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What happens if a foreign driver gets a traffic fine in Denmark?

Pay or give security before you drive on.

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Short answer

If both the driver and the vehicle are based abroad, the Danish police can hold the vehicle until fines, fees and costs are paid, or until security for the payment is given. If the amount is still unpaid two months after the final decision, the vehicle can be seized to cover the debt. This rule does not apply to drivers from Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, except for parking fees. EU countries also exchange information on road-safety traffic offences, so a fine for an offence abroad can arrive by post at your home address.

Practical info

Why

  1. A foreign car can be held until payment or security.
  2. Unpaid amounts can lead to the car being seized after two months.
  3. Nordic drivers are exempt from this rule.

Details

The fine amounts are the same for foreign and Danish drivers, for example 1,500 kr. for using a handheld phone while driving under the February 2025 guideline rates.

Tip

Carry a payment card that works in Denmark, so a fine does not stop your trip.

What may differ

The EU rules on sharing information about traffic offences can change.

Common misconception

Tourists can ignore a Danish fine once they are back home.

What actually happens

Your car can be held in Denmark until you pay, and EU countries share information about traffic offences.

People also ask

  • What happens if you do not pay a fine in Denmark?
  • How much is a speeding fine in Denmark?
  • Who gets the fine from a speed camera in Denmark?

Sources

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

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