The Danish Transport Agency has acted on long-standing requests from the road transport sector by issuing two revised executive orders that reshape how high-capacity vehicle combinations may operate in Denmark. From the start of 2026, both modular vehicle trains and double-trailer combinations will be subject to a new set of rules designed to bring greater clarity, better alignment with updated national weight and dimension legislation, and smoother cross-border operations.
As a result of the legal changes, modular vehicle trains (modulvogntog), road trains assembled from standard vehicle units, will be able to run at higher permitted weights under the updated framework.
The Agency is also formalising the use of extended aerodynamic cabs, allowing these longer cabins to be integrated into modular combinations without penalty to total permitted length.
At the heavier end of the scale, combinations above 60 tonnes must now meet the “20% rule”, ensuring adequate load on the drive axle when moving off, a measure intended to safeguard traction and road safety.
The revised order tidies up some longstanding grey areas as well. Definitions of modular setups and the equipment used, such as link trailers and dollies, have been clarified, and it is now explicitly stated that foreign trucks in the trial will be treated under the same rules as Danish vehicles.
Updated framework for double-trailer operations
Double-trailer combinations (dobbelttrailer-vogntog), often referred to internationally as EMS2 or A-Doubles, are also being brought under a refreshed regulatory framework. These long combinations, two semi-trailers linked by a dolly, will benefit from higher gross weight allowances tied to Denmark’s updated dimensions regime, removing discrepancies between the trial rules and the general weight framework.
One of the most practical changes concerns signage: Denmark is introducing an updated national road-train sign for double-trailer combinations, but notably, Swedish signage will now be accepted within the Danish trial. Given the significant flows of traffic between the two countries, this is expected to reduce administrative friction for operators.
Taken together, the two executive orders represent an effort to modernise and harmonise Denmark’s approach to high-capacity vehicles, ensuring the trial schemes reflect real-world operations while maintaining their controlled nature. Rather than expanding the programmes, the Agency is refining them in response to feedback from operators who work with these long combinations daily.
Entry into force
- 1 January 2026: Both updated executive orders take effect.
- 1 January 2027: The increased maximum weight for 7-axle modular vehicle trains becomes applicable.
