Drug testing for drivers: France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands (2025)
Share
Last updated: November 12, 2025 — Article verified and sourced.
Introduction
Strasbourg is a cross-border area: many people travel between France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Drug testing regulations for drivers vary from one country to another. This guide summarizes, for 2025, the thresholds and procedures applicable to the main substances (THC, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, MDMA, etc.).
France — screening and thresholds
In France, saliva is the reference sample for roadside drug testing. The minimum detection thresholds for saliva tests are set by the decree of December 13, 2016. A positive saliva test result is followed by a confirmatory laboratory analysis (GC/LC-MS).
| Substance | Salivary threshold (ng/mL) | Noticed |
|---|---|---|
| THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) | 15 | Order 13/12/2016 — lab confirmation on saliva. |
| Amphetamine | 50 | Order of 13/12/2016. |
| Methamphetamine | 50 | Order of 13/12/2016. |
| MDMA (ecstasy) | 50 | Order of 13/12/2016. |
| Cocaine / Benzoylecgonine | 10 | Order of 13/12/2016. |
| Morphine / 6-MAM (opiates) | 10 | Order 13/12/2016 — lab confirmation. |
Note: The Joana Plan (April 2025) announced the intention to add ketamine to the molecules sought in saliva; legal integration requires the publication of an implementing text.
Switzerland — blood thresholds
In Switzerland, a blood test is the conclusive evidence. The Federal Roads Office (OFROU) ordinance sets limit values (µg/L) beyond which fitness to drive is presumed to be impaired.
| Substance | Blood threshold (µg/L) | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| THC | 1.5 | OFROU RS 741.013.1 |
| Morphine (free) | 15 | OFROU RS 741.013.1 |
| Cocaine | 15 | OFROU RS 741.013.1 |
| Amphetamines / MDMA / MDEA | 15 | OFROU RS 741.013.1 |
Saliva can be used as an indicative pre-test; blood remains legally conclusive.
Belgium — saliva test procedure & thresholds
Regulated procedure (Law 31/07/2009, Royal Decree 27/11/2015): field saliva test, lab confirmation, blood sample if necessary.
| Substance | Saliva (ng/mL) | Blood (ng/mL) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| THC | 10 | 1 | Law of 31/07/2009; Royal Decree of 27/11/2015 |
| Amphetamines / MDMA | 25 | 25 | Application texts |
| Cocaine / BEG | 10 | 25 | Application texts |
| Morphine / 6-MAM | 5–10 | 10 | Application texts |
Netherlands — blood limits
For THC, the current limit applied is 3.0 µg/L (single use), with specific rules for combining substances.
| Substance | Blood threshold (µg/L) | Noticed |
|---|---|---|
| THC | 3.0 | Single use; reduced rules if combined. |
| Cocaine | 50 | Besluit / Regeling |
| Amphetamines / MDMA | 50 | Thresholds vary depending on the combination |
Germany — recent situation
An indicative value for blood THC (~ 3.5 ng/mL ) is recommended. Saliva is an indicator; a blood sample is required for enforcement.
Quick comparison table
| Country | Probable matrix | THC threshold | Examples of other substances |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Saliva (confirmatory) | 15 ng/mL | Amphetamines 50 ng/mL; cocaine 10 ng/mL |
| Swiss | Blood | 1.5 µg/L | Amphetamines/MDMA/Cocaine 15 µg/L |
| Belgium | Saliva → conclusive blood | THC saliva 10 ng/mL → blood 1 ng/mL | Amph./MDMA saliva 25 ng/mL; blood 25 ng/mL |
| The Netherlands | Blood | THC 3.0 µg/L | Cocaine 50 µg/L; Amph./MDMA 50 µg/L |
| Germany | Blood | Recommendation 3.5 ng/mL | Indicator saliva → blood required |
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the saliva test reliable?
Saliva tests detect recent drug use and are suitable for roadside drug screening. In France, laboratory-confirmed saliva is considered conclusive. In other countries, saliva is used as a preliminary test, while blood remains conclusive.
What is the practical difference between saliva and blood?
Saliva primarily detects very recent consumption (hours); blood reflects the active systemic concentration.
Can a CBD product trigger a positive result?
Yes: some CBD products contain traces of THC which may trigger a result, particularly in saliva.
What should I do if I travel between several countries?
Avoid consuming any food or drink before driving. Follow local procedures and request copies of test results if necessary.
What drugs do Drugdiag® tests detect?
The panels mainly cover: THC, cocaine (BEG), amphetamines, MDMA, opiates (morphine/6-MAM). Some models offer expanded panels (NPS, ketamine depending on regulatory availability).
Do the tests comply with legal requirements?
For France, a test conforming to the thresholds of the decree of December 13, 2016, and confirmed by laboratory testing, ensures compliance. For cross-border use, clearly indicate the matrix and thresholds for each country.
Official sources
- France — Decree of 13 December 2016 (procedures and salivary thresholds). (Legifrance)
- France — Council of State, decision no. 394178 (05/12/2016)
- Switzerland — Ordinance of the Federal Roads Office RS 741.013.1; Federal Office of Public Health
- Belgium — Law of 31/07/2009; Royal Decree of 27/11/2015; implementing texts (Official Gazette / ETAAMB)
- Netherlands — Regulations & Controls (legal limits, e.g. THC 3.0 µg/L)
- Germany — BMDV expert work (2024): indicative recommendation 3.5 ng/mL blood THC
- Plan Joana (FR) — press kit 30/04/2025 (ketamine announced)
