Cannabis and Driving License 2026 — The 5 Most Important Rules

Since August 2024, there has been a specific THC limit of 3.5 ng/ml in blood serum for cannabis in road traffic. This removed cannabis from the blanket drug prohibition and placed it under a regulation similar to alcohol. What does this mean for you specifically?

Rule 1: The limit is 3.5 ng/ml. Anyone caught driving with a THC level above 3.5 ng/ml in blood serum commits an administrative offense. First offense: €500 fine, 1-month driving ban, 2 points. Second offense: €1,000, 3-month ban. Third offense onwards: €1,500, 3-month ban. Important: The limit refers to active THC in blood serum, not THC-COOH (the metabolite). THC-COOH is detectable much longer but is not used for the limit.

Rule 2: Mixing with alcohol is prohibited. Anyone who combines cannabis and alcohol and drives commits an offense regardless of THC level. There is absolute zero tolerance for the combination. Even small amounts of alcohol combined with cannabis can lead to sanctions.

Rule 3: New drivers face stricter rules. For new drivers in the probationary period and persons under 21, there is an absolute cannabis prohibition while driving — analogous to the 0.0 per mille alcohol limit. Any detectable THC level leads to sanctions.

Rule 4: The MPU can come quickly. From the second offense or with high THC levels, the driver's license authority can order a medical-psychological examination (MPU). The MPU costs €350–750, plus abstinence programs (€200–500), preparation courses (€300–1,500) and potentially lawyer costs. The entire process takes 6–18 months.

Rule 5: Temporal separation is the only safe protection. THC can be detectable in blood for varying lengths of time depending on consumption frequency. With occasional use, active THC levels fall below the limit within 6–8 hours. With regular use, it can take significantly longer. The only safe rule: Don't drive if you've consumed. When in doubt, wait an extra day.

Our recommendation: Read our detailed article "Cannabis and Road Traffic" in our knowledge base for all details — including regulations on blood draws, police stops, and cycling under THC influence.