Düsseldorf: Drivers caught behind the wheel with a joint and cell phone!

Düsseldorf: Drivers caught behind the wheel with a joint and cell phone!

An unusual incident occurred on August 22, 2025 in Düsseldorf-Bilk when a 21-year-old man was stopped by the police. While he was behind the wheel of his VW Golf, he was smoking a joint and talking on the phone at the same time. This risky combination quickly brought him into the sights of the officers, who carried out a traffic stop on the Südring at 5:25 p.m.

During the check, the police surprisingly found almost 100 grams of cannabis and hashish stored in several ziplock bags in the man's vehicle. Since the driver, who comes from Iran, was immediately suspected of being under the influence of drugs, the officers took a blood sample. The narcotics were seized and after the relevant reports were made, the man was allowed to continue his journey on foot after he was prohibited from continuing his journey. The investigation is ongoing and the consequences of his actions could be far-reaching.

The legal consequences of drugged driving

The legal framework for drugged driving is clearly regulated. In the event of a violation, no distinction is usually made between soft and hard drugs. The penalties range from a fine of between 500 and 1,500 euros, points in Flensburg and a driving ban of one to three months. It becomes particularly critical if the THC-COOH value in the blood is above 150 nanograms per milliliter, as this indicates regular consumption and your driving license can be revoked as a result. In the event of a first violation, the consequences for drivers during the probationary period can be particularly severe, as they will have to expect the probationary period to be extended to four years and the obligation to take part in an advanced seminar. Gansel Lawyers emphasizes that the type of drugs and the danger to road traffic are crucial for the sanctions.

Sanctions and possible consequences

The consequences can be serious, especially for novice drivers. A second offense can result in a warning, while a third offense will result in your license being revoked. To get a clearer picture of the penalties, here are some of the possible penalties a driver may face if they are driving while under the influence of drugs:

• Bußgeld: 500 – 1.500 Euro
• Punkte in Flensburg: 1 – 3 Punkte
• Fahrverbot: 1 – 3 Monate
• MPU-Anordnung: bei regelmäßigem Konsum möglich

In addition to criminal prosecution, those affected if they consume drugs while driving must also expect further measures, such as a medical-psychological examination (MPU). Such an approach ensures that both the driver and other road users are protected.

Overall, it is clear that drugged driving is not only a legal matter, but also poses a significant threat to road safety. If you are in Düsseldorf in the near future, you should make sure to follow the traffic rules - the police are keeping an eye on them and will react immediately, as the 21-year-old's situation impressively shows.