Steinmeier signs law on cannabis while driving
After the legalization of cannabis, regulations on road traffic followed. Now the law on THC in the blood and sanctions for violations has cleared the last hurdle.
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A man sits behind the wheel of a car with a joint. There will soon be a maximum blood concentration for cannabis in traffic, similar to alcohol. © Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa (archive/symbol photo)
Berlin. 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 when asked. The order to publish it in the Federal Law Gazette was given 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.
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 alcohol is also consumed, the fine is generally 1,000 euros. As with alcohol, cannabis is banned 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.
