Driving in Denmark as a United States National
Denmark drives on the right with low speed limits, excellent infrastructure, and iconic bridges. EU and US license holders generally do not need an IDP. Fuel is expensive.
Key Things to Know First
Denmark generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
Both United States and Denmark drive on the right. No adjustment needed.
United States uses mph, but Denmark uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United States | Denmark | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Right-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 16 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 911 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Easy | Easy | — |
Speed Limits in Denmark
Speed limits in Denmark are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Denmark
- Original driving licence from United States — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Denmark before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Denmark
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Denmark Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Denmark.
Read the complete guide