Traffic - Federal Council approves cannabis limits at the wheel
## New Regulations for Cannabis Drivers
For confirmed drivers and drivers, new regulations and fines for Cannabis at the wheel are coming. The Bundesrat passed a law passed by the Bundestag, which sets a limit of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood for the psychoactive substance THC – similar to the 0.5-gram per liter limit for alcohol. stricter rules are coming for beginners and mixed consumption of Cannabis and alcohol. The new regulations are expected to take effect after the following legislative announcement, so they will likely come into force in the summer.
Cannabis Ban for Beginner Drivers
Since smoking and private cannabis cultivation for adults have been legal with many conditions since April 1st, accompanying traffic regulations are now following. Previously, the strict line was that consequences would follow if THC was detected. A value of one nanogram has been established in case law for this. However, experts at the Traffic Court have been advocating for a higher value for years. Otherwise, many would be sanctioned whose driving ability could not be justified by this.
The law states that from now on: Anyone who intentionally or negligently has 3.5 nanograms or more of THC with them is at risk of a fine of up to 500 euros and a one-month driving ban. If alcohol is also consumed, the fine is usually 1000 euros. For beginner drivers, it means the same as for alcohol: A cannabis ban applies during the two-year probationary period and for those under 21 years of age – the limit of 3.5 nanograms therefore does not apply. For violations, the usual fine is 250 euros.
- These new regulations, passed by the Bundesrat and Bundestag, will apply in Berlin, as well as other parts of Germany, affecting drivers who consume cannabis.
- The fines for driving under the influence of cannabis with a THC level of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter in Berlin could reach up to 500 euros, with an added one-month driving ban.
- The Federal Council in Germany is closely watching these developments, as they could potentially lead to further discussions on nationwide cannabis policies related to traffic and health.
- While the law allows private cannabis cultivation and use for adults in Germany since April 1st, beginners and drivers under 21 in Berlin still face a cannabis ban during their probationary period and remain subject to stricter traffic regulations due to these new regulations.
