Appeal a Transport Fine in Denmark

Updated March 2026By exploringdenmark11 min read

Got a kontrolafgift (transport fine) in Denmark? You’re not alone – the system is unforgiving, especially for newcomers who don’t understand zones, check-in rules, or Rejsekort. The good news: you can appeal, and genuine mistakes are often forgiven on first offence.

Overview

Danish public transport operates on an honour system with spot checks. Ticket inspectors (kontrollører) can fine you 750 DKK on the spot if your ticket is invalid, your Rejsekort isn’t checked in, or you’re in the wrong zone. The fine is called a kontrolafgift.

You have the right to appeal. The transport company reviews your case, and if you disagree with their decision, you can escalate to the independent Ankenævnet for Bus, Tog og Metro (the appeals board). First-time offenders with genuine mistakes have a reasonable chance of getting fines reduced or cancelled.

How the fine system works

• Spot checks are random. Inspectors board trains, buses, and metro and check every passenger.
• No excuses accepted on the spot. The inspector issues the fine regardless of your explanation. Appeals happen later.
• You must provide ID. Passport, health card (sundhedskort), or driver’s licence. If you can’t identify yourself, police may be called.
• Fine is issued on paper with a reference number, amount, and appeal instructions.
• Payment deadline: Typically 14-21 days. The fine doesn’t pause while you appeal – pay or appeal within the deadline.

Fine amounts (2026)

Offence	Fine
No valid ticket / Rejsekort not checked in	750 DKK
Wrong zone (insufficient zones purchased)	750 DKK
Expired ticket	750 DKK
Child travelling without valid ticket (age 16+)	750 DKK
Repeat offence (3+ within 2 years)	750 DKK + potential ban

The 750 DKK is a flat rate set by law (bekendtgørelse om kontrolafgift). It applies to DSB trains, Metro, Movia buses, and most regional operators.

Valid reasons for appeal

These reasons have the best chance of success:

• Technical failure: Rejsekort reader was broken at your station (provide the station name and time – the operator can verify)
• First-time offence + genuine confusion: New to Denmark, didn’t understand zones or check-in requirements. Be honest and specific about what confused you.
• Ticket machine was broken: You tried to buy a ticket but the machine was out of order. You have no obligation to find another machine – document the broken one (photo with timestamp).
• Rejsekort balance issue: You had sufficient balance when you checked in but the journey cost more than expected due to a zone miscalculation.
• You checked in but the system didn’t register: Rejsekort logs show you were at the station – the tap didn’t register. The operator can verify this from system data.
• Disability or medical emergency: You were unable to check in due to a medical situation.

How to write an appeal

Your appeal should be clear, factual, and polite. Include:

1. Your fine reference number (on the kontrolafgift document)
2. Date, time, and route of the journey
3. What happened – factual description, not emotional
4. Why the fine should be reduced or cancelled – reference a specific reason from the list above
5. Evidence – photos of broken machines, Rejsekort transaction history (download from rejsekort.dk), proof you’re new to Denmark
6. Request:“I kindly request that the kontrolafgift be cancelled” or”I request a reduction of the fine”

Write in English – all major transport operators accept English appeals. Keep it to one page.

The appeal process

Ankenævnet for Bus, Tog og Metro

This is the independent appeals board for Danish public transport disputes:

• Website: LegalBoard.dk (also known as Ankenævn for Bus, Tog og Metro)
• Filing fee: 160 DKK (refunded if you win)
• Submit online with your original fine, the operator’s rejection, and your evidence
• Decision time: 1-3 months
• Binding: The operator must follow the board’s decision

Timeline

Step	Time
Fine issued → appeal deadline	14 days (pay or appeal)
Appeal to operator	Submit within 14 days
Operator decision	2-6 weeks
Escalate to Ankenævnet	Within 4 weeks of rejection
Ankenævnet decision	1-3 months

How to prevent fines

• Always check in your Rejsekort – tap the blue reader when boarding or entering the platform
• Check out when you exit – otherwise you’re charged the maximum fare AND may be fined next time
• Understand zones: Copenhagen’s system uses zones. Your ticket must cover all zones you travel through. Use the Rejseplanen app to check zones before travelling.
• Keep sufficient balance: Minimum 70 DKK on your Rejsekort for a journey to start. Top up at stations or 7-Eleven.
• Buy tickets before boarding if not using Rejsekort – you cannot buy on the bus in Copenhagen.

Common mistakes

Ignoring the fine

Unpaid fines are sent to debt collection (inkasso) and can end up on your RKI credit record. Always either pay or appeal within the deadline.

Arguing with the inspector

Inspectors cannot cancel fines on the spot – they’re required to issue them. Being aggressive or rude won’t help and may be noted in your file. Accept the fine calmly, note the reference number, and appeal later.

Questions and answers

Can tourists get fines?

Yes. The same rules apply to everyone. If you’re a tourist and get fined, you can appeal by email from abroad. If you don’t pay and don’t return to Denmark, enforcement is difficult – but unpaid fines may cause issues if you later apply for a Danish residence permit.

Does the fine go on my criminal record?

No. A kontrolafgift is an administrative charge, not a criminal penalty. It does not appear on your strafferegistret (criminal record). However, if sent to debt collection, it may appear on RKI (credit register).

What if I was on the right bus but my app ticket hadn’t loaded yet?

App tickets must be valid before boarding.”It was loading” is not accepted as valid. Buy your ticket at least a minute before boarding to avoid this issue.