Denmark Requires Ignition Interlock Devices for Licensed Drivers

Denmark mandates the use of ignition interlock devices for drivers holding licenses with an ignition interlock condition.

Compliance Answer: Ignition Interlock Devices in Denmark

Denmark mandates the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for drivers holding licenses with an ignition interlock condition, particularly in response to amendments in the Danish Traffic Regulation Act (Færdselsloven) and the Order on ignition interlock devices to be used in connection with driving licences with an ignition interlock condition¹. The regulations specify technical requirements, thresholds, and applicability periods for IIDs, with a focus on harmonizing device settings with national legal limits for blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Regulation Analysis

1. Legal Framework and Applicability

• Primary Legislation:

The Danish Traffic Regulation Act (Færdselsloven) establishes the legal basis for IID requirements, including conditions for driving licenses.

• Act No. 567 of 27 May 2025 lowered the BAC limit to 0.2‰ (blood alcohol) for first-time drivers during the first three years of holding a license.
• The Order on ignition interlock devices aligns IID technical settings with this lower limit¹.

• Scope of IID Mandate:

IIDs are required for drivers whose licenses include an ignition interlock condition, typically imposed for alcohol-related offenses or as a preventive measure for high-risk groups (e.g., first-time drivers)¹.

• The condition may be applied retroactively or as part of a rehabilitation program¹.

2. Technical Requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices

The Order on ignition interlock devices specifies the following technical settings and thresholds¹:

• Standard Threshold:

IIDs must be set to 0.10 mg of alcohol per litre of exhaled air (equivalent to 0.2‰ BAC) for:

• First-time drivers during the first three years of holding a license.
• Other drivers with an ignition interlock condition may use higher thresholds (not specified in the sources)¹.

• Device Calibration:

The Order ensures consistency between IID technical functions and national legal BAC limits.

• No changes are imposed on existing users of IIDs (e.g., repeat offenders) unless their condition falls under the first-time driver category¹.

• No New Trade Barriers:

The amendment clarifies existing technology settings without introducing new technical requirements for manufacturers¹.

3. Timeline and Implementation

• Adoption Process:
  • Proposed adoption date: 1 June 2026.
  • Entry into force: 1 July 2026.
  • Public consultation: Comments accepted until 12 April 2026.

4. Enforcement and Compliance

• Responsible Authority:

The Danish Road Traffic Authority (Færdselsstyrelsen) oversees compliance with IID requirements.

• Contact: `info@fstyr.dk` or +45 7221 8899.

• Penalties for Non-Compliance:

While the sources do not specify penalties, non-compliance with IID conditions likely results in:

• License suspension or revocation under the Danish Traffic Regulation Act.
• Criminal charges for tampering with or bypassing an IID.

Summary Answer

Denmark requires ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for drivers with licenses subject to an ignition interlock condition, particularly first-time drivers during their first three years of licensure. The Order on ignition interlock devices mandates that IIDs be set to 0.10 mg of alcohol per litre of exhaled air (equivalent to 0.2‰ BAC) for this group, aligning with the lowered legal limit introduced by Act No. 567 of 27 May 2025. The regulation takes effect on 1 July 2026, with no new trade barriers anticipated¹. Compliance is enforced by the Danish Road Traffic Authority, though specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the sources. For further clarification, stakeholders may submit comments until 12 April 2026.

Sources

1. ↩ Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade – Notification – Denmark – Ignition interlock devices to be used in connection with driving licences with an ignition interlock condition https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN26/DNK145.pdf&Open=True