Denmark warns parking firms to issue physical parking tickets

Denmark’s Motor Agency has told private parking companies they must issue a physical parking charge notice before sending a payment demand digitally, DR reports.

The requirement was clarified in regulations that took effect on July 1, 2025. Companies must place a notice on a vehicle before checking its details in the Motor Register and using them to send a digital demand.

However, DR has reported that some companies continued sending what have been called “invisible” fines, including by labelling them invoices rather than parking charges. Tax Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said the agency had sent companies a letter reiterating the rules and warning that breaches could have far-reaching financial consequences.

The Tax Ministry and Transport Ministry are also working on a system that could remove Motor Register access from companies that fail to comply, Engel-Schmidt said.

Private parking companies may use their access to the register to contact motorists who have not paid fines, said Stina Glavind, director of the motorists’ organisation FDM. She said they may not use it to send fines directly based on, for example, video surveillance.

Motorists must be able to see that they have received a fine and gather evidence at the scene if they want to appeal, Glavind said. She welcomed the agency’s letter, calling its message clear.

Engel-Schmidt said motorists who receive a digital demand without having found a notice on their vehicle should contact the Motor Agency and dispute the charge with the parking company. He did not rule out tightening the rules further.

DR said the Parking Industry Association had not responded to its request for comment. The Association for the Future of Parking Companies said it was unable to provide an interview.