While the rigorous prosecution of drunken drivers in Germany has resulted in a decrease in alcohol related accidents since the 1990s, the relevant risks of legal or illegal drugs are still receiving too little attention, and legal proceedings are rare. A study carried out at the beginning of the 1990s and data from a roadside survey in two distinct regions of Germany (Franken and Thüringen) show that the effect of illegal drugs and medications is almost equally as important as those of alcohol. A new bill proposes a general ban on driving under the influence of drugs, both legal and illegal. A major problem, however, is the need to show drug/medication misuse and recognize the specific symptoms in the individual case-only then successful use can be made of already existing legal remedies.