Road Transport Operations Denmark

Denmark with Copenhagen as its capital is the most southerly of the Scandinavian countries. Covering an area of 43,000 square kilometres, the peninsular of Jutland and 443 islands, of which circa 70 are inhabited, form the Kingdom of Denmark. Whilst sharing only one land border, with Germany, Denmark is also connected to Sweden by the Oresund Bridge which opened in 1999.

Cabotage

UK hauliers may carry goods to, through or from the country. Goods can also be carried from Denmark to a third country and vice versa if permitted by the terms of any agreement between the three countries. Cabotage is permitted.

Dangerous Goods

Denmark is a party to ADR, however, there are restrictions on the movement of dangerous goods in Denmark on bridges and in tunnels.

Hazardous goods can be transported across the Øresund Bridge at no extra cost. However, restrictions are in force as they are for tunnels in Denmark. Road tunnels with restrictions on dangerous goods vehicles are classified into five tunnel categories, A - E. The Øresund Tunnel is assigned the following tunnel categories:

Category E from 06.00 to 23.00 daily
Category B from 23.00 to 06.00 daily

Category E implies a restriction on all dangerous goods which must be marked in accordance with the ADR regulations with the exception of UN nos. 2919, 3291, 3331, 3359 and 3373.

Tunnel Category B implies a restriction on dangerous goods which could result in a major explosion. See the provisions of ADR, Part 8, Section 8.6.

Tunnel restrictions shall not apply when dangerous goods are carried in accordance with ADR, Section 1.1.3 about exemptions.

You can also visit the UNECE website at the link below & select the country name applicable
http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/country-info_e.html

Abnormal loads

Special authorisation must be obtained if vehicles/loads exceed maximum permitted weights and dimensions. Where abnormal load movements include the use of the Øresund and Storebæl Bridges, there are restrictions in place which are dictated by various factors, not least the time of crossing, dimensions of vehicle/load etc. It is therefore necessary to contact the relevant authorities at:-

Øresund Bridge

Hazardous goods can be transported across the Øresund Bridge at no extra cost.  However, certain restrictions are in force to ensure the safety of road users and personnel on the bridge. For further information please visit the following link https://www.oresundsbron.com/en/customerservice/faq/item/what-are-rules-for-transporting-hazardous-freight
Abnormal Loads can be carried, but these must be booked in advance. For further information please visit the following link -https://www.oresundsbron.com/en/business/prices/special-transport

Storebaelt Bridge

Abnormal Loads can be carried, but these must be booked in advance. For further information please visit the following link -https://storebaelt.dk/en/abnormal-loads/

All abnormal load operators will require a keeper’s certificate to prove ownership of the trailer which must be carried as part of the vehicle documents at all times.
An application form can be downloaded below:

Keepers Trailer Certificate Abloads (pdf, 0.7 MB)

Road, Tunnel & Bridge Tolls

Denmark is one of 4 countries that operate the Eurovignette toll system, the other 3 countries being the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden. Heavy goods vehicles and vehicle combinations with a maximum admissible weight from 12 tonnes must have a valid Eurovignette when driving in the countries named above.

There are 2 toll bridges in Denmark, which are the Storebæl Bridge (Great Belt), which connects Funen to Zealand and the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark to Sweden (Copenhagen to Malmo) and spans the Øresund Strait. Prior to the Øresund Bridge construction HGV vehicles used to use the ferry service from Dragør (DK) to Limhamn (S).

Movement Restrictions

There are no driving restrictions on public holidays or weekends. However, there are local driving restrictions in force for goods vehicles over 18 tonnes MPW seeking access to the centre of Copenhagen. In this situation, it is necessary to contact the local Police Authority for permission at: - Københavns Politi - Trafikafdelingen (Copenhagen Police - Traffic Department), Anker Heegaardsgade 1, 1, DK - 1572 Copenhagen V, Tel: (+45) 33 14 14 48.

Certain motorway sections have overtaking restrictions Monday to Friday between 0600 and 1800 hours.

Maximum Weights & Dimensions
Height	4 metres
Width	2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres)
Length	Artic 16.5 metres Road Train 18.35 metres There are also other maximum lengths on vehicles and trailers according to the number of axles. ***
Weight	Artic 38 tonnes Road Train 44 tonnes There are also various maximum permitted weights on vehicles, trailers and road trains which are applicable according to the number of axles. ***
******* In 2008, Denmark introduced Road Trains of 25.25 metres in length with a GVW of 60 tonnes.

Safety Equipment

HGV drivers should note that whilst driving in Denmark a spare set of bulbs and a warning triangle are a legal requirement. Seat belts, headlight converters, driving with dipped headlights at all times are compulsory.

Whilst not compulsory it is advisable to also carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and a high visibility vest. Mobile phones must only be used in hands free mode. Tyre depth requirements are1.6mm on vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and 1.0mm over 3.5 tonnes. It is also advisable to carry wheel chocks.

Driver Legal Documents

Full passport is required but no visa required.
Full UK driving Licence.
Letter from employer giving driver permission to drive vehicle (attestation letter and form)..

If the UK fully leaves the EU on 31 January 2021, HGV drivers will require travel insurance with healthcare cover

Vehicle Legal Documentation

Green Card required, plus original vehicle registration docs.
A GB plate must be fitted to rear of vehicle/trailer. T
Trailer Registration Certificate is a requirement. To register for a trailer certificate go to https://www.gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad

Customs TIR Carnets are accepted for loads crossing Denmark. ATA Carnets are accepted on certain temporary imported goods. CMR notes are standard.

Low Emission Zones

Similar to the London LEZ, Denmark has several cities that impose restrictions along similar lines. In Denmark, low emission zones mean that heavy duty vehicles either have to meet the stipulated Euro standards or install particle filters. Particle filters must remove a minimum of 80% of particles in the diesel engine exhaust. Cities in Denmark that currently have LEZ's are: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg.

Speed Limits

The following speed limits are applicable in Denmark:

Built up areas – 50 k/ph
Open roads – 80 k/ph
Motorways – 130 k/ph, but some stretches are reduced to 110 k/ph and 90 k/ph

Lights

The use of dipped beams or daytime running lights is mandatory at all times.