The partial legalization has noticeably changed how cannabis is handled in traffic, yet the medical-psychological evaluation has not disappeared. Anyone required to take an MPU because of cannabis faces a procedure that unsettles many and often costs several thousand euros. This guide explains when authorities order the evaluation in the first place, what the actual process looks like, which abstinence proofs are required, and what costs you should expect. Most importantly, it shows what really matters in preparation so you pass the assessment on your first attempt.
📑 Inhaltsverzeichnis
When is an MPU ordered because of cannabis?
Since the change to the driving license regulation in summer 2024, cannabis in road traffic has been treated largely like alcohol. A single violation with a THC level just above the limit no longer automatically leads to an MPU for first-time offenders. A limit of 3.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood serum now applies. Exceeding this value constitutes an administrative offense, but does not necessarily result in an evaluation.
The driving license authority only orders an MPU when additional circumstances are present. These include repeated driving under the influence of cannabis, evidence of addiction or abuse, and particularly high THC concentrations. Mixed consumption of cannabis and alcohol can also raise doubts about the ability to separate consumption from driving. The key question is whether the authority sees evidence of a lack of ability to separate the two. You can find more about the current rules in our overview of cannabis and road traffic 2026.
Special rules apply to cannabis patients. Those taking medicinal cannabis on prescription and are clinically stable can generally participate in traffic. However, conflicts with authorities do occur, as our article on medicinal cannabis and driving license shows. Anyone who receives an order should first have it checked to see if it is even lawful.
The transitional provision following the legal change is also important. Many orders issued under the old law have lost their legal basis due to the new regulations. Those affected were able to have the orders revoked and keep their driving licenses without an MPU. Whether this applies to your particular case can only be determined by examining your specific file. A legal review is therefore worthwhile before you book expensive preparation courses.
The MPU process for cannabis
The MPU consists of three components, all of which take place on the same day at an officially recognized evaluation center. It takes several hours altogether and follows a fixed pattern. Knowing the process helps you approach the appointment much more calmly.
The medical examination interview
In the medical part, a physician examines your physical condition and takes a consumption history. This includes a brief physical examination, a review of relevant laboratory values, and questions about your previous cannabis use. This section is designed to identify possible health consequences or evidence of ongoing addiction. Honest answers are important here, as evaluators quickly spot contradictions with the file.
The computer-based performance test
In the performance test, you sit at a computer and complete several reaction and concentration tasks. Attention, reaction speed, and the ability to process multiple stimuli simultaneously are tested. Most participants find this part easy as long as they are well-rested and sober. If you stand out here, you may get a second chance through a practical driving behavior test.
The traffic psychology interview
The interview with the traffic psychologist is the core of the MPU and the part where most people fail. The evaluator wants to understand why the violation occurred, how your consumption behavior has changed since then, and whether a relapse can be ruled out. This is not about memorized answers, but about a comprehensible and honest examination of your own behavior. If you can credibly present your consumption history and name specific changes, you have the best chances here.
Abstinence proofs: deadlines, urine and hair analysis
In many cannabis cases, the evaluation center requires complete abstinence documentation. The duration depends on how extensive your previous consumption was. If abuse or addiction is documented, a year of abstinence is usually required. In less severe cases, a period of six months is often sufficient. These proofs must be available before your MPU appointment, which is why early planning is crucial.
Two procedures are available for documentation. With urine screening, four samples over six months or six samples over a year are provided at unannounced times. The short-notice appointment is intended to ensure that results cannot be manipulated. Alternatively, hair analysis is an option, where a segment of hair approximately six centimeters long covers a period of around six months. Those with very short hair must resort to urine screening. Our article on the THC degradation curve explains how long THC remains detectable in the body in general.
What does an MPU for cannabis cost?
The basic evaluation fee for an MPU for drugs is approximately 850 to 1,000 euros. However, this is rarely the end of it. Added to this are the costs for abstinence documentation, which can amount to several hundred euros depending on the number of samples. A single urine screen typically costs between 80 and 130 euros per sample, and hair analysis is in a similar range.
Preparation often makes up the largest cost. Traffic psychology individual consultations are effective but expensive, while group seminars range from 600 to 1,000 euros and are cheaper. Overall, you should realistically expect total costs of between 1,500 and 4,000 euros for an MPU due to cannabis. The exact amount depends on how long abstinence must last and how intensively you prepare. This expense is frustrating, but a failed MPU ultimately causes significantly higher follow-up costs.
How to pass an MPU for cannabis
The most important principle is: honesty beats tactics. Evaluators conduct these interviews daily and immediately see through rehearsed phrases. If you openly present your consumption history, name personal triggers, and demonstrate that you understand the consequences of driving under the influence of cannabis, you come across as credible. A stable behavioral change must be comprehensible and should be reflected in the abstinence documentation as well.
Professional preparation significantly increases your success rate. It helps you anticipate the right questions and structure your own story clearly. It’s also important to start with abstinence documentation early so the required period is fully covered by your MPU appointment. If you believe an order is unjustified, you should also explore legal options. Our article on the DHV template letter against the MPU shows what options are available to avoid an evaluation altogether. Our article on the new THC limit in road traffic provides an overview of the applicable values.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still have to take an MPU after legalization?
Yes, the MPU was not abolished by partial legalization. However, it is now only ordered if additional circumstances are present, such as repeated violations, very high THC levels, or evidence of abuse. A single violation as a first-time offender typically no longer leads to an evaluation today.
How long do I need to remain abstinent for the MPU?
This depends on the severity of the case. If abuse or addiction is established, the evaluation center usually requires abstinence documentation over twelve months. In less serious cases, a period of six months is often sufficient. The documentation must be complete at the time of the examination.
What is the total cost of an MPU for cannabis?
The basic evaluation fee is approximately 850 to 1,000 euros. Combined with abstinence documentation and professional preparation, total costs realistically range from 1,500 to 4,000 euros. The exact amount depends on the duration of abstinence and the intensity of your preparation.
What are the chances of passing an MPU on the first attempt?
Nationally, only a portion of participants pass the MPU on the first try. If you prepare well, act honestly, and provide complete documentation as required, you significantly improve your chances. The most common reason for a negative evaluation is insufficient preparation for the psychology interview.
What mistakes most often lead to failure?
Typical mistakes include downplaying your own consumption or denying facts that are in the file. Anyone who blames external circumstances alone also won’t convince the evaluator. Gaps in abstinence documentation or an appointment scheduled too early are equally problematic. Those who take responsibility and document clear change have realistic prospects for a positive evaluation.
Can I take the MPU without preparation?
Musstest du schon mal zur MPU wegen Cannabis?
In principle, yes, but it is not recommended. Without preparation, it is difficult to present your consumption history in a structured way and convey credible behavioral change. Since a repeated MPU again costs money and time, the investment in serious preparation is almost always worthwhile.
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