Three and a half months after the Pierre Palmade affair, the fatal accidents in Roubaix and Trappes have revived the debate around the fight against drugs while driving.
In France, driving under the influence of narcotics is an offence, “regardless of the quantity consumed”. The penalty is a fine of 4,500 euros, two years’ imprisonment and a withdrawal of six points on the license. Should we go further? Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin pleads for the withdrawal of the twelve points on the license.
Our European neighbors also condemn the taking of narcotics… Each in their own way:
Zero tolerance in Spain and Italy
Some have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug-driving. Italy is the best example. Yet very permissive in terms of cannabis consumption, the country directly sanctions in the event of a positive test while driving: fines vary between 1,500 and 6,000 €, and the driver can receive a prison sentence of one to two years. .
Ditto in Spain: despite the decriminalization of cannabis in the country, the fine amounts to €1,000, accompanied by a withdrawal of six points (out of twelve) on the driving license, in the event of a positive test according to the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
Thresholds set in some countries
Conversely, others prefer to set thresholds for cannabis. Thus, in Denmark, the tolerance in case of control is 1 nanogram of THC per milliliter of blood. Beyond that, according to the website of the French Embassy in Denmark, driving “is sanctioned in a similar way to driving under the influence of alcohol at a rate of 1.2g/l”. At stake: fine, withdrawal of license for 3 years, new driving test and compulsory internship. All at the expense of the offender.
A soft drug/hard drug distinction
In Germany, the consumption of cannabis is prohibited. But, like Denmark, the law has a tolerance threshold of 1 nanogram per milliliter of blood. Beyond that, the driver can receive a fine of up to 3,000 euros and a three-month license withdrawal. If it is a positive control for hard drugs, the license can be directly withdrawn according to the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
In Latvia, the vehicle is seized
In Latvia, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. In the event of a positive test, the motorist has his vehicle withdrawn so that it can then be sold or destroyed. But in February, according to the Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta Europe, the Latvian Parliament adopted a number of amendments to have the confiscated vehicles sent to Ukraine. Still just as radical, but for a good cause.
#Justice #Drugs #driving #sanctions #European #neighbors
