward, but city cycling infrastructure, bridge tolls and local low-emission rules are worth understanding before setting off.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel or electricity.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Bridge journey: if your route uses Storebælt or Øresund, check how you intend to pay the toll.
  • Diesel vehicle: check low-emission-zone requirements if driving into one of the affected cities.
  • Set navigation while parked: enter your first destination before joining traffic.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right in Denmark. Visitors accustomed to left-hand driving should take particular care after turns and when leaving car parks, service stations and quiet roads.

  • Overtaking: normally overtake on the left.
  • Motorways: keep to the right when you are not overtaking.
  • After turning: consciously return to the right-hand side.
  • Cyclists: check cycle lanes carefully before turning.
  • Junctions: follow signs, signals and road markings carefully.

Speed limits in Denmark

For an ordinary passenger car, the general maximum limits are:

  • Built-up areas: generally 50 km/h.
  • Outside built-up areas: generally 80 km/h.
  • Motorways: generally 130 km/h.

Lower posted limits always take precedence. Many urban, residential and roadwork sections have lower limits.

Always check for cyclists before turning

Denmark has extensive cycle infrastructure, particularly in Copenhagen and other large towns. Cyclists can approach a junction alongside the vehicle on a separate cycle lane.

  • Right turns: check your right mirror and blind spot before crossing a cycle lane.
  • Give way to cyclists continuing straight where the traffic rules require it.
  • Expect cyclists even in wet or cold weather.
  • Do not stop or park in a cycle lane.
  • Check carefully before opening a door next to a cycle lane.
  • Watch for pedestrians and cyclists when turning through traffic lights.

Use daytime running lights or dipped headlights

Danish vehicles use lights during the day as well as after dark. Most modern rental cars will operate daytime running lights automatically.

  • Check that the appropriate exterior lights are operating.
  • Use dipped headlights when visibility is poor.
  • Do not rely only on an illuminated dashboard to confirm that the correct lights are on.
  • Check the light setting after collecting an unfamiliar vehicle.

Denmark has no general motorway vignette

Ordinary Danish motorways do not use a nationwide passenger-car vignette. However, two major bridge crossings charge tolls: Storebælt and Øresund.

  • Storebælt: connects Zealand with Funen.
  • Øresund: connects the Copenhagen area with Malmö in Sweden.
  • Toll prices depend on the vehicle and payment arrangement.
  • Cards and automatic payment options are available.
  • Ask the rental provider if the vehicle is linked to an automatic bridge-payment arrangement before setting up your own.
  • Ferry routes may have separate vehicle charges.

Storebælt Bridge

The Storebælt Bridge is the principal fixed road connection between Zealand and Funen and is commonly used when driving between Copenhagen and western Denmark.

  • A toll is charged for the crossing.
  • Card and cash payment lanes are available.
  • Automatic Bizz or number-plate payment can also be used where the appropriate agreement is active.
  • Follow the lane signs at the toll station.
  • Strong winds can result in restrictions, so check current bridge conditions during severe weather.

Øresund Bridge to Sweden

The Øresund Bridge provides the direct road connection between Copenhagen and Malmö.

  • The crossing is tolled.
  • You can buy an online ticket or pay at the toll station.
  • Payment cards are accepted at the toll station.
  • Automatic number-plate or Bizz arrangements may also be used.
  • Because the bridge enters Sweden, check the rental provider's cross-border conditions before travelling.

Check Denmark's low-emission zones if driving a diesel car

Low-emission zones operate in Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg .

  • Diesel passenger cars must have a particulate filter or meet at least Euro 5 requirements.
  • The zones are enforced using automatic number-plate cameras.
  • A Danish rental car should normally already comply, but ask the provider if you are unsure.
  • Older non-Danish diesel cars can require online registration before entering a low-emission zone.
  • For a non-Danish passenger car first registered before 1 January 2011, check the official registration rules before entering a zone.
  • Petrol vehicles are not subject to the diesel particulate-filter requirement.

Driving in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has extensive cycling infrastructure, busy commuter routes and large pedestrian areas.

  • Watch for cyclists before every right turn.
  • Check mirrors before crossing a cycle lane.
  • Expect large numbers of cyclists during commuter periods.
  • Some central streets are pedestrianised or restricted.
  • For sightseeing, parking once and continuing on foot or public transport can be easier than repeatedly moving the car.

Copenhagen parking

Central Copenhagen uses paid tariff zones as well as areas with time restrictions.

  • Always check the parking sign where you leave the vehicle.
  • Parking charges vary by zone and location.
  • Street payment machines require the vehicle registration number.
  • Mobile parking apps are also available.
  • In a time-limited area, you may need to set the vehicle's parking disc to show your arrival time.
  • Frederiksberg is a separate municipality and has different parking rules.

Learn how the parking disc works

Danish parking signs can specify a maximum parking time. In these areas you may need to use the parking disc fitted to or carried in the vehicle.

  • Check whether the rental car has a manual or electronic parking disc.
  • Set a manual disc correctly when the parking restriction requires it.
  • Do not assume free parking means unlimited parking.
  • Read supplementary signs carefully for days and operating hours.
  • If uncertain, use a recognised car park rather than risk a parking charge.

Denmark does not have a fixed winter-tyre season

There is no blanket rule requiring every passenger car to fit winter tyres between specific calendar dates. However, Danish rules require tyres to be suitable for the actual and expected road conditions.

  • Driving on tyres that are obviously unsuitable for the conditions can result in a fine.
  • The Danish Road Traffic Authority recommends winter tyres when there is a risk of snow, ice or slush.
  • M+S tyres are classified as winter tyres.
  • Tyres carrying the 3PMSF snowflake symbol are particularly suitable for severe winter conditions.
  • If police advise against driving because of extreme winter weather, follow that advice.
  • Ask the rental provider about tyre equipment if severe winter weather is forecast.

Snow, ice and freezing conditions

  • Clear snow and ice from the windows before driving.
  • Reduce speed before bends and junctions.
  • Increase the distance from the vehicle ahead.
  • Avoid sudden steering or braking on slippery roads.
  • Allow extra time for winter journeys.

Strong winds can affect exposed bridges

Denmark's major bridges can be exposed to strong winds, which can affect high-sided vehicles and occasionally lead to restrictions.

  • Check bridge traffic information during severe weather.
  • Reduce speed if crosswinds affect the car.
  • Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel.
  • Take particular care when emerging from sheltered sections.

Drink-driving limit

The standard legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers in Denmark is 0.5 g/L.

  • Police can carry out alcohol checks.
  • Penalties can be serious.
  • Do not treat the legal maximum as a safe drinking target.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is not to drink alcohol before driving.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
  • Use a permitted hands-free arrangement if necessary.
  • Set navigation before moving.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make complicated route changes.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Fitted seat belts must be used.
  • Children must use an appropriate child-restraint system where required.
  • Arrange child seats when booking rather than assuming they will be available at collection.
  • Check that the restraint is correctly installed before leaving the rental location.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Carry your original valid driving licence and check any additional requirements applying to the country that issued it.

  • EU and EEA licences: valid licences are recognised under the normal EU and EEA arrangements.
  • UK photocard licences: current UK government guidance says they can be used to drive in Denmark.
  • Other licences: depending on the issuing country and licence format, additional documentation or an International Driving Permit may be required.
  • Rental provider: age and minimum licence-holding requirements can be stricter than the basic legal rules.

Check before taking the rental car into Sweden or Germany

Cross-border driving is common from Denmark, but the rental agreement still needs to permit it.

  • Confirm that Sweden, Germany or any other country on your route is permitted.
  • Check whether a cross-border fee applies.
  • Confirm that insurance and roadside assistance remain valid.
  • Keep any rental-company documentation required for international travel.
  • Road rules and environmental requirements can change as soon as you cross the border.
  • The Øresund Bridge toll does not cover any other Swedish road charges or parking fees.

Some Danish journeys still involve ferries

Although Denmark has major fixed bridge connections, ferries remain useful for reaching several islands and for some international routes.

  • Check whether your chosen sailing carries vehicles.
  • Reserve vehicle space where recommended during busy travel periods.
  • Confirm that the rental agreement permits ferry transport.
  • Arrive early enough for vehicle check-in.
  • Ferry charges are separate from bridge tolls.

Danish trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Copenhagen and Zealand

A car makes it easier to travel beyond Copenhagen to coastal towns, castles and countryside across Zealand, although central Copenhagen itself is often easier to explore without the car.

Funen

Crossing the Storebælt Bridge gives access to Odense and the smaller towns, coast and countryside of Funen.

Aarhus and Jutland

A rental car is useful for combining Aarhus with western and northern Jutland, particularly for destinations away from the main rail network.

North Jutland

Driving gives flexibility for Aalborg, Skagen and the northern coastline, where destinations can be spread over a wide area.

Copenhagen to Malmö

The Øresund Bridge makes a road trip into southern Sweden easy, provided the rental agreement permits cross-border travel.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
  • Call 112 if urgent emergency assistance is required.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant driver and vehicle details.
  • Photograph the vehicles and scene where it is safe to do so.
  • Follow the accident-reporting procedure in the rental agreement.

Emergency assistance in Denmark

  • Urgent emergency services: 112
  • Non-emergency police: 114

Call 112 for an accident, serious crime, fire, life-threatening illness or another situation requiring immediate emergency assistance.

For an ordinary rental-car breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service provided with the vehicle.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact return location and opening arrangements.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow additional time for Copenhagen or other city traffic.
  • Check that any bridge tolls have been dealt with correctly.
  • Check that parking charges have been settled.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork and return confirmation until the security deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Denmark

Which side of the road do you drive on in Denmark?

Traffic drives on the right and vehicles normally overtake on the left. Visitors accustomed to left-hand driving should take extra care after turns and when leaving car parks or service stations.

What are the speed limits in Denmark?

For an ordinary passenger car, the general maximum limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 130 km/h on motorways. Always follow a lower posted limit.

Does Denmark have motorway tolls?

Denmark does not have a general motorway vignette. However, the Storebælt Bridge and Øresund Bridge are tolled crossings. Ferry charges can also apply to routes that use a vehicle ferry.

Are winter tyres compulsory in Denmark?

There is no fixed calendar period requiring every passenger car to have winter tyres. However, the tyres fitted to the vehicle must be suitable for the actual and expected conditions, and driving on obviously unsuitable tyres can result in a fine.

Does Copenhagen have a low-emission zone?

Yes. Copenhagen and Frederiksberg are among Denmark's low-emission-zone areas. Diesel passenger cars must have a particulate filter or meet at least Euro 5 requirements. Other zones operate in Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg.

What should I watch for when driving in Copenhagen?

Cyclists are particularly important. Check cycle lanes and blind spots before turning right, and give way where required to cyclists continuing straight through the junction.

Official and reliable driving information for Denmark

Traffic rules, bridge prices, parking charges and environmental requirements can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026.