Imposing Strict Zero Percent Blood Alcohol Limit for Driving: Proposal Put Forward
In Germany, the legal driving limit for alcohol remains at 0.5 per mille (0.5‰) blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for those aged 21 and over, while drivers under 21 and those with probationary licenses must maintain a zero alcohol level (0.0‰) to drive legally. This limit has been a topic of debate, with Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder expressing his stance against lowering it.
Minister Schnieder, who is also a CDU politician, believes the current limit is sufficient and effective. He acknowledges that people may have a sip of alcohol socially without endangering road safety and considers the existing limit "sufficient and targeted." However, Schnieder is more critical and cautious concerning cannabis use among drivers, citing the "relatively unpredictable" effects of cannabis on road safety.
In light of this, Minister Schnieder has announced that he will be examining the effects of cannabis on traffic during the current legislative period. This scrutiny comes as Germany prepares to introduce a THC blood limit of 3.5 ng/ml for drivers starting in 2025. This threshold aims to differentiate recent consumption with potential impairment from residual THC presence.
Minister Schnieder advocates for driving completely sober and encourages all drivers to make responsible choices. His stance on lowering the alcohol limit for drivers has been made clear, but his approach to cannabis use in relation to traffic safety remains under scrutiny.
In summary, Germany maintains a moderate alcohol limit with some exemptions and has set a clear THC blood limit to regulate cannabis-impaired driving. Minister Schnieder views the current alcohol limits as adequate but is cautious and critical regarding cannabis consumption by drivers.
[Table]
| Substance | Legal Driving Limit in Germany | Special Rules | Minister Schnieder’s View | |-----------|-------------------------------|---------------|---------------------------| | Alcohol | 0.5‰ BAC (21+ years) | 0.0‰ for drivers under 21 and probationary licenses | Supports current 0.5‰ limit as sufficient; opposes lowering to zero | | Cannabis | 3.5 ng/ml THC blood concentration (since 2025) | Zero-tolerance for under 21 and probationary drivers | Critical of cannabis use due to unpredictable effects on driving |
[Photo: Patrick Schnieder, courtesy of Tobias Koch]
- Minister Schnieder's critics might question if he will take a similar tough stance against other industries, such as finance, that have been linked to risky behavior, given his cautious approach to transportation.
- Moreover, it would be interesting to observe whether Minister Schnieder extends his scrutiny on cannabis into other sectors like the 'other industry', particularly in relation to workplace policies and substance use.
