Two reports from Denmark about Danish tolls
Message 1 – 10-02-2026
Minister confirms: New model for road toll fines underway
Minister of Transport Thomas Danielsen has confirmed that the ministry is working on a revised penalty model for the kilometre-based road toll system. At the same time, he has announced that the current fine model has been suspended since 18 December 2025.
The widely debated penalty system for toll violations will therefore soon be a thing of the past. Minister Thomas Danielsen confirmed this in an interview with Altinget. In a text message to the outlet, he stated that he is in dialogue with the transport sector to move away from the “DTL model,” “where fines had to be as high as possible.”
According to the article, International Transport Danmark (ITD) and DI Transport opposed the increase in fines from 4,500 to 9,000 Danish kroner from the outset. On the other side were DTL and Dansk Erhverv, who supported the increase.
Speaking to Altinget, ITD Director Stefan K. Schou emphasized:
“This was presented as a wish from the sector. But it certainly did not come from us. It was DTL that wanted the fine level to be increased.”
“Since December, we have been in dialogue with the Minister of Transport to develop a revised and legally sustainable fine model. On that basis, the Attorney General, on behalf of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance, requested that we temporarily suspend our legal proceedings. We have complied – with the clear expectation that together with the ministries and Parliament we will arrive at a lawful fine model,” said Stefan K. Schou.
Road toll fines suspended
For the first time, the Minister has now made public that the issuance of road toll fines has in practice been halted since 18 December 2025 – except in cases where vehicles have been operated entirely without a toll box or without valid route payment.
This corresponds with the signals previously observed by ITD. The organisation therefore reacts positively to the announcement, according to Stefan K. Schou:
“It is very positive that the Minister now openly acknowledges the need for a new fine model for the road toll system. This sends an important signal to the sector that concerns are being heard and that the legal certainty of transport operators is being taken seriously. We look forward to further dialogue with the Minister and want to contribute constructively to a solution that is both proportionate and workable in practice.”
ITD has on several occasions recommended a so-called step model, in which fines are differentiated based on the nature and circumstances of the violation. This would ensure proportionality and thereby compliance with EU law.
In addition, the organisation considers it essential that all incorrectly imposed fines be annulled retroactively.
Message 2 – 11-02-2026
Denmark wants to immobilise foreign trucks over unpaid toll fines – but not from all countries
The Danish government intends to strengthen enforcement of road toll payments against foreign transport operators. A legislative proposal would give authorities the power to immobilise foreign-registered vehicles in cases of outstanding toll-related fines. At the same time, the proposal introduces a differentiated fine system based on the severity of the violation.
The measure aims to address the longstanding issue that unpaid fines imposed on foreign companies are difficult to collect.
Denmark is preparing legislative amendments granting the Danish Road Traffic Authority (Færdselsstyrelsen) new enforcement powers concerning foreign heavy vehicles.
Under the proposal, inspectors conducting roadside checks may escort a vehicle to a control point for inspection. The vehicle will only be released once outstanding, final toll fines have been paid.
The measure applies exclusively to legally binding and enforceable fines; cases still under appeal or not yet legally final are excluded.
According to the explanatory notes, the current system is ineffective against foreign operators, as vehicles can leave Denmark without settling outstanding fines.
The fine is linked to the vehicle — not the driver
One of the most controversial elements of the proposal is that fines will be attached to the foreign-registered vehicle itself, not to a specific driver.
This means it is irrelevant whether the driver at the time of inspection is the same individual who originally committed the violation.
Such situations may arise when:
the vehicle has changed ownership since the fine was issued,
the vehicle is used by a transport company with multiple drivers,
the vehicle is rented or leased and the violation was committed by another driver.
In practice, enforcement risk shifts to the person in possession of the vehicle at the time of inspection.
If the current driver pays in order to continue the journey, any reimbursement claim against the actual debtor becomes a civil matter. Danish authorities will not intervene in such disputes.
Exemption for the Nordic countries
The proposal includes an important exception: vehicle immobilisation will not apply to debtors from Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden.
The reason is practical rather than political. According to the explanatory notes, Denmark already has highly effective cooperation mechanisms in place with these countries for the collection of fines, based on longstanding Nordic cooperation.
For other countries, such effective instruments either do not exist or are considered significantly less efficient. According to the legislator, this justifies stricter enforcement measures.
End of the fixed standard fine
At the same time, the Danish government has announced a reform of the current fine structure for toll-related violations.
Currently, a fixed fine of 9,000 Danish kroner (approximately €1,200) applies, regardless of the circumstances.
The Danish Ministry of Finance has informed the sector that it is working on a system in which fines will be differentiated:
The highest fines will apply only in cases of clear, systematic and intentional toll fraud.
Unintentional mistakes, technical malfunctions, system errors, equipment failures or input errors will no longer automatically result in the maximum fine.
Danish transport operators have long criticised the existing system as overly rigid and disproportionate in practice. Last year, the matter was referred to the European Commission by ITD, which argued that the Danish fine system violates the EU principle of proportionality, requiring penalties to be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the infringement.
Sector reaction: cautiously positive
The transport association Danske Vognmænd (DTL) has welcomed both the proposed immobilisation measure and the differentiation of fines.
At the same time, the organisation emphasises that the bill must still complete the full parliamentary process in the Danish Parliament (Folketing). Potential elections could delay or suspend the reform.
When will the changes enter into force?
The bill was published on 3 February 2026. The public consultation period runs until 23 February 2026.
According to the current timetable, the new rules are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2026.
If adopted in its proposed form, Denmark will rank among the countries with the strictest enforcement instruments against foreign transport operators who evade road toll payments.
For transport operators driving through Denmark, the message is clear: unpaid tolls may not only lead to financial penalties, but also to the immobilisation of the vehicle.
This text was translated with the assistance of ChatGPT. Transport in Nood accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or consequences arising from its use.
Image for illustrative purposes.
Source: trans.info / ITD / Transport Online