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18+ topic. What is the drink-drive limit for car drivers in Denmark?

0.5 per mille, lower for new drivers.

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Short answer

18+ topic. In Denmark you may not drive a car if your blood alcohol is over 0.50 per mille or your breath alcohol is over 0.25 mg per litre of air, during or after the drive. Since 1 July 2025 drivers with a category B licence have a lower limit of 0.20 per mille in their first 3 years with a licence. The same 0.5 limit applies on mopeds, motorbikes, speed pedelecs and e-scooters. You can also be punished below the limit if alcohol means you cannot drive safely.

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Why

  1. The limit is 0.50 per mille in the blood.
  2. New drivers: 0.20 per mille for 3 years.
  3. Driving unsafely below the limit is also punished.

Details

About 1 in 5 people killed in Danish traffic die in an accident involving alcohol.

Tip

If you have to drive, the safest choice is not to drink alcohol at all.

What may differ

The lower limit for new drivers depends on the date your licence was issued, and limits in other countries differ from the Danish one.

Common misconception

If you stay under 0.5 per mille, you cannot be punished.

What actually happens

Below 0.5 you can still be punished if alcohol stops you from driving safely.

People also ask

  • What happens if you drive with 0.5 to 1.2 per mille in Denmark?
  • Can you drive the morning after drinking?
  • What is the alcohol limit on an e-scooter 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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