- New regulations regarding cannabis-driven vehicular conduct set for Thursday
New regulations and fines for driving under the influence of cannabis begin this Thursday. This legislation, approved by the Bundestag and Bundesrat, was unveiled on Wednesday and takes effect the following day. A threshold of 3.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood has been established, much like the 0.5% alcohol limit. More stringent rules apply to novice drivers and those who combine cannabis with alcohol.
Drivers who willfully or recklessly surpass the 3.5 nanogram THC threshold are subject to a 500 euro fine and a one-month driving ban. If alcohol is also consumed, the penalty is usually 1,000 euros.
Similar to alcohol, there is a cannabis ban during the two-year probationary period and for drivers under 21, resulting in a 250 euro fine for violations.
Traffic laws align with cannabis decriminalization
Since April 1, recreational cannabis use and home cultivation have been legal for adults under certain conditions. Consequently, traffic regulations now follow suit. Previously, any trace of THC could result in penalties, with a 1 nanogram limit established in legal precedent.
However, traffic court experts at the 2022 conference suggested a more "reasonable" increase due to the current limit being too low and potentially penalizing countless drivers without evidence of impaired driving. Some law enforcement representatives have also voiced criticisms towards the new regulations.
The new traffic regulations also cover the realm of transport and telecommunications, as they now include penalties for driving under the influence of cannabis in digital communications and navigation systems. Additionally, the German government is considering updates to transport infrastructure to ensure safer travel for cannabis users, such as designated stops for smoking or vaping.
