Drug MPU: Procedure, abstinence and safe Preparation
The most important information about the drug-related MPU β clearly explained and presented in a structured manner.
Learn when a drug-related MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment) is ordered, what proof of abstinence is required, and what really matters in the preparation and psychological interview.
-- Table of contents --
- 1 How do I pass my drug MPU?
- 2 Who has to undergo a drug MPU?
- 3 Is proof of abstinence required for a positive drug MPU?
- 4 New guidelines - special cases
- 5 Cannabis MPU without abstinence
- 6 Where can I prove my drug abstinence?
- 7 How much does an MPU for drugs cost?
- 8 How much does MPU preparation for a drug MPU cost?
- 9 How does an MPU work?
- 10 You might also be interested in these articles:
How do I pass my drug MPU?
Ultimately, you must be able to convincingly demonstrate that you are fit to drive a motor vehicle on the road again. There should no longer be any risk of you driving a vehicle or using drugs while under the influence in the future. Therefore, you must live a drug-free life. Cannabis has been legal in Germany since April 1, 2024, so a drug-free lifestyle is not always required for a positive MPU. Each individual case must be examined. In most cases, a drug-free life is an important prerequisite for a successful drug MPU.
In a free initial MPU consultation We can discuss your individual case and you will then receive a professional assessment from us and we will show you your path with all the necessary steps through the MPU.
Who has to undergo a drug MPU?
A Medical-psychological examination A medical-psychological assessment (MPU) can be ordered by the driver's license authorities in all cases of drug offenses and drug-related problems. For example, if you have participated in motorized road traffic under the influence of drugs (e.g., amphetamines, cannabis, heroin, or cocaine). However, the most common type of MPU is... Cannabis MPUUntil April 2024, the limit for THC in cannabis was 1 ng/ml (until April 1, 2024). The new limit, which is in Conversation is 3,5 ng/ml.
Unlike with alcohol, a drug MPU can also be ordered if, for example, you were caught with illegal drugs or substances after visiting a club and it is fairly certain that you actually consumed them. An MPU for drug possession is therefore possible.
The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are defined in the catalogue of fines as follows:
For the first drug offense:
- EUR 500 Fines
- 2 points and
- 1 month driving ban
For the second drug offense:
- 1.000 Euro fine
- 2 points and
- 3 months driving ban
For the third drug offense:
- 1.500 Euro fine
- 2 points and
- 3 months driving ban
Fines and MPU are independent of each other - be careful!
A medical-psychological assessment (MPU) is ordered by the driver's license authorities regardless of the fines. In our consultations, we repeatedly encounter situations where those affected are very confused that the responsible driver's license authority only orders an MPU many months after the driving ban. Many are convinced that the matter is settled with paying the fine and the driving ban. Many are then genuinely shocked by the MPU order, because suddenly... Loss of driving license threatensThe driver's license authorities usually give a deadline of two to three months to submit a positive assessment. Otherwise, the license will be revoked. This often doesn't leave enough time to provide the necessary proof of abstinence to pass a drug-related medical-psychological assessment (MPU). It is therefore advisable to start an abstinence monitoring program immediately after the offense or to grow one's hair so that one or two hair samples can be submitted to prove drug abstinence.
Is proof of abstinence required for a positive drug MPU?
If your driving licence has been revoked due to drug use, you must go to the most cases, drug abstinence of 6, 12 or 15 months prove your drug-free status through appropriate urine screenings or Hair analysis Depending on your drug use pattern, at least 6 months are required; in many cases, 12 months are required, and since the beginning of 2023, even 15 months. Proof of your drug abstinence is mandatory for a positive assessment and cannot be circumvented, except in a few special cases (see below).
How long the affected person has to be drug-free to achieve a positive result depends on the individual's past consumption behavior as well as many other factors and on which drugs were consumed. advanced Drug problem (D2) or even one Dependency (D1) Depending on the case and treatment/therapy 12-15 months of abstinence If there is βonlyβ a Drug hazard (D3) before (e.g. occasional cannabis use) are often sufficient 6 MonatDrug abstinence is sufficient, but in some cases 12 months of proven drug abstinence is also required in D3.
New guidelines - special cases
The new guidelines also allow for special cases. For example, under certain circumstances, it is now possible to be classified as D3 (drug risk) in cases of regular cannabis use and occasional amphetamine use, meaning that only 12 months of abstinence are required, rather than 15 months.
You should clarify how many screenings you should conduct and how long the abstinence period should be prior to your medical-psychological examination. See also: Abstinence for 6, 12 or 15 months?
Cannabis MPU without abstinence
Is it only very occasional cannabis use proof of abstinence may be required not necessary.
The assessment criteria include the so-called hypothesis D4, which states:
"Even if occasional cannabis use continues, driving under the influence of THC can be reliably avoided." We would be happy to examine whether hypothesis D4 can be applied to you in a free initial consultation. A second special case is medical cannabis, so if you Cannabis on prescription Further information is also available at MPU without abstinence and Shorten MPU proof of abstinence.
Where can I prove my drug abstinence?
You can apply at any recognized Assessment body Demonstrate drug abstinence or participate in an abstinence control program in accordance with CTU criteria In addition, there are various independent institutes (e.g. Enders Laboratory) and doctors who are cheaper.
In a free initial MPU consultation We will discuss your individual case and give you a clear, professional assessment β ββincluding all the steps that will guide you safely through the MPU.
How much does an MPU for drugs cost?
The costs of a drug MPU are between β¬700 and β¬750. The costs for proof of abstinence are added and are usually between 300 and 900 EuroThe total cost of abstinence certificates also varies and depends on whether you need proof for 6, 12, or 15 months. Further information on costs can be found at [link to relevant page]. MPU costs.
How much does MPU preparation for a drug MPU cost?
The costs of traffic psychology MPU consulting vary depending on the provider. For a simple drug question, the costs from reputable providers are between 900 and 2000 Euro. For significantly cheaper or more expensive offers, you should inquire exactly how the preparation costs are broken down. It is recommended to compare different offers. You can find the costs of our MPU preparation at PricesIf you would like to have absolute planning security regarding costs, we recommend the MPU preparation course Plus, this offer includes a fixed price for as many consultations with a traffic psychologist as you need until you get your driver's license.
How does an MPU work?
You must convince the examiner that you are fit to participate in motorized road traffic again. You should clearly demonstrate that you will not drive a vehicle under the influence of drugs again. An MPU consists of three parts:
1. Medical examination
The medical part of the examination will assess your health. If you are aware of any pre-existing medical conditions, you should inquire beforehand whether these conditions could negatively affect your driving ability. You will also be asked about any medications you are taking. The doctor will discuss your drug use with you. It is advisable to reflect on your past drug use before your MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment). This will help you avoid giving conflicting information to the psychologist and the doctor.
2. Reaction and performance tests
The computer-based performance tests assess your reaction time, concentration, and resilience. Most people find these tests straightforward. They are necessary to ensure you meet all the requirements for driving a motor vehicle. Failing the reaction and performance tests does not automatically mean you have failed. There is also the option of an observed driving assessment to determine if you meet the requirements for safe driving. This involves driving a designated route on public roads with an assessor and a driving instructor.
3. Psychological examination interview
One hurdle is the psychological interview, which many people approach with great trepidation. The interview with the psychological assessor is detailed and can become quite intimate, something many people are unprepared for. In this part of the assessment, you will be questioned in detail about the background and causes of the documented offenses. It is important that you can convincingly demonstrate that a change in thinking has occurred and that a positive and stable shift from your previous behavior is evident. Every person should have thoroughly examined why they used drugs in the past and how the traffic violations could have occurred. You can find the most important questions for a medical-psychological assessment (MPU) at [link to MPU questions]. MPU questions.
Further information on the process can be found at MPU process. All the steps you need to complete before your MPU are described in detail.
MPU questions of a drug MPU and answers
Our traffic psychologists have compiled a list of questions and answers, which we are making available to you free of charge. The MPU Drug Questions and Answers list is structured like an MPU interview and will help you prepare.