Drug testing while driving: France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands (2025)
Share
Last update: November 12, 2025 — Article verified and sourced.
Introduction
Strasbourg is a cross-border area: many users travel between France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Drug driving screening rules differ 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 matrix for roadside screening. The minimum detection thresholds in saliva tests are set by the order of December 13, 2016. A positive saliva screening result is followed by a confirmatory laboratory analysis (GC/LC-MS).
| Substance | Saliva threshold (ng/mL) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) | 15 | Order 13/12/2016 — lab confirmation on saliva. |
| Amphetamine | 50 | Order 13/12/2016. |
| Methamphetamine | 50 | Order 13/12/2016. |
| MDMA (ecstasy) | 50 | Order 13/12/2016. |
| Cocaine / Benzoylecgonine | 10 | Order 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 publication of an application text.
Switzerland — blood thresholds
In Switzerland, blood sampling is the conclusive matrix. The OFROU Ordinance sets limit values (µg/L) beyond which driving fitness is presumed revoked.
| 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 procedure & thresholds
Regulated procedure (Law 31/07/2009, Royal Decree 27/11/2015): roadside saliva test, lab confirmation, blood sampling if necessary.
| Substance | Saliva (ng/mL) | Blood (ng/mL) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| THC | 10 | 1 | Law 31/07/2009; Royal Decree 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 commonly applied limit is 3.0 µg/L (single use), with specific rules for substance combinations.
| Substance | Blood threshold (µg/L) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| THC | 3,0 | Single use; reduced rules if combined. |
| Cocaine | 50 | Decision / Regulation |
| Amphetamines / MDMA | 50 | Variable thresholds depending on combination |
Germany — recent situation
An indicative value for blood THC (~3.5 ng/mL) is recommended. Saliva is indicative; blood sampling is required for enforcement.
Quick comparison table
| Country | Evidential matrix | THC threshold | Examples of other substances |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Saliva (confirmatory) | 15 ng/mL | Amphetamines 50 ng/mL; cocaine 10 ng/mL |
| Switzerland | Blood | 1.5 µg/L | Amphet./MDMA/Cocaine 15 µg/L |
| Belgium | Saliva → conclusive blood | THC saliva 10 ng/mL → blood 1 ng/mL | Amphet./MDMA saliva 25 ng/mL; blood 25 ng/mL |
| Netherlands | Blood | THC 3.0 µg/L | Cocaine 50 µg/L; Amphet./MDMA 50 µg/L |
| Germany | Blood | Recommendation 3.5 ng/mL | Indicative saliva → blood required |
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the saliva test reliable?
Saliva tests detect recent consumption and are suitable for roadside screening. In France, saliva confirmed in a laboratory is conclusive. In other countries, saliva is a pre-test and blood remains conclusive.
What is the practical difference between saliva and blood?
Saliva mainly 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 that can trigger a result, especially in saliva.
What should I do if I travel between several countries?
Avoid any consumption before driving. Follow local procedures and request copies of analyses if necessary.
Which drugs do Drugdiag® tests detect?
The panels mainly cover: THC, cocaine (BEG), amphetamines, MDMA, opiates (morphine/6-MAM). Some models offer extended panels (NPS, ketamine depending on regulatory availability).
Are the tests compliant with legal requirements?
For France, a test compliant with the thresholds of the 12/13/2016 decree and confirmed in a laboratory ensures compliance. For cross-border use, clearly indicate the matrix and thresholds by country.
Official sources
- France — Decree of December 13, 2016 (saliva procedures and thresholds). (Légifrance)
- France — Council of State, decision no. 394178 (12/05/2016)
- Switzerland — OFROU Ordinance RS 741.013.1; FOPH
- Belgium — Law 07/31/2009; Royal Decree 11/27/2015; implementing texts (Official Gazette / ETAAMB)
- Netherlands — Besluit & Regeling (legal limits, e.g. THC 3.0 µg/L)
- Germany — BMDV expert work (2024): indicative recommendation 3.5 ng/mL blood THC
- Joana Plan (FR) — press kit 04/30/2025 (ketamine announced)
💡 Practical information on screening
During a roadside check, the gendarmerie saliva test is commonly used to detect the presence of drugs. Many wonder about how long the gendarmerie saliva drug test stays positive: it depends on metabolism, but THC remains detectable from several hours up to a few days. The gendarmerie THC saliva test (or gendarmerie saliva THC test) specifically targets recent cannabis use.
For prevention at home or in the workplace, taking a THC saliva test (also called a saliva THC test) is an excellent step. If you’re looking to equip yourself, you might be wondering where to buy an equivalent gendarmerie saliva test? Although it can sometimes be hard to find a THC saliva test at a pharmacy, you can order our professional devices directly online.
🚨 Road Safety Reminder
Driving under the influence of drugs is severely punished by law. Plan ahead with a reliable self-test before getting behind the wheel.
