Adults have been allowed to smoke weed legally since April of this year—if they are not doing so near schools or children’s playgrounds. However, it is and remains illegal to drive while stoned. However, a limit has now been set: Anyone driving with more than 3.5 nanograms of THC per millimeter of blood will be punished. This was decided by the Bundestag and Bundesrat. Previously, there was practically a total ban on cannabis for drivers, as the limit was 1 nanogram per millimeter of blood.
What is changing for drivers?
Since August 22, drivers who are caught with more than 3.5 nanograms of the active cannabis substance THC per milliliter of blood must pay a fine of 500 euros. There is also a one-month driving ban. The second time it costs 1000 euros and the driving ban is extended to three months. Anyone caught more often will pay 1500 euros and will also be banned from driving for three months. The new limit is roughly equivalent to 0.2 per mille for alcohol.
What applies to e-scooters and bicycles?
The limit also applies to driving an e-scooter, as confirmed by the Reutlingen police headquarters at the request of tuenews INTERNATIONAL. The decisive factor is that the vehicle has a motor. There is no mention of cyclists in the legal text, so there is no limit. Nevertheless, cyclists with THC in their blood can be liable to prosecution, for example if they cause an accident on their bike or endanger traffic. “It’s also dangerous to ride a bike while stoned,” says Reutlingen police spokeswoman Andrea Kopp. Incidentally, the Zweibrücken Higher Regional Court recently sentenced a stoned cyclist to a 500 euro fine and a one-month driving ban.
What applies to novice drivers?
There is an absolute ban on smoking pot for anyone under the age of 21 or who has held a driver’s license for less than two years. The same applies to alcohol. Anyone caught will be fined 250 euros.
What happens if someone has drunk alcohol and then smoked pot?
Then it gets more expensive. In the case of cannabis consumption, the law provides for a complete ban on alcohol. If you are caught with 3.5 nanograms of THC and have had a drink, you will be fined 1000 euros and banned from driving for a month. In the event of a repeat offense, this can go up to 2000 euros and a three-month driving ban.
How is it measured?
According to the ADAC, rapid tests using saliva, sweat or urine can give an indication of whether the driver has consumed cannabis. If such a preliminary test is positive, a blood test follows. Experts point out that the THC level can still be elevated hours and days after smoking weed, even though drivers feel completely sober.
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Hanfblätter. Foto: tuenews INTERNATIONAL / Mostafa Elyasian.
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