No. According to the Danish Road Safety Council, wearing a bicycle helmet is not mandatory for adults in Denmark. It is, however, strongly recommended as it significantly reduces the risk of serious head injuries in an accident.
Cycling rules in Denmark — a complete guide for tourists and expats
The rules you need to know before you cycle in Denmark
In brief
According to the Danish Road Safety Council (Rådet for Sikker Trafik), these are the key rules for cycling in Denmark: always keep to the right, ride on the bicycle lane if there is one, and stop at red lights. Using a handheld mobile phone while cycling is illegal and carries a fine of DKK 1,000 (approx. €135). Cycling on the pavement is forbidden. A bicycle helmet is not mandatory for adults, but is strongly recommended.
Read on, watch the animated film or test your self right now:
This short animation from the Danish Road Safety Council covers the most important cycling rules in Denmark — from hand signals and red lights to mobile phone use and helmet recommendations.
The cycling rules in Denmark
According to the Danish Road Safety Council, the following rules apply to all cyclists in Denmark:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Keep to the right | Always ride as far to the right as possible |
| Bicycle lane | Use it if there is one — riding on the pavement is not allowed |
| Red lights | You must stop — jumping a red light carries a fine of DKK 1,000 |
| Mobile phone | Handheld use is illegal — fine of DKK 1,000 |
| Hand signals | Signal with your arm before turning or stopping unexpectedly |
| Left turn | Always turn left in two moves — ride straight ahead twice, do not cut diagonally |
| Riding side by side | Only allowed if it does not inconvenience others |
| Passengers | Only one person per bicycle unless a small child is secured in a child bike seat |
| Lights | Front and rear lights are required when it is dark |
| Alcohol | No fixed drink-drive limit, but cycling drunk and unsafely carries a fine of DKK 1,500 |
| Helmet | Not mandatory for adults, but strongly recommended |
Poster from the Danish Road Safety Council and the Danish Police — the six most important rules for cycling in Denmark.
Fines for breaking the cycling rules
According to the Danish Road Safety Council, the following fines apply under Danish traffic law:
| Offence | Fine (DKK) | Approx. in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Cycling on the pavement | 700 kr. | ~€95 |
| No lights at night | 700 kr. | ~€95 |
| Jumping a red light | 1,000 kr. | ~€135 |
| Using a handheld mobile phone | 1,000 kr. | ~€135 |
| Cycling drunk and unsafely | 1,500 kr. | ~€200 |
Source: Danish Road Safety Council, based on the Danish Road Traffic Act (Færdselsloven).
How to turn left at intersections
Turning left in Danish traffic is different from what many visitors expect. According to the Danish Road Safety Council, you must divide a left turn into two straight-ahead moves — do not cut diagonally across the intersection. Here is how:
- Ride straight through the intersection
- Stop on the right side of the road you have entered
- Wait for the light to turn green in the new direction
- Ride straight ahead
E-scooters in Denmark
If you want to ride an electric scooter (e-løbehjul) in Denmark, specific rules apply. According to the Danish Road Safety Council, only one person is allowed on the scooter and you must wear a bicycle helmet. Violations carry a fine of approximately DKK 1,000–1,500.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
No. According to the Danish Road Safety Council, using a handheld mobile phone while cycling is illegal in Denmark and carries a fine of DKK 1,000 (approx. €135). You may use your phone if it is mounted in a holder attached to the bicycle.
According to the Danish Road Safety Council, jumping a red light on a bicycle carries a fine of DKK 1,000 (approx. €135). Red lights apply to cyclists just as they do to car drivers.
No. According to the Danish Road Safety Council, cycling on the pavement (sidewalk) is not allowed in Denmark. If there is a bicycle lane, you must use it. If there is no bicycle lane, you must ride on the road, as far to the right as possible.
There is no fixed drink-drive limit for cyclists. According to the Danish Road Safety Council, you can be fined DKK 1,500 (approx. €200) if you are cycling in a way that is unsafe due to alcohol intoxication. The police assess each case individually.
According to the Danish Road Safety Council, you must always turn left in two moves in Danish intersections — ride straight ahead, stop on the right side of the new road, then ride straight ahead again when the light turns green. Do not cut diagonally across the intersection.
Yes. According to the Danish Road Safety Council, front and rear lights are required by law when cycling in the dark. Cycling without lights at night carries a fine of DKK 700 (approx. €95).
This guide is published by Rådet for Sikker Trafik (the Danish Road Safety Council), Denmark's national knowledge organisation for road safety. The Council provides guidance to citizens, municipalities and authorities on safe behaviour in traffic. Contact: info@sikkertrafik.dk · Tel. +45 39 16 39 39.
Last updated: April 2025 · Published by Rådet for Sikker Trafik (the Danish Road Safety Council)
