Your MPU Companion
Why do I have to
take the MPU?
An MPU may be mandated for various reasons, including:
- Points on your driving record in Flensburg.
- Traffic violations.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, especially in cases of repeated offenses or a single incident with a very high blood alcohol level.
- Drug use.
- Medical reasons.
MPU due to Points
An MPU due to too many points in the traffic central register becomes necessary when the maximum point total has been reached. In this case, your driving behavior is under scrutiny, and it will be assessed whether you can participate in road traffic safely and in compliance with regulations in the future.
The point system aims to increase road safety by penalizing repeated violations. Depending on the number of points accumulated, different measures may be taken.
No further penalties are to be expected for the driver; however, it would be advisable to reflect on one's own behavior in road traffic.
A written and fee-based warning, informing that a reduction of points is possible through a driver qualification seminar.
Final written and fee-based warning. A reduction of points through a driver qualification seminar is no longer possible.
Revocation of the driver's license.
A point awarded for a traffic violation, such as exceeding the speed limit by 21 km/h in urban areas, disregarding right-of-way rules, or inappropriate behavior towards pedestrians, will be deleted after 2.5 years.
A violation that is penalized with 2 points, such as running a red light, endangering traffic safety, hit-and-run, illegal leaving the scene of an accident, disregarding the no-overtaking rule, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol above 0.5‰, will expire after five years.
A violation that is rated with 3 points, such as driving in a state of absolute incapacity to drive (over 1.1‰) or participation in illegal street racing, will only be expunged after ten years.
Points in the driver's aptitude register automatically expire after a certain period, depending on the severity of the offense. The time frames vary based on the number of points and the type of violation.
MPU due to Alcohol
The MPU due to alcohol is one of the most common reasons for the assessment. Those who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol must demonstrate their abstinence and insight. In this case, your behavioral changes and your ability to act responsibly in the future are closely examined.
“Anyone who operates a vehicle in traffic while being unable to do so safely due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or other intoxicating substances will be punished with imprisonment of up to one year or with a fine.” §316 German Criminal Code
In German road traffic, the blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.5‰. At this level, penalties are outlined in the fine catalog, meaning that measures can be taken starting from 0.49‰.
Generally considered an administrative offense. You receive a fine, but there are no points in Flensburg and no MPU required.
This is also an administrative offense, as long as no alcohol-related abnormalities or driving errors are observed. Fines and possibly a driving ban may apply, depending on the circumstances.
This is considered absolute incapacity to drive and is a criminal offense. Punishable by imprisonment of up to one year or a fine; additionally, an MPU is required.
This is also a criminal offense, and the person must regularly complete an MPU to regain their driver's license.
First-time offenders
noticeable behavior
This indicates relative incapacity to drive, which can lead to legal consequences.
First-time offenders
w/o noticeable behavior
There are no criminal consequences as long as the behaviour is unremarkable.
First-time offenders
No MPU required, provided there are no additional suspicions and no signs of alcohol abuse.
First-time offenders
A requirement to complete an MPU in order to regain the driver's license after a suspension period.
Repeat offenders
Repeat offenders from
An MPU is required; just two offenses can result in the necessity for an MPU.
Repeat offenders
Repeat offenders from
Absolute incapacity to drive. This is a criminal offense, regardless of driving behavior or external signs.
MPU due to Drugs
In the MPU due to drug use, the focus is on long-term abstinence and insight into the issue. You must convincingly demonstrate that you have ceased consumption and can ensure safe driving behavior.
A medical-psychological assessment (MPU) is almost always mandated when a driver is caught under the influence of drugs. This is especially likely if the driver exhibits noticeable behavior or is involved in an accident. In such cases, criminal consequences may also follow.
There is no established blood concentration limit for driving under the influence of drugs, as legal limits apply to drugs. If this limit is exceeded, operating a motor vehicle is prohibited according to §24a of the Road Traffic Act (StVG).
Methylendioxyamphetamin (MDA) 25ng/ml
Methylendioxyamphetamin (MDE) 25ng/ml
Methylendioxyamphetamin (MDAE) 25ng/ml
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A
POSITIVE DRUG TEST?
Since April 1, 2024, cannabis has been partially legalized; however, driving under the influence of cannabis remains dangerous. The Bundestag has established a new limit of 3.5ng/ml THC for operating vehicles. For novice drivers in their probationary period and individuals under 21 years old, the previous limit of 1.0ng/ml remains unchanged. If drug influence is detected in the blood, sanctions may apply according to the Criminal Code (§24a StVG and §315c, §316, and §323a StGB). These sanctions can include driving bans, revocation of the driver's license, and mandatory medical examinations. Regulations are particularly strict regarding the combined use of cannabis, alcohol, or other substances, with absolute prohibition of participation in road traffic. Individuals under 18 years old may possess or cultivate cannabis but are not allowed to consume it.
Proof of Abstinence
The costs for regular drug tests must be borne entirely by the traffic offender, significantly increasing the financial burden. A medical-psychological assessment (MPU) due to drug use is particularly expensive and is among the costliest MPU procedures.
For a one-year proof of abstinence, two analyses are sufficient. The cost per analysis ranges between 200 and 300 euros, resulting in total expenses of approximately 400 to 600 euros for proving abstinence.
The cost for a urine sample ranges from 50 to 150 euros, depending on the provider. To provide a six-month proof of abstinence, four urine samples are required, resulting in total costs between 200 and 600 euros. For a twelve-month proof, six samples are needed, leading to costs between 300 and 900 euros.
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