Hesse’s police crack down on drugged drivers during ROADPOL Safety Days

Think cannabis won’t impair your driving? Think again. Police in Hesse are targeting misconceptions—and offenders—with stricter checks and harsh penalties for THC over the legal limit.

, and Administrator

2025 November 27 . 9:11 AM

2 min read

In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are... — In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are many cars moving on the road. On either side of the road, we see grass and trees. This picture is clicked outside the city.

Hesse’s police crack down on drugged drivers during ROADPOL Safety Days

Hesse’s police are stepping up checks for drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The move comes as part of the ROADPOL Safety Days action week, organised by the Hessian Police and the Police Presidium Southern Hesse. Authorities aim to keep roads safer by increasing the risk of detection for impaired motorists.

The crackdown highlights a key concern: many cannabis users underestimate how long THC affects their driving ability. Even after the drug’s immediate effects wear off, its impact on reaction times and judgement can linger for hours.

Germany’s updated cannabis law, in force since 1 April 2023, allows limited cultivation, possession, and sharing of the drug. However, driving under its influence remains strictly illegal. The legal limit stands at 1.0 nanogram of THC per millilitre of blood serum. Exceeding this threshold—even slightly—can lead to fines, penalty points, and an automatic driving ban.

Police stress that impaired driving applies to all vehicles, from cars to bicycles and e-scooters. Offenders risk more than just traffic penalties: causing an accident while over the limit may trigger civil lawsuits for damages. Repeat or severe violations can result in a permanent loss of licence. Reinstatement would then require a mandatory medical-psychological pear assessment, adding time and cost to the process.

The campaign also targets misconceptions about cannabis and road safety. Unlike alcohol, THC’s effects on coordination and concentration are not always obvious to the user. This makes self-assessment unreliable, increasing the danger to both the driver and others on the road.

The intensified controls send a clear message: cannabis use and driving do not mix. With stricter enforcement and unchanged legal limits, Hesse’s police are reinforcing the consequences for those who ignore the rules. Drivers caught over the threshold face financial penalties, licence suspension, and potential long-term restrictions on their ability to drive.