Support us

IdlingDenmark

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Denmark. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Denmark

54. Idling

Idling means allowing a vehicle's engine to continue running while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is not being used to move the vehicle. This may occur while waiting, parking, loading or unloading or before beginning a journey.

Unnecessary idling consumes fuel and produces exhaust emissions, air pollution and noise. Many countries or local authorities restrict prolonged or unnecessary idling, although exceptions may apply when the engine is required for safety, technical equipment or another necessary purpose.

A stationary vehicle with its engine running is idling. (Volkswagen Golf)
Wikimedia.org • Spacekid • CC0
What is idling?

Idling means keeping a vehicle's engine running while the vehicle remains stationary and the engine is not being used to propel it.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 23; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 123, stationary engines; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 22sexies and 44, pedestrian-zone access and passenger/load conduct; Belgian example

Why should unnecessary idling be avoided?

Unnecessary idling uses fuel, produces exhaust emissions and creates noise without moving the vehicle.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 23; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 123, stationary engines; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 22sexies and 44, pedestrian-zone access and passenger/load conduct; Belgian example

Is idling illegal everywhere?

Check the local rule and circumstances. For example, Great Britain prohibits unnecessary idling on a public road but recognises situations such as waiting in traffic or diagnosing a fault. Do not assume that every stationary engine is prohibited or that one country’s exceptions apply elsewhere.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 23; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 123, stationary engines; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 22sexies and 44, pedestrian-zone access and passenger/load conduct; Belgian example

1 Denmark 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Speed limit 5 Footpath 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Bus stop 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Railway crossing 12 Crossing animals 13 Wrong-way driving 14 Selective barriers 15 Traffic lights 16 Pedestrian lights 17 Road markings 18 Driving licence 19 Traffic mirror 20 International border 21 Cycling route 22 Parking 23 No parking 24 No stopping 25 Parallel parking 26 Parking meter 27 Parking disc 28 Disabled parking 29 Traffic management 30 Reversing 31 Emergency exit 32 Licence plate 33 Charging station 34 Dangers 35 Cyclist 36 Bus 37 Police 38 Ambulance 39 European emission standard 40 Pothole 41 Path 42 Particulates 43 Air pollution 44 Rush hour 45 Road code 46 Street gutter 47 Cargo bike 48 Forestry vehicle 49 Construction vehicle 50 Semi-trailer truck 51 Trolleybus 52 Speed pedelec 53 Delivery vehicle 54 Idling 55 Tow truck 56 Four-wheel drive 57 No vehicles 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Tram 61 Rail track 62 Caravan 63 Trailer 64 Tow hitch 65 Fire truck 66 Siren 67 Convoy 68 Emergency vehicle lighting 69 Agricultural machinery 70 Electric bicycle 71 Electric vehicle 72 Pedelec 73 Quadricycle 74 Microcar 75 All-terrain vehicle 76 Van 77 Recreational vehicle 78 Scooter 79 Trikke 80 Personal mobility device 81 Skateboard 82 Segway 83 Kick scooter 84 Roller skates 85 Mailman 86 Hitchhiker 87 Toddler 88 Child 89 Disability 90 Commercial vehicle 91 Motorail 92 Garbage truck 93 Parking violation 94 km/h 95 mph 96 Speedometer 97 National speed 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...