ZenNews› Society› Cannabis and Driving in Germany: THC Limits, Pena… Society Cannabis and Driving in Germany: THC Limits, Penalties and Licence Risks By ZenNews Editorial May 28, 2026 2 min read Cannabis has been legal in Germany since April 2024 — but driving under its influence remains a serious offence. Since 22 August 2024, a specific THC blood serum limit of 3.5 nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml) has been in force. Here is what every driver needs to know.Table of ContentsThe New THC Limit: 3.5 ng/mlHow Long Does THC Stay Detectable?What Happens During a Police Stop?Special RulesPenalties at a GlanceThe Bottom Line The New THC Limit: 3.5 ng/ml Until August 2024, Germany applied a threshold of just 1 ng/ml — long criticised by experts as unscientific. The cannabis reform raised this significantly: New limit: 3.5 ng/ml of THC (Delta-9-THC) in blood serum In force since: 22 August 2024 Legal basis: Sixth Act Amending the Road Traffic Act Modelled on the alcohol limit (0.5 per mille) — to penalise demonstrable impairment, not residual metabolites For the full picture on German cannabis law, see our cannabis law explainer. How Long Does THC Stay Detectable? Method Occasional User Regular User Heavy User Blood (active THC) 2–6 hours 6–12 hours up to 24 hours Saliva (roadside swab) 4–8 hours 8–24 hours up to 72 hours Urine (THC-COOH) 3–5 days 7–14 days up to 30 days Hair from 7–14 days months months What Happens During a Police Stop? Visual assessment: officers observe driving behaviour, pupils, coordination Saliva swab test if impairment is suspected Positive swab triggers a mandatory blood draw Laboratory analysis determines the precise THC serum level Above 3.5 ng/ml: regulatory offence — fine, points, driving ban Demonstrated impairment below 3.5 ng/ml: potential criminal charge Special Rules Probationary Drivers and Under-21s An absolute zero-tolerance policy applies — any detectable consumption before driving carries consequences regardless of the measured level. Medical Cannabis Patients No blanket exemption exists. The 3.5 ng/ml limit applies equally. Patients should discuss safe driving windows with their treating doctor. See our medical cannabis guide. Penalties at a Glance Offence Fine Points Driving Ban First offence: above 3.5 ng/ml €500 2 points 1 month Repeat offence €1,000 2 points 3 months Mixed consumption (cannabis + alcohol ≥ 0.5‰) €1,000 2 points 3 months Driving while unfit (§ 316 StGB) Fine or custodial sentence 3 points Up to full revocation Accident under the influence Criminal charge, liability 3 points Licence revocation Zero-tolerance breach (under 21 / probationary) €250–€500 1–2 points 1 month + probation extended The MPU The Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung (MPU) — the "idiot test" — may be ordered following serious or repeat violations. Cost: roughly £440–£880 equivalent. A failed MPU can result in permanent licence revocation. Image: Leafme.co.uk The Bottom Line The new 3.5 ng/ml threshold is a scientific improvement over the former 1 ng/ml limit. Even so, cannabis and driving are a poor combination. Wait at least 8–12 hours after consumption before driving; regular users should allow 24 hours or more. If in doubt, don't drive. Related: Cannabis law Germany | Medical cannabis in Germany Share Share X Facebook WhatsApp Copy link How do you feel about this? 🔥 0 😲 0 🤔 0 👍 0 😢 0 Z ZenNews Editorial Editorial The ZenNews editorial team covers the most important events from the US, UK and around the world around the clock — independent, reliable and fact-based. 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Cannabis has been legal in Germany since April 2024 — but driving under its influence remains a serious offence. Since 22 August 2024, a specific THC blood serum limit of 3.5 nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml) has been in force. Here is what every driver needs to know.Table of ContentsThe New THC Limit: 3.5 ng/mlHow Long Does THC Stay Detectable?What Happens During a Police Stop?Special RulesPenalties at a GlanceThe Bottom Line The New THC Limit: 3.5 ng/ml Until August 2024, Germany applied a threshold of just 1 ng/ml — long criticised by experts as unscientific. The cannabis reform raised this significantly: New limit: 3.5 ng/ml of THC (Delta-9-THC) in blood serum In force since: 22 August 2024 Legal basis: Sixth Act Amending the Road Traffic Act Modelled on the alcohol limit (0.5 per mille) — to penalise demonstrable impairment, not residual metabolites For the full picture on German cannabis law, see our cannabis law explainer. How Long Does THC Stay Detectable? Method Occasional User Regular User Heavy User Blood (active THC) 2–6 hours 6–12 hours up to 24 hours Saliva (roadside swab) 4–8 hours 8–24 hours up to 72 hours Urine (THC-COOH) 3–5 days 7–14 days up to 30 days Hair from 7–14 days months months What Happens During a Police Stop? Visual assessment: officers observe driving behaviour, pupils, coordination Saliva swab test if impairment is suspected Positive swab triggers a mandatory blood draw Laboratory analysis determines the precise THC serum level Above 3.5 ng/ml: regulatory offence — fine, points, driving ban Demonstrated impairment below 3.5 ng/ml: potential criminal charge Special Rules Probationary Drivers and Under-21s An absolute zero-tolerance policy applies — any detectable consumption before driving carries consequences regardless of the measured level. Medical Cannabis Patients No blanket exemption exists. The 3.5 ng/ml limit applies equally. Patients should discuss safe driving windows with their treating doctor. See our medical cannabis guide. Penalties at a Glance Offence Fine Points Driving Ban First offence: above 3.5 ng/ml €500 2 points 1 month Repeat offence €1,000 2 points 3 months Mixed consumption (cannabis + alcohol ≥ 0.5‰) €1,000 2 points 3 months Driving while unfit (§ 316 StGB) Fine or custodial sentence 3 points Up to full revocation Accident under the influence Criminal charge, liability 3 points Licence revocation Zero-tolerance breach (under 21 / probationary) €250–€500 1–2 points 1 month + probation extended The MPU The Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung (MPU) — the "idiot test" — may be ordered following serious or repeat violations. Cost: roughly £440–£880 equivalent. A failed MPU can result in permanent licence revocation. Image: Leafme.co.uk The Bottom Line The new 3.5 ng/ml threshold is a scientific improvement over the former 1 ng/ml limit. Even so, cannabis and driving are a poor combination. Wait at least 8–12 hours after consumption before driving; regular users should allow 24 hours or more. If in doubt, don't drive. Related: Cannabis law Germany | Medical cannabis in Germany
