Schneider opposes legislation that limits the level of parts per million in circulating substances
In recent updates, Germany has strengthened its regulations on driving under the influence of cannabis, while maintaining established alcohol policies.
Currently, cannabis use for personal purposes is decriminalized, but driving under its influence is strictly regulated. A new THC limit of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood has been set for active drivers. For novice drivers and those under 21, there is an absolute ban on cannabis while driving. Penalties for driving with THC levels above the limit result in a €500 fine and a one-month driving ban. Mixed substance consumption can lead to fines of at least €1,000, and repeated offenses can result in up to €3,500 in fines. Occasional cannabis use can still lead to police roadside checks, blood tests, and potential driving bans or requirements for a Medical-Psychological Assessment (MPU).
Alcohol policies in Germany maintain the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.5% (0.5 mg/ml) for general drivers and 0.0% for novice drivers and those under 21. No specific new alcohol policies have been proposed in recent updates related to cannabis.
Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder has expressed his views on speed limits and driving tests for seniors. Regarding speed limits, the minister is skeptical about implementing new restrictions, suggesting that existing measures such as variable speed limits, construction sites, and traffic jams are sufficient in regulating speeds. On driving tests for seniors, Minister Schnieder is critical of mandatory tests, focusing instead on addressing the risks posed by younger drivers.
The minister's stance on cannabis is critical, and he intends to closely examine its effects during the current legislative period. He recommends not consuming any alcohol before driving and believes the current alcohol limit for drivers, 0.5 per mille, is sufficient and effective.
Seniors, according to the Federal Statistical Office in 2023, are less likely to be involved in traffic accidents than younger people relative to their share of the total population. This may be due to seniors no longer driving to work, a factor that contributes to their lower rate of traffic accidents.
Minister Schnieder is privately an electric car owner in his home region of the Eifel and does not support a speed limit on German motorways, as the average speed is already below 115 km/h. He drives fast only on a few stretches of road in Germany, where speeds are appropriate and safe.
As Germany continues to discuss the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact driving laws related to cannabis. For now, the focus is on enforcing existing regulations and educating drivers about the risks of impaired driving.
The elderly population, aside from being less likely to be involved in traffic accidents, might need to be more mindful of their mental health and aging processes, considering the potential impact of cannabis use on their driving abilities, a topic of growing interest for policy-makers. The health-and-wellness and mental-health aspects of senior citizens might need to be addressed by the industry, particularly in the field of transportation, as automotive advancements continue. Meanwhile, the finance sector could play a role in funding studies and policies centered around the effects of marijuana and alcohol on driving, enabling a greater understanding of the risks and contributing to safer roads. In light of this, it is essential to maintain a critical stance on the evolving landscape of cannabis and driving regulations, ensuring the protection of public health and safety.
