Truck ban – Denmark 2025

Like the United Kingdom and Sweden, Denmark is one of the countries that has not introduced nationwide driving bans for trucks on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. However, there are some specific restrictions in force within its territory that all drivers and carriers planning to travel through this Scandinavian country should be aware of.

In 2025, the greatest difficulties may affect the transport of dangerous goods and oversized loads, especially during the summer season and on selected routes, such as the Øresund Bridge and the Copenhagen area.

In this article, you will find detailed information about the applicable regulations, local restrictions, hours of restrictions and examples of penalties for traffic offences in Denmark.

Transport of dangerous goods in Denmark – restrictions in 2025

Denmark has special rules for the transport of dangerous goods, which are designed to ensure safety on key sections of infrastructure, particularly on bridges and in tunnels.

The Øresund Bridge (connecting Denmark and Sweden) is subject to a permanent ban on heavy goods vehicles carrying dangerous goods requiring special marking. The restriction applies daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Drivers planning to transport ADR materials across this bridge must take the above hours into account in their travel schedule.

In addition, for explosive goods of classes 1.1 and 1.5, a net weight limit of 5,000 kg per vehicle applies. Exceeding this limit may result in refusal of entry and administrative consequences.

Due to stricter regulations and high penalties for violations, when planning the transport of dangerous goods through Denmark, especially in the Øresund area, it is recommended to consult the bridge operator or transport services in advance.

Would you like to learn more about dangerous goods? Read the article: ADR table – dangerous substances and their identification numbers >>>

Local truck traffic restrictions in Copenhagen

In the centre of Copenhagen, there are traffic restrictions for heavy goods vehicles with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 18 tonnes. These vehicles are not allowed to drive on the central streets of the city, which are limited by the following routes: Nørre Voldgade and Vester Voldgade, Stormgade, Molmens Kanal and Gothersgade.

An exception is the route Chr. IX’s Gade – Kr. Bernikowsgade – Bremerholm, which remains open to heavy traffic. In justified cases, it is possible to obtain a special permit issued by the Copenhagen Police Traffic Department (Københavns Politi – Trafikafdelingen).

Night parking in Copenhagen

In addition, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., all trucks, buses and other vehicles over 3.5 tonnes may only park in designated and marked parking spaces. Failure to comply with these rules may result in a fine or the vehicle being towed away.

Summer restrictions for special transport

In Denmark, during the summer, there are additional traffic restrictions for oversized transport, i.e. transport whose total weight or dimensions exceed the permissible standards.

The ban may be introduced from 15 June to 31 August, between 12:00 and 18:00, when the temperature exceeds 25°C. The purpose of these restrictions is to reduce the overload on road infrastructure, which becomes more susceptible to damage during hot weather.

It is recommended to monitor weather forecasts and announcements from the Danish road services, which decide on the current implementation of the ban depending on weather conditions. If in doubt, it is advisable to plan your route taking into account alternative travel times.

Route planning with HOGS Maps – Denmark 2025

Although there is no nationwide ban on truck traffic on Sundays and public holidays in Denmark, special attention should be paid to local restrictions, especially in Copenhagen, where certain exceptions apply.

It is also important to take into account the ban on the transport of dangerous goods on the Øresund Bridge, as well as temporary restrictions on oversized vehicles during the summer.

When planning your route through Denmark:

• Check that your vehicle does not exceed the permissible dimensions or weight. During the holiday period (15 June – 31 August), special transport may be prohibited between 12:00 and 18:00 in high temperatures.
• If you are transporting ADR cargo, please note that the Øresund Bridge is closed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• When transiting through Copenhagen, make sure you do not enter an area where vehicles over 18 tonnes are not allowed and that you have suitable parking if you are stopping overnight.
• Keep an eye on weather forecasts and traffic reports – they may affect driving conditions for trucks and special transport.

To plan the safest and most compliant route, use the HOGS Maps tool, which takes into account applicable restrictions and suggests possible detours and alternative travel times.

➡ Try HOGS Maps for 14 days free of charge and plan your transport without stress!

Speeding fines in Denmark

In Denmark, speeding fines are severe and imposed immediately after the violation is detected – payable on the spot or through administrative channels. The rates are higher for heavy goods vehicles than for passenger cars.

• On motorways with a speed limit of less than 100 km/h, fines range from 500 to 4,500 DKK.
• On motorways with a speed limit of 100 km/h and above:
  • for trucks and vehicles with trailers, fines range from 1,000 to 7,000 DKK,
  • in the case of serious violations, they may be many times higher than standard, and drivers may be subject to additional penalties (e.g. temporary driving bans).

Driving ban in Denmark – summary

In Denmark, there is no nationwide ban on lorries driving on Sundays or public holidays in 2025. This is good news for professional drivers, who are mostly used to stricter regulations in many European countries.

Traffic restrictions in Denmark mainly apply to the transport of dangerous goods, especially on the Øresund Bridge, and oversized vehicles during the summer season, as well as local regulations in Copenhagen.

Denmark places great emphasis on safety, which is also reflected in the introduction of high fines for speeding, especially for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Carriers should check local regulations on a regular basis and plan their routes taking into account possible restrictions due to weather conditions, e.g. heat waves.