Germany Cannabis Driving Rules: THC Thresholds and Important Exceptions
Germany's Road Traffic Act (Straßenverkehrsgesetz, StVG) contains separate rules for THC while driving. This is a summary of statutory text, not a determination of whether a particular person is fit to drive.
The general THC threshold
Section 24a(1a) says a person commits an administrative offense by driving a motor vehicle in road traffic with 3.5 nanograms or more of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per milliliter of blood serum. Section 24a also describes a stricter consequence where that threshold is combined with alcohol.
This number is a statutory threshold, not a recommended target or a test of whether you feel impaired. Do not drive if cannabis has affected your judgment, coordination, reaction, or attention.
A stricter rule for novice and under-21 drivers
Section 24c separately makes it an administrative offense for a driver in the probationary period or under 21 to consume THC while driving or begin a trip while under THC's effect. This provision is distinct from the general 3.5 ng/ml threshold. The statute contains an exception where THC results from proper use of a medicine prescribed for a specific illness.
Alcohol and prescribed-medicine provisions
Section 24a addresses driving at or above the THC threshold together with alcohol use or being under alcohol's effect. Sections 24a and 24c include specified prescription-medicine exceptions. These are statutory clauses, not a blanket clearance for every product, prescription, dose, or driver. Ask the treating clinician and qualified legal counsel about an individual case, and never drive if impaired.
What an impairment check cannot tell you
A subjective feeling, elapsed time, or home estimate cannot establish a blood-serum result or guarantee fitness to drive. This article does not give a waiting-time calculation, testing procedure, or penalty estimate. Check current official law and local authorities for enforcement details.
Quick FAQ
Is 3.5 ng/ml a safe level at which to drive?
No. It is a statutory threshold for an administrative offense, not a safety target or guarantee that a person is unimpaired below it.
Do under-21 and probationary drivers follow the same rule?
Section 24c has a separate rule for drivers in probation or under 21; it prohibits THC use while driving or starting to drive under its effect, subject to a prescribed-medicine exception.
For broader travel boundaries, see Germany cannabis travel rules.
Sources
The statutory text controls; this summary cannot determine an individual's test result or fitness to drive.