Am I allowed to use my phone while driving in Denmark?
No — using a hand-held phone or other hand-held device while driving is forbidden. Under Road Traffic Act §55a it brings a fine of 1,500 kr and a clip on your licence, plus a mandatory 1,000 kr to the Victim Fund, so a single text really costs about 2,500 kr. What most people get wrong: the ban also applies when you are stopped at a red light or in a queue, because you still count as driving. Hands-free via Bluetooth and a phone in a fixed holder are allowed, but the interaction must be minimal and the holder must be properly mounted. Three clips in three years mean a conditional loss of licence, and new drivers lose it already at two clips. Cyclists get 1,000 kr with no clip.
📋 The rules
- Forbidden to use a hand-held phone while driving
- Fine of 1,500 kr and a clip on your licence
- Plus 1,000 kr to the Victim Fund
- Applies also when stopped at a red light
- Hands-free and a fixed holder are allowed
🔓 Exceptions
- An emergency call to 112 can be justified
- Hands-free via Bluetooth or a headset is allowed
- A phone in a fixed holder may be used for navigation with minimal interaction
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The fine is 1,500 kr and a clip, plus 1,000 kr to the Victim Fund, so a single text really costs about 2,500 kr. The expensive part is not the money but the clips: three clips in three years mean a conditional loss of licence, and new drivers lose it already at two — two quick phone fines can cost a fresh driver the licence. The clip is given even when you are stopped at a red light or in a queue, because you still count as driving. Cyclists get off more lightly with 1,000 kr and no clip, but the ban covers them too.
📎 Official sources
- Road Traffic Act §55a · Retsinformation →
- Safe Traffic · Phone in the car →
- Road Safety Agency · Licence clips →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I use my phone while driving?
No, not hand-held. It brings a fine of 1,500 kr and a clip on your licence, and the ban covers all hand-held devices, not just the phone itself. On top of that comes 1,000 kr to the Victim Fund.
What does it cost?
1,500 kr and a clip, plus a mandatory 1,000 kr to the Victim Fund, so about 2,500 kr in real terms. The clip also counts towards the three years that trigger a conditional loss of licence.
Does it apply when stopped at a red light?
Yes. The ban also applies when you are stopped at a red light or in a queue, because you still count as driving. The fine and the clip are exactly the same as if the car had been moving — which surprises many.
Can I use hands-free?
Yes. Hands-free via Bluetooth or a headset is allowed, and a phone in a fixed holder may be used for navigation. The interaction must be minimal, though, and the holder must be mounted — not lying in your lap.
What happens with more clips?
Three clips in three years mean a conditional loss of licence, and new drivers lose it already at two clips. Two phone fines can therefore be enough, while cyclists get 1,000 kr and no clip at all.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I use phone while driving denmark”
- “phone in car fine 1500”
- “hand-held phone banned”
- “licence clip phone”
- “phone red light”
- “hands-free allowed car”