Short answer: Most cycling fines in Denmark are DKK 700 or DKK 1,000. No lights after dark is DKK 700, running a red light is DKK 1,000, and holding your phone is DKK 1,000. The amounts come from the Danish police's guideline fine table, last updated 24 February 2026.
Plenty of websites say riding without lights costs DKK 1,000. It doesn't. The fine is DKK 700.
Every cycling fine in Denmark
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| No lights during lighting-up time | DKK 700 |
| Brakes not in order | DKK 700 |
| Missing or broken reflectors | DKK 700 |
| Bell not working | Warning, no fine |
| Running a red light | DKK 1,000 |
| Riding on amber just before red | DKK 700 |
| Holding a mobile phone | DKK 1,000 |
| Riding against the traffic | DKK 1,000 |
| Using the cycle track on the left side of the road | DKK 1,000 |
| Not giving way where you must | DKK 1,000 |
| Riding on the pavement, a footpath or a pedestrian street | DKK 700 |
| Riding across a pedestrian crossing | DKK 700 |
| Not giving a hand signal | DKK 700 |
| Wrong position when turning | DKK 700 |
| Not using the cycle track | DKK 700 |
| More than two riding side by side | DKK 700 |
| Hands off the handlebar or feet off the pedals | DKK 700 |
| Two people on a one-person bike | DKK 700 each |
| Cycling drunk (unable to ride safely) | DKK 1,500 |
If your bike has several faults at once, say both lights and reflectors, you usually get one fine of at most DKK 700. Riders under 18 pay half, but at least DKK 500.
Lights: the rule that costs the most
You need lights on from sunset to sunrise, and in fog or heavy rain.
- Front: white or yellowish light.
- Rear: red light.
- Lights must be visible from 300 metres and from the side.
- Flashing lights are legal if they flash at least 120 times a minute. A yellow front light must be steady.
What your bike must have
According to the Danish Road Safety Council, a bike must have:
- two brakes, one on the front wheel and one on the back
- a bell on the handlebar
- a white reflector at the front and a red one at the back
- yellow reflectors on the pedals
- white reflective strips on the tyres or a yellow reflector on each wheel
That's exactly the list our bike shops check before handing out a Ring Ring bike. It can be ugly, but it has to be legal.
Turning left: the two-stage turn
Cyclists in Denmark don't turn left by moving into the middle of the road like a car. You do it in two stages:
- Ride straight across the junction on the right-hand side.
- Stop at the far corner and turn your bike to face the new direction.
- Go when the light is green or the way is clear.
Getting your position wrong when turning costs DKK 700.
Hand signals
Stick your arm out to the side you're turning to, and raise your arm before you stop. It's not just polite. No signal costs DKK 700.
Helmets, children and alcohol
- Helmets are not required by law on an ordinary bike, not even for children. They are required on e-scooters and speed pedelecs, where riding without one costs DKK 1,500.
- Children: Anyone cycling with a child must be at least 15. Children under 8 must sit in a proper child seat and be strapped in. Children under 6 may only cycle in traffic with someone aged 15 or over.
- Alcohol: There is no blood alcohol limit for ordinary bikes. But if you can't ride safely, it's illegal, and the fine is DKK 1,500.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the fine for cycling without lights in Denmark?
DKK 700, according to the police's guideline fine table from February 2026. If your bike has several faults at once, such as lights and reflectors, it's normally still one fine of at most DKK 700.
How much is the fine for cycling through a red light in Denmark?
DKK 1,000. Riding through on amber just before red is DKK 700.
Can I use my phone while cycling in Denmark?
No. Holding your phone while cycling costs DKK 1,000.
Is there a drink-cycling limit in Denmark?
There's no blood alcohol limit for ordinary bikes. But it's illegal to cycle if you can't do it safely, and the fine is DKK 1,500.
Do I have to wear a helmet on a bike in Denmark?
No, not on an ordinary bike. Helmets are only required on e-scooters and speed pedelecs.
Sources
Checked 29 September 2026.
- Danish Police: Guideline fines for traffic offences (Danish, version 24.02.2026)
- Danish Road Safety Council (Rådet for Sikker Trafik): Lights, Bike equipment, Fines, Left turns, Children (all in Danish)
The fines are guidelines. In the end, a court sets the amount.