Denmark records surge in speeding fines for 17‑year‑old motorists

A new licensing rule that took effect on 1 July 2025 allowing 17‑year‑old drivers to operate a car without a supervisor during daylight hours has led to a sharp rise in traffic citations. Police data supplied to insurer Alm. Brand shows 2,397 offences involving young drivers in the first year, with 1,270 (more than half) for exceeding speed limits. Additional violations include 300 cases of driving without a required supervisor and 134 instances of driving without a licence, representing an almost 40 % increase in offences from the first to the second half‑year.

Alm. Brand’s loss‑adjuster Britta Bjerregaard warned that high speeds raise the risk of serious accidents and stressed the need for continued focus on responsible driving habits among the youngest motorists. The insurer also encourages continued supervised driving periods and has financed driver‑training courses for 17‑year‑olds and their parents in several regions of Denmark.

Local driving schools, such as one in Holte, highlight the benefits of learning in familiar traffic conditions to build safe driving skills, underscoring broader efforts to improve road safety for new drivers.