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Low Emission Zones in Denmark

5 Low Emission Zones

Overview

Denmark operates 5 Low Emission Zones (Miljøzoner) in its largest cities: Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense. These zones primarily target heavy vehicles — trucks over 3.5 tonnes and buses — rather than private passenger cars.

Denmark’s approach focuses on reducing particulate matter from heavy-duty transport. As of 2025, passenger cars are generally not restricted in Danish emission zones. Heavy vehicles must meet Euro 5 emission standards or be equipped with an approved particle filter to enter any of the five zones.

Regulations

All trucks with a gross weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes and all buses must meet at least Euro 5 emission standards to enter a Danish Miljøzone. Vehicles that do not meet Euro 5 natively may still enter if they have been retrofitted with an approved diesel particulate filter.

Compliant vehicles must be registered in the Danish environmental zone register (Miljøzoneregistret). Foreign-registered vehicles must also register before entering any zone. Registration can be done online through the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

The fine for driving a non-compliant heavy vehicle in a Miljøzone is DKK 20,000 (approximately €2,700). Fines are issued per violation and apply equally to Danish and foreign-registered vehicles. Enforcement is carried out through roadside inspections and ANPR cameras.

Who must comply

Danish Miljøzoner primarily affect heavy-duty vehicles. Passenger cars and light vehicles are currently exempt from restrictions.

Zones — 5

Miljøzone Aalborg
Miljøzone Aalborg
Miljøzone Aarhus
Miljøzone Aarhus
Miljøzone Copenhagen
Miljøzone Copenhagen
Miljøzone Frederiksberg
Miljøzone Frederiksberg
Miljøzone Odense
Miljøzone Odense

Frequently asked questions

Are passenger cars restricted in Danish emission zones?
No. As of 2025, passenger cars are not subject to any restrictions in Danish Miljøzoner. The rules apply only to trucks over 3.5 tonnes and buses. However, the Danish government has discussed potentially extending restrictions to diesel cars in the future.
How do I register a foreign truck for Danish emission zones?
Foreign-registered trucks and buses must be registered in the Miljøzone register before entering any Danish emission zone. Registration is done online through the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen) website. You will need to provide vehicle registration details and proof of emission standard or particle filter installation.
What is the fine for non-compliance in a Danish Miljøzone?
The fine is DKK 20,000 (approximately €2,700) for driving a non-compliant heavy vehicle in a Miljøzone. This is one of the highest emission zone fines in Europe. The fine applies per violation and there is no reduced early payment option.
Can I retrofit my truck with a particle filter to gain access?
Yes. Trucks and buses that do not meet Euro 5 natively can be retrofitted with an approved diesel particulate filter. The filter must be officially certified and the retrofit must be documented in the vehicle's registration. After retrofit, the vehicle must be registered in the Miljøzone register.
Which cities in Denmark have emission zones?
Denmark has 5 Miljøzoner: Copenhagen, Frederiksberg (adjacent to Copenhagen), Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense. The zones cover the central urban areas of each city. Copenhagen and Frederiksberg zones are adjacent and effectively form one continuous zone.

Check your vehicle compliance

Use our API to instantly verify if your heavy vehicle meets the emission standards for all 5 Danish Miljøzoner.

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