Berlin races against speeding: Laughing gas emerges as new danger in illegal car races

Berlin is grappling with a persistent surge in illegal street racing, with authorities reporting 476 new cases in the first half of 2026. This figure suggests the year could surpass the previous record of 923 cases set in 2024. Oberstaatsanwalt Andreas Winkelmann, who leads a specialized unit for these cases, noted that while the number dipped slightly in 2025 to 876, the trend remains alarmingly high.

A concerning new development is the increased use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, by drivers involved in these races. While this substance is used medically for anesthesia, it has become a recreational drug for young people, carrying risks of poisoning. A recent law restricting its sale aims to protect youth, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.

“

One can only hope that this legislative change will have an effect.

Law enforcement faces additional challenges as many offenders evade capture. Winkelmann stated that 99 of the 476 new cases involve unknown drivers, a higher proportion than usual. The ease with which young men access high-performance vehicles, often through rental companies suspected of facilitating illegal activities, continues to be a significant problem. Lawmakers are seeking tougher measures against such rental businesses.

Since a 2017 legal amendment, participation in illegal car races can lead to prison sentences, a significant increase from previous penalties of only fines. The law now allows for up to ten years in prison if a race results in a death. Berlin has a history of such incidents, including a fatal case in 2016 where an innocent bystander was killed by racers.

“

It is foreseeable that the previous record number of proceedings could be surpassed this year.