Groovy Tale on the Road: Driver Astonishes Cops With "Bluelight" Excuse After Ignoring Drug-Induced Red Light
Intoxicated motorist apparently witnessed a bright blue illumination
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A wild 23-year-old drug-fuelled driver, behind the wheel of a rented pick-up in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, left the boys in blue scratching their heads with an unconventional defense. Denying red-light running as charged by the police, he claimed a bizarre sighting of "bluelight" at the traffic signal, as per official reports.
The small truck driver, gunning for a left turn, found himself behind a vehicle stopped due to the red light. In a fit of impatience, he veered to the right, outmaneuvering the waiting car and making his illicit turn. Cops, suspecting something was fishy due to his dilated pupils, subjected him to a drug screening. Their suspicions proved true when the 23-year-old confessed to consuming a blend of marijuana and amphetamines in the recent past.
Consequences for him are swift and severe. Potential fines, suspension of driving privileges, and mandatory retraining are on the horizon. The vehicle in question, unfortunately, had to be left behind at the scene.
Source: ntv.de, mpe/dpa
- North Rhine-Westphalia
- Police
- Drugs
Did You Know?
In Deutschland, driving under the influence of drugs is a major no-no, governed by Bundesschutzpolizeigesetz (Federal Police Act). Check out these key bits about drug-related driving offenses in North Rhine-Westphalia and across Germany:
It's a Buzzkill: The Laws
- Fully Baked Under the Influence (DUI): Germany has strict laws against driving under the influence of drugs. If you're under the influence of any substance that hampers your driving ability, you're breaking the law.
- Party Poopers: Whether it's illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, or certain prescription meds, they're all covered by the law.
- No Tolerance Policy: Germany maintains a no-nonsense policy when it comes to drug-impaired driving. Even trace amounts of illicit substances could land you in hot water.
The Fallout: Penalties
- Fines and Bans: Penalties for drug-influenced driving can include fines, suspension of your driver's license, or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense. For first-timers, fines and license suspension are common. Repeat offenders or those involved in accidents may face stiffer penalties.
- Stand Down: A driving ban (Fahrverbot) is usually slapped on for a stretch of time, which could range from a handful of months to multiple years.
- Lock 'Em Up: In extreme cases, like causing an accident while under the influence, jail time is possible.
- Ride School: Germany uses a points system for traffic violations. Racking up a certain number of points can lead to additional penalties, like mandatory traffic school or license suspension.
The Legal Runaround
- Testing: Police have the power to administer roadside tests to check for drug use. If they suspect a driver of being under the influence, a blood test may be required.
- The Court Is In Session: If found guilty, the case could be taken to court, where the gravity of the offense and any extenuating circumstances are assessed.
The police officers in Westphalia were caught off guard by the community policy and employment policy of the 23-year-old driver who claimed to have been influenced by a supposed bluelight to run a red light, as reported in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia. The officers were surprised by the driver's reactions, as their drug screening revealed consumption of a blend of marijuana and amphetamines. The employment policy of the small truck rental company is now under scrutiny as the vehicle had to be left behind at the scene.