Traffic: Steinmeier signs law on cannabis while driving

New regulations and fines for driving under the influence of cannabis are coming closer. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier signed off on the law, which was approved by the Bundesrat at the beginning of July, last Friday, the President’s Office announced in Berlin upon request. The order for publication in the Federal Law Gazette was issued on Monday.

This sets a limit of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood for the intoxicating cannabis ingredient THC – similar to the 0.5 per mille limit for alcohol. Stricter rules apply for novice drivers and those who consume drugs with alcohol.

New fines

The new regulations passed by the Bundestag can now come into force the day after the law is soon to be promulgated. Then the following applies: Anyone who intentionally or negligently drives with 3.5 nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or more generally risks a fine of 500 euros and a one-month driving ban. If they also drink alcohol, they generally face a fine of 1,000 euros. As with alcohol, there is a cannabis ban during the two-year driving license probation period and for those under 21 – so the limit of 3.5 does not apply. Violations generally face a fine of 250 euros.

Now that 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 THC is detected. A value of 1 nanogram has been established in case law for this. At the traffic court day, however, experts spoke out in favor of an “appropriate” increase in 2022. This is because this is so low that many people would be sanctioned for whom there is no justification for a reduction in driving safety.