Alcohol, drugs and road traffic are a dangerous combination that can lead to serious accidents and even deaths. When people drink alcohol, it impairs their ability to drive a vehicle safely. They have difficulties with reaction, orientation and judgement. The risk of being involved in an accident increases considerably.
If you have been caught with a drug or alcohol offence, your driving licence can be revoked and you can face an MPU. To pass the so-called alcohol MPU or drug MPU, proof of abstinence is often required.
What is proof of abstinence at the MPU?
A proof of abstinence is a document that certifies that a person has not consumed alcohol over a certain period of time. In this way, you can prove that you have not consumed any alcohol or drugs over a period of time. The MPU checks whether you are fit to drive a vehicle and will not become conspicuous again in the future. Proof of abstinence can be requested in connection with an MPU if someone has become conspicuous because of alcohol in road traffic and has lost their driving licence. In order to regain the driving licence, the person concerned must prove that he has not consumed any alcohol in the meantime. To do this, he or she can present a proof of abstinence MPU issued by an appropriate body.
With negative proof of abstinence, you will get your driving licence back at the medical-psychological examination. In this guide, you will get answers to the most important questions about proof of abstinence at the MPU.
How long can the descent time be?
The length of the abstinence period required for an MPU depends on various factors and can vary from case to case. As a rule, however, an abstinence period of at least six months is required. This period is called “short-term abstinence”. In severe cases, for example if someone has attracted attention for alcohol on the road several times or has even caused an accident, a longer abstinence period may be required. This is called “long-term abstinence” and can be up to 12 months.
It is important to note that the abstinence period is only one part of the MPU and that other factors such as the person’s state of health, personal suitability and behaviour are also taken into account during the MPU. A successful MPU therefore requires that the person concerned can not only prove a sufficiently long period of abstinence, but is also able to drive a vehicle responsibly and safely.
How long is the abstinence period?
People often fail the MPU because their abstinence records are not correct. There are many reasons why people cannot stop using alcohol or drugs. With the right measures, abstinence from alcohol and drugs is successful. MPU experts can help you.
What methods are available for the detection of abstinence?
Hair analysis and urinalysis are two methods used at the MPU to determine whether someone has consumed alcohol or other drugs in the past.
Proof of abstinence through hair analysis
In hair analysis, a strand of hair is taken from the scalp and examined in the laboratory. This is done to look for the residues of alcohol and other drugs that settle in the hair and can be detected for a long time. Hair analysis is a very reliable method to determine whether someone has consumed alcohol or drugs in the past, as it is detectable even with short-term consumption.
Proof of abstinence by urinalysis
In urine analysis, a sample of the urine is examined. Here, too, the residues of alcohol and other drugs are searched for. The urine analysis is less reliable than the hair analysis because it can only be detected for a short time. It is therefore mainly suitable for checking whether someone has consumed alcohol or drugs at the time of the MPU.
MPU without proof of abstinence
There are several possibilities for not requiring proof of abstinence at the MPU. For example, no proof of abstinence is required if someone has lost their driving licence for other reasons, such as a traffic offence or illness. In these cases, the person only has to meet the requirements for regaining a driving licence that apply in such cases. This means that if your offence has nothing to do with alcohol or drugs, you usually do not need any proof of abstinence.
It is important to note that each case is considered individually and that the requirements for proof of abstinence may vary depending on the circumstances. It is therefore advisable to find out about the requirements before the MPU and to obtain proof of abstinence if necessary. It is not uncommon for people to fail an MPU because it was not clear to you whether you needed proof of abstinence or not.
When is the MPU abstinence period 6 months?
The length of the abstinence period required for an MPU depends on various factors and can vary from case to case. As a rule, however, an abstinence period of at least six months is required if someone has become conspicuous for alcohol in road traffic and has lost their driving licence.
The short-term abstinence of six months usually applies if someone has been conspicuous for alcohol in road traffic for the first time or if there are no particularly serious circumstances. Particularly serious circumstances include, for example, multiple conspicuous driving under the influence of alcohol, an accident with personal injury or a very high blood alcohol concentration.
When is the MPU abstinence period 12 months?
An abstinence period of 12 months is usually required if someone has been conspicuous for alcohol in road traffic for the second time or more, or if there are particularly serious circumstances, such as an accident with personal injury or a very high alcohol concentration in the blood. A very high alcohol concentration starts at 1.6 per mille.
How long is the abstinence period?
The abstinence period can be 6 or 12 months if a drug MPU or alcohol MPU is pending. In the case of a points MPU, no proof of abstinence is usually required. The abstinence period can be calculated precisely. This way you know the earliest day for your MPU.
Proof of abstinence Costs
The cost of a proof of abstinence depends on various factors and can therefore vary from case to case. Factors that influence the cost include, for example, the type of proof of abstinence, the provider and the location.
Hair analysis alcohol costs
As a rule, the cost of a hair analysis to check for alcohol consumption is around 100 to 250 euros. However, there are also providers who have significantly higher or significantly lower prices. It is therefore advisable to compare the prices with different providers before carrying out the hair analysis.
Hair analysis drug THC costs
As a rule, the cost of a hair analysis to check for THC use is around 100 to 250 euros. However, there are also providers who have significantly higher or significantly lower prices. It is therefore advisable to compare prices with different providers before carrying out the hair analysis.
Abstinence proof in the vicinity
If you are looking for a laboratory that offers abstinence verification, there are several ways to find one near you. One way is to use the internet and search for labs near you. To do this, you can, for example, enter search terms such as “abstinence detection” and the name of the town where you live. You can also use special websites that list laboratories and other medical service providers.
Another option is to contact MPU experts who know about addiction prevention and treatment. These MPU experts can recommend labs in your area and help you save money.
Where can I take an abstinence test?
Abstinence tests can be performed at a variety of facilities. Facilities that offer abstinence verification include, for example:
- Laboratories: there are certified laboratories that offer abstinence verification. These laboratories usually conduct tests to verify alcohol or drug use. The tests may include, for example, blood sampling, urine tests or hair analysis.
- Medical practices: Some medical practices also offer abstinence verification. In this case, the person concerned is examined by a doctor and tests may be carried out.
- Addiction counselling centres: These facilities offer support for people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. Many addiction counselling centres also offer abstinence verification by conducting regular interviews or tests to check the person’s alcohol or drug use.
Proof of abstinence MPU: What do I have to consider?
If you need proof of abstinence in connection with an MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination), there are a few things you should be aware of:
MPU Proof of abstinence from drugs and alcohol
Obtain information about the MPU
The requirements for proof of abstinence can vary from case to case. It is therefore advisable to find out about the requirements in good time to ensure that the proof can be provided in good time.
Choose facility
There are various facilities that offer proof of abstinence. Choose a facility that is approved to provide proof of abstinence for the MPU and meets the requirements.
Keep appointments
Stick to the agreed appointments: It is important that you stick to the agreed appointments in order to be able to provide the proof of abstinence on time. Do not miss any appointments and inform in good time if you are unable to attend.
Honesty wins
It is important that you speak openly and honestly about your alcohol or drug use in order to have a successful MPU. Avoid concealing or falsifying information.
Proof of abstinence for alcohol MPU and drugs MPU
MPU proof of abstinence for alcohol
If you are taking an MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination) in connection with drug use, there are a number of factors that determine whether the proof of abstinence is positive or not. These include, for example:
- The timing of the test: The proof of abstinence can, for example, be carried out with the help of blood samples, urine tests or hair analyses. Depending on the substance consumed, the timing of the test can determine whether the abstinence test is positive or negative. In the case of urine tests, alcohol consumption may not be measured.
- The extent of consumption: The extent of drug consumption can also play a role in the assessment of the proof of abstinence. The higher the consumption, the longer the substances remain detectable in the body and the greater the likelihood that the proof of abstinence will be negative. Be aware that even non-alcoholic beer may contain alcohol. Avoid sauces or soups with alcohol, ingredients (such as wine) or chocolates with rum.
MPU proof of abstinence Drugs THC
Many people underestimate how quickly a test for THC or other drugs will turn up. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that is responsible for the intoxication-like effects. THC is mainly found in the following:
- Hemp leaves: THC is also contained in the hemp leaves, which are dried and crushed after harvesting. However, the THC concentration in the leaves is usually lower than in the flowers.
- Oils and extracts: THC is also contained in various oils and extracts obtained from cannabis. These include, for example, CBD oils or extracts containing THC for e-cigarettes.
- Food and beverages: THC can also be present in food and beverages that are fortified with cannabis. These include, for example, cannabis brownies or drinks containing THC. Moon buns can also contain traces, so: Hands off!
MPU Abstinence Test Procedure
The proof of abstinence in connection with an MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination) is usually carried out by a doctor or another medical professional. How the proofs of abstinence are carried out in detail depends on various factors and can therefore vary from case to case. Below are some general steps that are often used in abstinence verifications at the MPU:
- Making an appointment: The first step in abstinence verification is usually to make an appointment. To do this, contact a facility that offers abstinence verification tests and make an appointment with the doctor or medical professional.
- Carrying out the test: The test involves either taking blood samples, urine tests or hair analyses to determine the alcohol or drug use
Abstinence detection positive despite abstinence
It is possible for an abstinence test to be positive despite abstinence. This can happen, for example, if the proof of abstinence was carried out too early and the substances are still detectable in the body. Therefore, the abstinence period should begin no earlier than one month after the last use.
It can also happen that the person concerned has not kept to the agreed rules during the abstinence period and has used drugs anyway. In such cases, it is important to contact a medical specialist or an addiction counselling centre to clarify the reasons for the positive proof of abstinence and to take further steps if necessary.
As a rule, after a positive MPU abstinence test, the abstinence period must be repeated.
Frequently asked questions and answers: MPU proof of abstinence
How long proof of abstinence for MPU?
The duration of the proof of abstinence in connection with an MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination) depends on various factors and can therefore vary from case to case. As a rule, however, a certain abstinence period is set that the person concerned must observe in order to pass the proof of abstinence. The duration of the abstinence period can be, for example, 6 or 12 months – depending on how high the alcohol or drug consumption of the person concerned was and how long the substances have been detectable in the body. During the abstinence period, the person concerned must adhere to certain rules in order to pass the abstinence test. This includes, for example, that no drugs or alcohol may be consumed.
How do I know whether I have to provide proof of abstinence?
Whether or not you have to provide proof of abstinence depends on various factors and can therefore vary from case to case. As a rule, proof of abstinence is required if you have to take an MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination) in connection with alcohol or drug use. This may be the case, for example, if your driving licence has been revoked or if you have been involved in a traffic accident due to alcohol or drug consumption. If you are unsure whether or not you need to provide proof of abstinence, you should contact an MPU specialist who can give you more information.
How much time is allowed between proof of abstinence and MPU?
As a rule, the proof of abstinence is carried out in such a way that the results are available in good time before the MPU. It is advisable not to let too much time pass. It is best if the last proof of abstinence is shown at the MPU within one month. A proof of abstinence older than 3 months can be problematic. In this case, a new proof of abstinence should be carried out.
Can the proof of abstinence be shortened?
As a rule, it is not possible to shorten the proof of abstinence. For example, the abstinence period can be 6 or 12 months. There is a possibility to shorten the abstinence period. You can find more information here.
When does the driving licence office usually contact me about the MPU?
14 days after receiving the penalty notice, the driving licence office can revoke the driving licence if the offence or misdemeanour is legally valid, i.e. it usually takes 1 to 3 months before the driving licence office contacts you about the MPU in this case.
Can I pass the MPU without proof of abstinence?
It is possible if, for example, you have to pass a points MPU. This is the case, for example, if you have reached the maximum number of eight points in Flensburg and your driving licence has therefore been revoked.
