Cycling rules in Denmark — a complete guide for tourists, expats and everyone else

What to know before you go

In brief

These are the key rules for cycling in Denmark:

Always keep to the right
Ride on the bicycle lane if there is one
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.

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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

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

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. 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. 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.