Denmark Speed Limit 2026: 130 km/h Motorways vs UK 70 mph

The Denmark speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h, about 81 mph, against 70 mph in the UK. The lane is the other change: Denmark drives on the right, the UK on the left. Danish fines are flat and heavy, with DKK 1,200 for the first speeding band and DKK 1,500 (about EUR 200) for a handheld phone, and the alcohol limit is 0.05%, with 0.02% for drivers in their first three years after the licence since July 2025.

Motorway speed limit, Denmark against the United Kingdom

Danish towns allow 50 km/h, country roads 80 and motorways 130. The UK posts 30 mph, 60 mph and 70 mph, with Wales defaulting to 20 mph on restricted roads. In kilometres per hour the UK figures are 48, 96 and 112, so the Danish rural limit of 80 km/h is the one a British driver will feel as slow.

Which tyres and kit the law expects in Denmark and the United Kingdom

Danish cars need no winter tyres, though the minimum tread is 1.6 mm and studded tyres are restricted (1 November to 15 April, all wheels). The UK has no winter-tyre requirement either, the same tread minimum and studs allowed. A warning triangle is required in a Danish car; the UK makes no item mandatory.

Speeding penalties: Denmark against the United Kingdom

Denmark’s bands run DKK 1,200 (about EUR 160) under 20% over, DKK 1,800 (about EUR 240) at 20-29% over and DKK 2,400 (about EUR 320) at 30-39% over, plus a DKK 1,200 surcharge off the motorway. The UK starts at GBP 100 plus 3 points at 1-9 mph over and then bills by weekly income: 25-75% in Band A and 75-125% in Band B. Danish cameras tolerate about 3 km/h, like British ones.

Danish bands are percentages over the limit and UK bands are miles per hour over.

IDP requirements, Denmark against the United Kingdom

Denmark needs an international driving permit or a Danish, English or French translation only when the licence is not in Latin letters; the permit is recorded as recommended. The UK lets visitors drive on a full valid licence from any country for 12 months from their last entry, per GOV.UK. A British photocard licence is in Latin letters, so it passes in Denmark.

Roadside payment, post and cross-border collection

Danish fines are sent internationally, section-control cameras cover the Oresund and Storebaelt bridges, and tickets arrive either at the roadside or by post. UK tickets are mailed, average-speed SPECS cameras cover many motorways and rental companies pass fines on.

Everyday rules: side, age and fixed penalties

The lane flips: Danish traffic keeps right, British keeps left. Denmark licenses drivers at 17 and the UK at 17. Danish penalties are DKK 1,500 (about EUR 200) for a handheld phone, DKK 1,500 for a missing seatbelt and DKK 1,000 (about EUR 135) for a red light, against GBP 200 plus 6 points, GBP 100 and GBP 100 plus 3 points.

The Denmark and the United Kingdom drink-drive numbers

Denmark’s drink-drive limit is 0.05%, with 0.02% for drivers in their first three years after the category B licence since July 2025, against 0.08% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 0.05% in Scotland. Danish authorities also confiscate the vehicle in drink-driving cases.

Emergency Numbers

Denmark answers every emergency on 112, while the UK uses 999 for the three services and also answers 112.

Fuel Prices

Danish petrol costs 25% more than British petrol, and Danish diesel 5% more.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Switch from right to left when going from Denmark to the United Kingdom.

What is the motorway speed limit in Denmark compared with the United Kingdom?

Danish signs show 130 km/h; British signs show 70 mph (112 km/h).

What happens to your car after a drink-driving offence in Denmark?

Drink-driving can result in vehicle confiscation in Denmark.

Does Denmark have a lower alcohol limit for new drivers?

Yes. 0.02% applies to drivers in their first three years after the category B licence since July 2025, while the general limit is 0.05%.

Which costs more in Denmark, a phone offence or a red light?

The phone offence: DKK 1,500 (about EUR 200) against DKK 1,000 (about EUR 135) for a red light. The United Kingdom charges GBP 200 plus 6 points and GBP 100 plus 3 points.

Is a UK licence in Latin letters enough in Denmark?

Yes. An IDP or a Danish, English or French translation is needed only if the licence is not in Latin letters.