Kørselsfilen

Kørselsfilen is a regulated filing system used in Denmark to record and monitor the driving activities of commercial motor vehicles. The term derives from “kørsel” (driving) and “filen” (file), and it serves as a digital log that documents each driver’s hours, routes, loads, and rest periods. The primary objective of the system is to ensure compliance with national and European Union regulations concerning driver working hours, mandatory rest breaks, and overall road safety.

Under Danish law, all fleet operators that transport goods or passengers for hire are required to keep a kørselsfilen for every vehicle in their operation. The file must capture detailed data such as departure and arrival times, kilometer counts, and any loading or unloading activities. In addition to the basic timestamps, it may include information on vehicle type, driver identification, and the nature of the cargo. When a vehicle is involved in an accident or a roadside inspection, the file provides authorities with an immediate record of the driver’s recent activity, which can be crucial for investigations and liability assessments.

The system is maintained through a secure electronic platform developed by the Danish Transport Agency in partnership with industry bodies. Operators upload drivers’ data either manually or via automatic data exchange from telematics devices installed in the vehicles. The electronic file is updated in real time and is protected by robust security protocols to prevent tampering or unauthorized access.

In practice, kørselsfilen is accessed by a range of stakeholders, including fleet managers, labor inspectors, insurance companies, and law enforcement. International logistics companies often use the file as part of their compliance audits when transporting goods across EU borders. As road traffic regulations evolve, the Danish Transport Agency continues to refine the kørselsfilen to improve transparency, reduce manual reporting burdens, and enhance the overall safety of commercial road transport.