Driving tips in Denmark

Driving tips in Denmark

by Andy Burrows

Denmark road network Denmark's road surfaces are of high quality and well maintained. There are only really three motorways but they cover the most important parts of the country well - with the E45 stretching from north-south on the mainland, the east-west E20 spanning the breadth of the country and the E47 serving Copenhagen, the capital. All other roads are numerically marked; highway 12 from Esbjerg to Viborg on the mainland, for instance.

It is free to drive on the motorways in Denmark; however, hefty tolls are levied on the main Great Belt Bridge and the section from Copenhagen to Malmo, Sweden.

Parking Parking in the main cities can be a bit strict. Denmark holiday accommodation For example, you are only permitted to park on Copenhagen's streets for one hour after purchasing a parking disc, available from petrol stations, banks, post offices and tourist offices. Discs must be clearly displayed on the dashboard area. Failure to comply will often end up with your car being towed and impounded. Other towns offer parking meters that allow up to three hours of parking.

Denmark road rules The minimum age to drive in Denmark is 18 years and drivers must have their full, valid license and insurance documents with them at all times - persons renting cars should keep their rental documents in the car while travelling. As with most of the rest of Europe, Denmark drives on the right and all passengers must wear seatbelts, even in the rear if the car is so fitted.

Traffic laws are strictly enforced and usually lead to fines. For speeding, for example, drivers caught going 50 per cent over the speed limit may be fined the equivalent of one month's salary, while drivers doubling the limit can expect to lose their licence for seven years. Although these restrictions mainly apply to Danish nationals, penalties are similar for non-nationals. Drink driving penalties are also severe and the maximum blood alcohol content level is just 0.5mg/ml.

Drivers bringing their own cars into Denmark should also be aware that it is mandatory that you carry a red warning triangle in case of breakdown, your registration plate is of the new Euro variety displaying the international registration letters of your country of residence and right-hand drive cars have headlamp deflectors fitted to their headlights. Discounted Denmark auto hire

Denmark speed limits

Urban areas: 50kph/31mph Rural roads: 80kph/50mph Motorway: 110kph/68mph

Speed limits are strictly enforced in Denmark and hefty fines are the norm.

Denmark fuel costs

Prices in krone (KR) per litre:

Unleaded 95: 10.35 kr/l Unleaded 98: 10.64 kr/l Diesel: 8.65 kr/l

Lead replacement fuel is also available and is slightly cheaper then unleaded.

Denmark road safety Even though Denmark's roads are very good and the statistics for traffic accidents are considerably less than other countries in Europe, accidents nevertheless do happen and remaining vigilant while driving, particularly near Copenhagen, is recommended. Many cities have lanes reserved for cyclists and drivers should take extra care when bikes are about.

All motorways have emergency telephones at regular intervals and if you should breakdown, call Falck (the national breakdown service) on 112, available 24 hours. Police, ambulance and fire services are also available on this number. The Danish motoring organisation Forenede Danske Motorejere (FDM) can provide sound mechanical and legal assistance.