German insurers demand new traffic rules if cannabis legalised
Driving while stoned remains illegal, stresses GDV
German insurers are calling on the federal government to create clear rules for road traffic as quickly as possible if it proceeds with plans to legalise cannabis.
The German parliament has backed a new law to allow the recreational use of cannabis. Under the law, over-18s in Germany will be allowed to possess small amounts of cannabis. Smoking cannabis in many public spaces will become legal from 1 April.
The German insurance association (GDV) general manager Jörg Asmussen said: “Smoking weed will be legal, driving while stoned will not.”
The GDV said that among other things, the dangerous mixed consumption of alcohol and cannabis must be banned.
“Although the possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for personal consumption will be legalised on April 1, 2024, important road traffic regulations such as THC limits will only follow later. So even after legalisation, the current rules will remain the same for the time being,” pointed out Asmussen.
“Alcohol and cannabis together are unpredictable,” said Asmussen. “As soon as alcohol is involved, a zero-tolerance limit for cannabis must apply. The extent of mixed consumption of alcohol and cannabis in Germany is the subject of a current accident research project conducted by insurers,” he added.
Driving under the influence of cannabis is still considered drug driving under Germany’s Road Traffic Act. As soon as cannabis can be detected in the blood, drivers are committing an administrative offense. This could result in fines, points and a driving ban, pointed out the GDV.
“If an accident occurs while driving on drugs, the driver commits a crime and also risks his insurance coverage. The motor vehicle liability insurance then pays the accident victim’s damages in full, but takes recourse against the person who caused the accident. Comprehensive insurance can reduce benefits and may even fail completely,” said the association.
