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Can you drive on medicine with a red warning triangle in Denmark?

Your own judgement and your doctor decide.

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Short answer

In Denmark medicine that clearly affects traffic safety is marked with a red warning triangle. Examples are strong painkillers, sleeping pills, sedatives, some allergy and motion sickness medicine, ADHD medicine and prescribed cannabis preparations. Taking it is generally not punishable if you have a valid prescription, take it as prescribed and have agreed it with your doctor. You may not drive if you take more than prescribed or if the medicine stops you from driving safely, and the maximum penalty is the same as for drink driving.

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Why

  1. The triangle marks medicine that affects driving.
  2. Use only as prescribed and agreed with a doctor.
  3. You must judge yourself if you can drive safely.

Details

Medicine without the triangle can also affect driving, for example eye drops, insulin, blood pressure medicine and some natural remedies.

Tip

Read the package leaflet and ask your doctor before you drive, especially when you start a new medicine or change the dose.

What may differ

The effect varies a lot between people and can last from hours to several days.

Common misconception

If the doctor prescribed it, you can always drive.

What actually happens

Even with a prescription you may not drive if the medicine makes you unsafe.

People also ask

  • Can prescription medicine give a positive police drug test?
  • Can you mix medicine and alcohol before driving?
  • Is it illegal to drive when tired in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules, fines and fees can change, so check the Danish authorities before you drive.

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