Cannabis and driving in Germany: what you need to know
Using cannabis is legal for adults. Driving under the influence of THC is not. Here's the legal limit, the penalties, and why there's no reliable rule of thumb for how long to wait.
The THC limit: 3.5 ng/ml
Since August 2024, Germany has had a legal THC limit for driving of 3.5 nanograms per millilitre of blood serum. Driving a motor vehicle at or above that level is an offence, even if you feel sober.
Important: if you show signs of impairment (e.g. weaving, slow reactions) or cause an accident, you can face criminal charges even below the limit.
Penalties
| Situation | Possible consequences |
|---|---|
| First offence above 3.5 ng/ml | usually a €500 fine, 1-month driving ban, 2 penalty points |
| Cannabis + alcohol | much higher fine (standard rate €1,000), driving ban, points |
| Repeat offences | higher fines, longer bans, fitness-to-drive review |
| Impairment or accident | possible criminal proceedings, loss of licence |
These figures reflect the official fines catalogue at the time of writing and may change.
New drivers and under-21s
Drivers on probation (the first years after getting a licence) and everyone under 21 face a total cannabis ban behind the wheel, similar to alcohol. Even small amounts of THC lead to a fine and probation measures such as a mandatory course.
How long should you wait after using?
There's no safe rule of thumb. How long THC stays above the limit depends on the amount, strength, how you consumed it, and above all how often you use:
- Occasional use: waiting at least 24 hours before driving is often recommended.
- Regular or daily use: THC builds up in the body. Levels can stay above the limit for days, even without feeling high.
- Edibles: they kick in late and last longer, so leave a much bigger gap.
If you know you'll need to drive, don't use beforehand. If you've used, take the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, a taxi, or leave the car where it is.
Bikes and e-scooters
E-scooters count as motor vehicles under German law, so the same THC limit applies as for cars. For bicycles there's no fixed limit, but cycling while unfit to ride can be a criminal offence and can even affect your car licence.
Driving in Germany on a foreign licence? The same rules apply to you.
Will I need an MPU?
An MPU (medical-psychological assessment, the German fitness-to-drive test) isn't ordered automatically after every offence. But the licensing authority can require one if there are signs of cannabis misuse, for example repeat offences, or dependence. If this affects you, get advice early.
More on the law: Cannabis law in Berlin. For your specific case, a traffic lawyer can give binding advice.
Sources
Questions? Talk to people in Berlin.
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