Accidents involving cannabis-impaired driving to be recorded in statistics

Germany is set to enhance its official traffic accident statistics by including severe incidents where drivers were under the influence of cannabis. This initiative, detailed in a draft law from the Federal Ministry of Transport, is slated for discussion in the Bundesrat next Friday.

The proposed change stems from Germany's legalization of cannabis consumption in 2024, which came with numerous regulations, including a specific blood alcohol-equivalent limit for driving. The amendment seeks to formally record the "degree of cannabis influence" in accident data, mirroring how alcohol's impact is already documented.

Specifically, the statistics will capture the levels of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, detected by police during accident investigations. This data will apply to accidents resulting in fatalities or injuries, as well as serious incidents involving property damage. Information such as the age and gender of those involved, their mode of transport, and their driving experience will also be recorded.

Since August 2024, a legal limit for cannabis while driving is in effect: drivers with 3.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood serum or higher risk a €500 fine, a one-month driving ban, and two penalty points. Combining cannabis with alcohol can lead to a €1,000 fine, a one-month ban, and two points. A complete cannabis ban, similar to the zero-tolerance policy for alcohol during the two-year probationary period for new drivers and for those under 21, also applies, with violations typically resulting in a €250 fine.