New traffic rules: cannabis and driving in Berlin now regulated strictly regulated

New traffic rules: cannabis and driving in Berlin now regulated strictly regulated

Berlin (dpa) - From this Thursday, road traffic law in Germany will be strictly due to new regulations for drivers who consume cannabis. The recently decided law, which was ratified by both the Bundestag and the Federal Council, will come into force today. This set of rules introduces a limit for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is 3.5 nanograms per milliliter blood. This means that drivers have to expect similar consequences as with an alcohol promille of 0.5 if this value is exceeded.

beginners and people under the age of 21 have to adhere to even stricter rules, since the THC limit of 3.5 nanograms is not applicable for them. During the two years of the trial period, the detection of THC already leads to a fine of 250 euros in your blood. Mixed consumption with alcohol is also punished harder; In this case, a fine of 1,000 euros and a driving ban.

new regulations for the protection of driver safety

With the legalization of cannabis for adults who have been introducing since April 1, there are logically new traffic regulations. This was necessary because the previous strict practice, in which each THC detection resulted in immediate measures, was perceived as too hard. A value of 1 nanogram was set in the case law as a standard, which was punished by many travelers, although there was no significant impairment of driving safety.

The decision to raise the limit to 3.5 nanograms was a reaction to the claims of experts who pleaded for a reform at the 2022 Traffic Court. Experts argue that the reduced limit was that many drivers were punished without actual impairment. Nevertheless, there are concerns, especially on the part of the police, about the new legal regulation.

The fines for THC violations are now clearly based on whether the driver has acted intentionally or negligently. With a THC value of 3.5 nanograms or more, high fines and a one-month driving ban must be expected. These measures aim to increase the security on the streets and to get drivers to deal responsibly with the consumption of cannabis.

The government has also set itself the goal of promoting responsible use of legalized cannabis and ensuring that the basics of traffic safety are not undermined through these regulations.

meaning of the new regulations for traffic safety

The introduction of these new regulations is an essential step towards creating a clear legal basis for dealing with cannabis and road traffic. This aims to achieve a balance between the legality of consumption and the responsibility that every member of the company in road traffic should be.

The adjustments of the regulations reflect change in society and are an attempt to meet the challenges that are associated with the legalization of cannabis. The future developments in this area will surely continue to be observed in order to ensure that traffic safety will not be endangered, while at the same time the right to personal enjoyment and self -determination remains.

Legal background and social effects

The amendment to the traffic rules for dealing with cannabis is part of a wider debate about the legalization of cannabis in Germany. The process, which began in 2021 with the change of government, aims to decriminalize cannabis consumption and to enjoy cannabis under controlled conditions. The new regulation not only takes into account the health aspect, but also the question of traffic safety.

Legalization was accompanied by hope to push the black market back and to expand drug abuse. At the same time, the introduction of clear limit values for THC in road traffic was a necessary measure to ensure security on German roads. However, it remains to be seen how the new regulations will have an impact in practice and whether they have a change in the driving behavior of consumers.

comparison with other countries

A look at other countries shows that the regulation of cannabis and its effects on driving are treated differently. In Canada, for example, cannabis was legalized in 2018, and strict rules regarding driving apply under the influence of drugs. The limit for THC is also 5 nanograms per milliliter blood. In the United States, the laws vary depending on the state, with some more strict regulations than others. The different handling illustrates the need to find a national solution that takes into account both pleasure and traffic safety.

statistics and current data

According to the Federal Statistical Office, there were a total of 2,320 traffic accidents caused by cannabis in 2022 in Germany. This is an increase of 12 % compared to the previous year and illustrates the need for further preventive measures. In addition, surveys show that approx. 20 % of cannabis consumers in Germany assess consumption before driving as harmless, which underlines the challenges for traffic safety again.

The German Road Safety Council (DVR) carried out a survey that showed that around 40 % of consumers have insufficient knowledge of the new legal regulations. These results indicate that educational campaigns are essential to increase security on the streets and to improve public knowledge about the new provisions on cannabis consumption.