Following the legalization of cannabis, there are new regulations for road traffic. What applies if you smoke weed and drive.
New regulations and fines for driving under the influence of cannabis are coming for stoned drivers. The Federal Council passed a law passed by the Bundestag that sets a limit of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood for the intoxicating substance THC – similar to the 0.5 per mille limit for alcohol. Stricter rules are coming for novice drivers and those who consume a mixture of cannabis and alcohol. The new regulations are to come into force after the law is announced, probably this summer.
Cannabis ban for novice drivers
Since smoking weed and private cannabis cultivation have been legal for adults since April 1st with many requirements, accompanying traffic regulations are now being introduced. So far, the strict line has been that consequences can be threatened even if tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is detected. A value of one nanogram has been established in case law for this. However, at the traffic court day, experts spoke out in favor of a higher value years ago. Otherwise, many people would be sanctioned for whom there is no justification for a reduction in driving safety.
In future, the law will stipulate that anyone who intentionally or negligently drives with 3.5 nanograms of THC or more will generally risk a fine of 500 euros and a one-month driving ban. If alcohol is also consumed, the fine will generally be 1,000 euros. For new drivers, the same applies as for alcohol: during the two-year probationary period and for those under 21, cannabis will be banned – the 3.5 nanogram limit will not apply. Violations will generally result in a fine of 250 euros.
Source: Stern
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