Am I allowed to drive after drinking in Denmark?
Only if you are under the alcohol limit. The general limit is 0.5, but new drivers have a stricter limit of 0.2 for their first 3 years with a licence — and that is the rule most people miss. Between 0.5 and 1.2 you get a fine calculated as your net monthly salary times the per-mille level, a conditional loss of licence, a requirement to retake the test and an alcohol-and-traffic course. So there is no fixed tariff. Over 1.2 you lose your licence unconditionally for 3 years and can get prison. Over 2.0 the car is confiscated, and it is also confiscated for repeated serious drink-driving. The course is required regardless of level before you get your licence back.
📋 The rules
- General limit 0.5
- New drivers: 0.2 in the first 3 years
- 0.5–1.2: fine + conditional loss + alcohol course
- Over 1.2: unconditional loss for 3 years
- Over 2.0: the car is confiscated
🔓 Exceptions
- New drivers have the stricter 0.2 limit
- Confiscation can be waived if it would be disproportionate (rare)
- An alcohol-and-traffic course is required regardless of level before re-licensing
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no fixed fine tariff. Between 0.5 and 1.2 the fine is calculated as your net monthly salary times the per-mille level, so the same drive costs far more on a high income. On top of that come a conditional loss of licence, a retaken driving test and an alcohol-and-traffic course, which is required regardless of the level before you can get the licence back. Over 1.2 the loss of licence is unconditional for 3 years and the case can end in prison. Over 2.0 the car is confiscated, as it is for repeated serious drink-driving — a waiver is rare.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
What is the alcohol limit in Denmark?
The general limit is 0.5. New drivers, however, have a stricter limit of 0.2 for their first 3 years with a licence, and that is the rule most people forget after passing the test. Above the limit it is drink-driving.
What happens between 0.5 and 1.2?
You get a fine calculated as your net monthly salary times the per-mille level, plus a conditional loss of licence. You must also retake the driving test and complete an alcohol-and-traffic course.
When do I lose my licence unconditionally?
Over 1.2 the loss is unconditional for 3 years, and the case can also end in prison. Below 1.2 the loss is normally conditional, but your licence is still very much at stake. The course is required either way.
When is the car confiscated?
Over 2.0 the car is confiscated, and it is also confiscated for repeated serious drink-driving. Confiscation can be waived if it would be disproportionate, but that is a rare exception.
Is there a stricter limit for new drivers?
Yes. For the first 3 years with a licence the limit is 0.2 instead of 0.5. The limit follows the licence rather than your age, so it applies even if you learn to drive late in life. The 3 years run from the licence.
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