Midt- og Vestjylland leads Denmark in citations for 17-year-old drivers

Midt- og Vestjylland police district has issued more citations to newly licensed 17-year-old drivers than any other district in Denmark, according to a report by DR.

Since 1 July 2025, when 17-year-olds with valid licenses were permitted to drive alone between 05:00 and 20:00, there have been 2,397 citations issued nationwide against drivers in this age group. Of these, 1,270 were for speeding, according to Alm. Brand Forsikring A/S. Midt- og Vestjylland accounted for 293 of the total citations, the highest of any district.

Allan Berg, a driving instructor and owner of Route 36 driving school in Viborg, attributes the trend not to irresponsibility but to inexperience. He suggests that starting driver education earlier, with more supervised practice, could make a difference.

Peter Kirkegaard, deputy police inspector for Midt- og Vestjylland, also rejects the idea that young drivers in the region are worse than others. He points to the district’s size—covering 19% of Denmark’s road network—as a possible factor. Still, he urges young drivers to use common sense: obey speed limits, adapt to conditions, avoid alcohol, and never use a phone while driving.

Under current rules, 17-year-old drivers may drive alone only between 05:00 and 20:00. Outside these hours, they must be accompanied by a passenger aged at least 24 who has held a license for a minimum of five years, according to the Road Safety Council.