In traffic - Hamburg Police: Cannabis prohibition for drivers still applies
After the passing of the law regarding the new THC limit in traffic, the Hamburg Police continue to enforce the previous stricter limits for Cannabis consumption. The new limit of 3.5 nanograms THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) per milliliter of blood serum (bloodstream) will only apply after the publication of the new law, a police spokesperson stated. Drivers risk a fine of 500 Euro, a one-month driving ban, and two demerit points in Flensburg for as little as one nanogram.
Court acquits driver with 3.1 nanograms
Drivers and those under 21 years old will have to adhere to an absolute drug ban during the two-year probationary period - as is already the case. In practice, the limit of one nanogram applies, as a spokesperson for the ADAC in Hamburg explained. According to the Traffic Club, the new limit could come into effect as early as July. The spokesperson cited the acquittal of a driver with 3.1 nanograms by the District Court of Dortmund (NRW) as an example.
600 drug detectors of the police in action
In light of the new Cannabis law, the Hamburg Police plan to increase their control pressure with over 600 active drug detectors this year, it was announced. These specially trained officers can determine with the help of standardized driving ability tests whether someone is fit to drive. The number of traffic accidents under the influence of drugs in Hamburg decreased by 3.9% compared to the previous year, according to the Traffic Accident Statistics. The number of accidents with injuries even fell by nearly 17%.
ADAC on drug consumption in road traffic
TheADACinHamburg urges drivers to be mindful of the new THC limit, urging caution even at the current limit of one nanogram. The acquittal of the driver with 3.1 nanograms in Dortmund serves as a reminder of the complexities in enforcing drug consumption laws in road traffic. The Traffic Club encourages drivers to avoid any consumption of Cannabis or drugs before driving, as a farewell gesture to reckless driving practices. The increased presence of 600 drug detectors in Hamburg aims to further deter drug use in road traffic.
