Driving after drugs in Switzerland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Switzerland deems a driver unfit once THC or another listed drug is detected in blood; the THC value is 1.5 µg/l. A person taking a substance on prescription is not automatically unfit. Police may do preliminary tests, and the sanction can be up to 3 years in prison or a monetary penalty.

RuleWhat applies
Approach to cannabis (THC)Driving a car after drug use⚠ Not yet verified
THC thresholdDriving a car after drug use1.5 µg/l THC in blood [1]
Prescribed medicinesDriving a car after drug useException for prescribed medicine [2]
Police screening testDriving a car after drug useYes [3]
Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug useCustodial sentence of up to 3 years or a monetary penalty for driving a motor vehicle while unfit to drive for reasons other than alcohol. [4]

Notes

  • Incapacity to drive is deemed proven when THC or another listed substance is detected in blood at or above the analytical limits in Article 34 of the ASTRA ordinance. The sources read do not describe this as either a general limit or zero tolerance, so no category is given.
  • Article 2(2) VRV deems incapacity proven when THC is detected in blood; Article 34 VSKV-ASTRA sets the measured value at which it counts as detected. Limit text unchanged in the version applying from 1 January 2027.
  • With a medical prescription, detection alone does not prove incapacity; general unfitness to drive (Art. 2 para. 1 VRV) still applies.
  • Only where there are indications of impairment; the police may test urine, saliva or sweat. A blood test is ordered if there are signs of impairment (Art. 12a SKV).

Sources

  1. Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA): Verordnung des ASTRA zur Strassenverkehrskontrollverordnung (VSKV-ASTRA), SR 741.013.1 (Stand 1. Januar 2022) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Der Bundesrat: Verkehrsregelnverordnung (VRV), SR 741.11 (Stand 1. Oktober 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Der Bundesrat: Strassenverkehrskontrollverordnung (SKV), SR 741.013 (Stand 1. Januar 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Die Bundesversammlung: Strassenverkehrsgesetz (SVG), SR 741.01 (Stand 1. Juli 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.