Danish government proposes new driving regulations for rural youth to improve accessibility

The Danish government is introducing a proposal aimed at improving accessibility for rural youth to work, education, and apprenticeships. Starting Thursday, 17-year-olds with a driver’s license will be allowed to drive without a passenger in the front seat, provided they meet current regulations. Morten Dahlin, the Minister for Cities and Rural Areas, emphasized that this initiative seeks to ease mobility where public transport is less developed than in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus.

The government also plans to tighten alcohol consumption regulations for new drivers. Under the proposal, the legal driving hours for these young drivers will be limited to between 5 AM and 8 PM. This measure aims to establish a de facto zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving, with Dahlin stating that consuming alcohol and driving simply do not mix.

Currently, 17-year-olds can obtain a license but must be accompanied by an experienced driver over 30. The new provisions will allow them to drive solo during specified hours, with the following restrictions:

– Driving without accompaniment is only permitted from 5 AM to 8 PM.
– New drivers will face stricter penalties for driving with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.2% during their first three years of holding a license, which will now lead to an outright driving prohibition instead of a conditional suspension.

Dahlin expresses confidence in the youth’s ability to handle this increased freedom responsibly. Steffen Damsgaard, chairman of the Rural Areas’ Joint Council, also supports the initiative, believing it will enhance mobility for young people in rural areas, facilitating commutes related to school and work.