Following the legalization of cannabis, regulations on road traffic are now also being introduced – with tolerance limits and sanctions for violations.
From this Thursday, new regulations and fines will apply to drivers for using cannabis while driving. The law, which was approved by the Bundestag and Bundesrat, was announced on Wednesday and will come into force the following day. This 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 apply for novice drivers and those who mix cannabis with alcohol.
Anyone who intentionally or negligently drives with 3.5 nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or more will generally risk a fine of 500 euros and a one-month driving ban. If they also drink alcohol, they will generally face a fine of 1,000 euros.
As with alcohol, cannabis is prohibited during the two-year driving license probation period and for drivers under 21 years of age – the limit of 3.5 nanograms does not apply. Violations usually result in a fine of 250 euros.
Rules for drivers accompany cannabis legalization
Since smoking weed and private cannabis cultivation have been legal for adults since April 1st, with many regulations, accompanying traffic regulations are now being introduced. Until now, the strict line was that even the detection of THC could result in consequences. A value of 1 nanogram had been established in case law.
At the traffic court day, however, experts spoke out in favor of an “appropriate” increase in 2022. This is because it is so low that many people would be sanctioned for whom a reduction in driving safety cannot be justified. However, the new regulations also came under criticism, including from police representatives.
Source: Stern
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