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Is it illegal to drive when you are too tired in Denmark?

Tiredness can be illegal at the wheel.

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Short answer

Yes. The Danish Road Traffic Act forbids driving a motor vehicle if illness, weakness, overexertion or lack of sleep means you cannot drive safely. The risk of a fatigue accident is highest between 3.00 and 5.00 in the morning, rises after more than 16 hours awake in a row, and doubles after 8 hours of driving. If you get tired on the road, take a 15–20 minute power nap and then drive for at most one hour, or let a rested person drive.

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Why

  1. The law covers lack of sleep.
  2. Risk peaks between 3.00 and 5.00.
  3. Risk doubles after 8 hours of driving.

Details

Yawning, heavy eyelids, gaps in memory of the last minutes and missed exits are signs of tiredness.

Tip

On shorter trips, stop the car, take a break and move around a little, and drink a cup of coffee if you can.

What may differ

Night and shift workers, people with sleep disorders and drivers on sleeping or sedating medicine are at higher risk.

Common misconception

Opening the window or turning up the radio keeps you awake.

What actually happens

Such tricks help only briefly; only sleep helps.

People also ask

  • Can you drive the morning after drinking in Denmark?
  • Can you drive on medicine with a red warning triangle?
  • Where can you take a break on Danish motorways?

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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