German government sets new THC limit for drivers

The German Bundestag has confirmed its new THC limit for drivers. Anyone found to be over the new limit while driving can face fines and a driving ban.

Germany sets 3,5 nanogram THC limit for drivers

After legalising cannabis for personal use on April 1, Germany is updating relevant laws. Among them is the limit on the amount of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) - the psychoactive component of cannabis - that drivers can have in their bloodstream and still be permitted to get behind the wheel.

The new law raises the permitted amount of THC from 1 nanogram per millilitre of blood to 3,5 nanograms per millilitre. However, since the effects of THC vary more greatly from person to person than the effects of alcohol, drivers are still being advised to follow the blanket rule of not smoking before driving.

In Germany, drivers are permitted to have a maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0,5 per millilitre. However, if drivers decide to consume any amount of cannabis, this will drop to 0.0. Anyone found to have exceeded the THC limit will be fined 500 euros and given a month-long driving ban

Does the new THC limit apply to cyclists?

In its current form, the Bundestag’s new THC limit only applies to motor vehicles, “land vehicles which are moved by machine without being tied to railroad tracks”. As such, the new 3,5 nanogram limit applies to e-scooters, but not to pushbikes. 

However, Germany’s strict Road Traffic Act (StVG) still means pushbike cyclists are subject to rules. Just like with alcohol, cyclists who do not ride safely are in breach of the StVG. This means that if you are stoned, decide to get on your bike and are stopped by the police for unsafe cycling, you could still face a fine under the StVG.

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