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Mandatory signsDenmark

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.

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Denmark
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Mandatory signs

A mandatory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what they must do. Instead of prohibiting actions, these signs impose obligations such as following a specific direction, using a particular lane, or keeping a minimum speed. Their purpose is to guide traffic safely and efficiently by ensuring that all road users follow the same required behaviour in places where it is necessary for order and safety.

Mandatory roundabout direction. Turning left mandatory. Turning left or right mandatory. Turning right mandatory. Pass obstacle on the left. Pass obstacle on either side. Pass obstacle on the right. Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory. Mandatory left. Mandatory right. Driving straight ahead mandatory. Mandatory path for pedestrians. Mandatory path for cyclists. Mandatory path for equestrians. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path. Start of a minimum speed. End of the minimum speed.
How are compulsory instructions shown in Denmark?

D signs are circular, with a blue background and white symbol showing the obligation.

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Denmark, Road Traffic Act, LBK 118/2026 — 4, 18, 26–27; signing order C11/C12, D11–D16, supplementary plates

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish signing order BEK 425/2023 — operative sign and marking descriptions

What does a mandatory-direction sign require in Denmark?

Where a compulsory-direction sign is installed in Denmark, follow only the arrow direction or permitted combination of directions. The restriction applies at the location or movement it regulates; it is not an instruction to ignore other traffic controls.

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Denmark, Road Traffic Act, LBK 118/2026 — 4, 18, 26–27; signing order C11/C12, D11–D16, supplementary plates

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish signing order BEK 425/2023 — operative sign and marking descriptions

Does a mandatory-direction sign give me priority over pedestrians in Denmark?

No. It tells you which way to move, not who goes first. Check traffic lights, other priority signs, pedestrians and cyclists, and give way when required before completing the manoeuvre.

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Denmark, Road Traffic Act, LBK 118/2026 — 4, 18, 26–27; signing order C11/C12, D11–D16, supplementary plates

🔗 retsinformation.dk • Danish signing order BEK 425/2023 — operative sign and marking descriptions

1. Mandatory roundabout direction

This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.

Mandatory roundabout direction.

English • Traffic sign D 12 • Compulsory direction around a roundabout.

Dansk • Tavle D 12 • Påbudt kørselsretning i rundkørsel.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn left and may not continue straight ahead or turn right.

Turning left mandatory.

English • Traffic sign D 11 • Compulsory direction.

Dansk • Tavle D 11 • Påbudt kørselsretning.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Turning left or right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left or right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic may turn either left or right but may not continue straight ahead.

Turning left or right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign D 11 • Compulsory direction.

Dansk • Tavle D 11 • Påbudt kørselsretning.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.

Turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign D 11 • Compulsory direction.

Dansk • Tavle D 11 • Påbudt kørselsretning.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Pass obstacle on the left

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the left.

English • Traffic sign D 15 • Pass on the indicated side. Motor vehicles and large mopeds must pass on the side shown by the arrow. This does not apply when reaching a stop, in a bus lane, parking lane or similar place.

Dansk • Tavle D 15 • Påbudt passage. Tavlen angiver, at motorkøretøjer og store knallerter skal passere tavlen på den side, som pilen peger mod. Det gælder dog ikke for kørsel til stoppested, i busbane, parkeringsbane eller lignende.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Pass obstacle on either side

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on either the left or the right. Use either permitted side while following the road layout and any accompanying signs or markings.

Pass obstacle on either side.

English • Traffic sign D 16 • Pass on either side. Motor vehicles and large mopeds may pass on either side of the sign.

Dansk • Tavle D 16 • Valgfri passage. Tavlen angiver, at motorkøretøjer og store knallerter kan passere tavlen på begge sider.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Pass obstacle on the right

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the right.

English • Traffic sign D 15 • Pass on the indicated side. Motor vehicles and large mopeds must pass on the side shown by the arrow. This does not apply when reaching a stop, in a bus lane, parking lane or similar place.

Dansk • Tavle D 15 • Påbudt passage. Tavlen angiver, at motorkøretøjer og store knallerter skal passere tavlen på den side, som pilen peger mod. Det gælder dog ikke for kørsel til stoppested, i busbane, parkeringsbane eller lignende.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn left. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning right is prohibited.

Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory.

English • Traffic sign D 11 • Compulsory direction.

Dansk • Tavle D 11 • Påbudt kørselsretning.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn right. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning left is prohibited.

Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign D 11 • Compulsory direction.

Dansk • Tavle D 11 • Påbudt kørselsretning.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Mandatory left

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the left. Traffic must proceed to the left at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the right.

Mandatory left.

English • Traffic sign D 11 • Compulsory direction.

Dansk • Tavle D 11 • Påbudt kørselsretning.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Mandatory right

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the right. Traffic must proceed to the right at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the left.

Mandatory right.

English • Traffic sign D 11 • Compulsory direction.

Dansk • Tavle D 11 • Påbudt kørselsretning.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. Driving straight ahead mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.

Driving straight ahead mandatory.

English • Traffic sign D 11 • Compulsory direction.

Dansk • Tavle D 11 • Påbudt kørselsretning.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a mandatory path for pedestrians. Pedestrians must use the designated path, while other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for pedestrians.

English • Traffic sign D 22 • Footpath. Pedestrians must use this path, which is reserved exclusively for them.

Dansk • Tavle D 22 • Gangsti. Tavlen angiver bane, som skal benyttes af gående og kun må benyttes af disse.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for cyclists.

English • Traffic sign D 21 • Cycle path. Cyclists and riders of small mopeds must use this path, which is reserved for them, subject to section 14(3) of the Road Traffic Act. Pedestrians may also use it under section 10. A supplementary plate may require small mopeds to use the carriageway.

Dansk • Tavle D 21 • Cykelsti. Tavlen angiver bane, som skal benyttes af cyklister og førere af lille knallert og kun må benyttes af disse, dog under hensyntagen til færdselslovens § 14, stk. 3. Banen kan dog benyttes af fodgængere, jf. færdselslovens § 10. Det kan angives med undertavle, at lille knallert skal føres på kørebanen.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for equestrians. Equestrians must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for equestrians.

English • Traffic sign D 23 • Bridleway. Horse riders must use this path, which is reserved exclusively for them.

Dansk • Tavle D 23 • Ridesti. Tavlen angiver bane, som skal benyttes af ridende og kun må benyttes af disse.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the same designated path rather than separate sections. They must share the space safely and follow the applicable local rules.

Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign D 27 • Shared path. The road-user categories shown must use the path, which is reserved for them. Users must show mutual consideration under section 3(1) of the Road Traffic Act.

Dansk • Tavle D 27 • Fællessti. Tavlen angiver bane, som skal benyttes af flere færdselsarter og kun må benyttes af disse. Arterne angives ved symbol. Trafikanter på fællessti skal udvise gensidig hensynsfuldhed, jf. færdselslovens § 3, stk. 1.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign D 26 • Separated path. Indicates parts separated by markings, a verge or similar feature. Each part must be used exclusively by the road-user category shown.

Dansk • Tavle D 26 • Delt sti. Tavlen angiver sti med flere baner, der er adskilt ved afstribning, rabat eller lignende. Hver bane skal benyttes af den færdselsart, der angives med symbol, og må kun benyttes af denne.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign D 26 • Separated path. Indicates parts separated by markings, a verge or similar feature. Each part must be used exclusively by the road-user category shown.

Dansk • Tavle D 26 • Delt sti. Tavlen angiver sti med flere baner, der er adskilt ved afstribning, rabat eller lignende. Hver bane skal benyttes af den færdselsart, der angives med symbol, og må kun benyttes af denne.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. Start of a minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the start of a minimum speed. Road users covered by the sign must travel at or above the indicated speed when conditions allow. Driving more slowly may still be necessary because of traffic, weather, road conditions or another safety-related reason.

Start of a minimum speed.

English • Traffic sign D 55 • Minimum speed. Applies to drivers except cyclists and riders of small mopeds. Applies until sign D 56 or the distance shown on a supplementary plate ends it.

Dansk • Tavle D 55 • Mindste hastighed. Påbuddet gælder kørende bortset fra cyklister og førere af lille knallert. Det gælder, indtil det ophæves ved tavle D 56 eller ved afstandsangivelse på undertavle.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. End of the minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the end of the minimum speed. The previously indicated minimum speed no longer applies beyond this point. Continue to follow any other posted speed requirements and the applicable traffic rules.

End of the minimum speed.

English • Traffic sign D 56 • End of minimum speed.

Dansk • Tavle D 56 • Ophør af mindste hastighed.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Retsinformation.dk • Bekendtgørelse nr. 425/2023, § 23

SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Vejdirektoratet • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.