NZ licence 
DenmarkCan you drive in Denmark with an NZ license?
Short answer: to drive in Denmark with an NZ license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your NZ license.
Yes — to drive in Denmark on an NZ licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your NZ licence. Denmark expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.
New Zealand drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.
What driving in Denmark is like
The Marguerite Route (Margueritruten), a network of signed scenic roads winding past castles, coast and countryside across the country, is the classic Danish touring drive. For most visitors the real draw is the freedom to reach places trains and tours don't, on your own schedule, with the open road generally capped around 130 km/h motorways. Getting behind the wheel is the easy part: your International Driving Permit is a certified translation of your NZ licence, carried alongside it, so rental staff and officials in Denmark can read your credentials at a glance.
What applies to NZ licence holders in Denmark
| NZ licence in Denmark | |
|---|---|
| Do you need an IDP? | Yes — carry one alongside your licence |
| IDP format required | 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna |
| Your NZ licence script | Roman (Latin) alphabet |
| New Zealand is party to | 1949 Geneva |
| Drives on the | Right-hand side |
| Minimum driving age | 18 |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
| Currency | DKK |
Driving rules in Denmark you should know
- Daytime running lights mandatory.
- Watch for cyclists at junctions.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Warning triangle required.
Local driving facts in Denmark
Emergency number: 112 (112 also connects from most mobiles). Typical maximum for cars on the fastest road class: 130 km/h motorways. Posted limits always take precedence.
Tolls & road charges in Denmark
Denmark has no motorway tolls or vignette; charges apply only at two bridges - the Storebaelt/Great Belt (Funen-Zealand) at about DKK 260 one-way for a car, and the Oresund bridge to Sweden at about DKK 540. Pay by card or automatic plate recognition at the toll plaza; no booking needed.
Parking in Denmark
Towns use paid zones via apps (EasyPark, ParkMan) and pay-and-display; a parking disc on the dashboard is required in free time-limited bays - available at petrol stations and kiosks. Copenhagen parking is expensive and restricted, with zones signposted and active enforcement.
Penalties & enforcement in Denmark
Speeding fines are steep and percentage-based on the overage, easily exceeding DKK 2,000, with gross speeding risking vehicle confiscation; the alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l. Speed cameras and police are active, and rental companies forward camera fines to the renter with a handling fee.
If you have an accident in Denmark
Call 112 for emergencies/injury; for minor damage exchange details and complete a European Accident Statement. Do not leave the scene, and report to police where there is injury, dispute, or a parked/unidentified other party.
City driving in Denmark
Copenhagen has heavy bicycle traffic with dedicated cycle lanes alongside the road - always check the bike lane before turning right or opening a door, as cyclists have priority and the city centre has limited, costly parking.
Winter driving in Denmark
No mandatory winter-tyre rule currently - a law making winter tyres compulsory 1 Nov-31 Mar was passed in 2025 but takes effect from November 2026. Winter tyres are strongly recommended, and you must clear all snow and ice from the car before driving.
Fuel in Denmark
Stations sell 95/98 octane petrol (Blyfri) and diesel and are mostly unmanned self-service with card/contactless payment; some require a chip-and-PIN card. Fuel is expensive, around DKK 14-15 per litre, and rural stations can be far apart.
Sources: rac.co.uk, tollguru.com, tyremap.com, danishnet.com