In Denmark traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Overtake to the left and stay in the right-hand lane of multi-lane roads, when not overtaking. Signs and rules of the road follow international conventions, but here are some extra things to take note of when driving in Denmark:
Right of way
Red and white triangular signs or white triangles painted on the road mean give way to traffic on the road you are about to enter.
Buses
Give way to buses pulling out of bus stops. They will indicate before doing so.
Cyclists
Denmark has more cyclists than most places and you should pay particular attention to them when turning right. Make sure you give way to cyclists and motorcyclists continuing straight when you turn right.
Mobile phones
The use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited while driving. Use of the phone handsfree is permitted. However, the handsfree system must be built in to the car. A headset is not considered to be a handsfree system.
Motorway driving
You must indicate when changing lane on the motorway. Use your hazard lights to warn others of unexpected queues or traffic slowing down.
Speed limits
In Denmark, the speed limits are: 50km/h (31.1mph) in urban areas; 80km/h (50mph) on motorways outside urban areas; 130km/h (81mph) on motorways in most places and 110km/h (68mph) in others; 80km/h (50mph) on dual carriageways and normal roads outside of urban areas.
On motorways, cars and motorcycles with trailers have a speed limit of 80km/h (50mph) and on normal roads 70km/h (44mph). Failure to drive within speed limits in Denmark will result in an on-the-spot police fine for foreign visitors.
Parking
Parking and waiting in a car is generally permitted in the right side of the road, but prohibited on main roads and motorways. You may not park on roads with an unbroken white line down the middle, anywhere within 5 metres (16 feet) of a pedestrian/bicycle crossing or 10 metres (33 feet) from an intersection. You may also not park within 12 metres (40 feet) of a bus stop, where the curb is painted yellow. Parking restrictions with regards to certain times and days are written on signs at parking areas and areas where you may not park. Police may remove illegally-parked cars or hand out a fine on the spot. In Denmark, parking discs are required where time-limited parking is allowed, and most Danes set the ‘clock’ on the parking discs whenever they park as a precaution.
Blood alcohol limit
The blood alcohol limit in Denmark is 0.5 per thousand, equivalent to approximately two measures. However, the easiest rule of thumb is: don’t drink and drive.