Car Sharing on the Rise — But So Are Legal Challenges

Car sharing offers flexibility and affordability, but with freedom comes responsibility. Many drivers mistakenly believe that if a violation occurs in a rented or shared vehicle, the legal consequences might be reduced or assigned to the company.

That’s not the case in Germany. Whether you're in a DriveNow, Share Now, Miles, or any other fleet:

• You are the legal driver of record

• You are fully liable for any Ordnungswidrigkeit (regulatory offense)

• And if the violation is serious — yes, you may be referred for an MPU

Was ist MPU in the Context of Car Sharing?

Was ist MPU? The MPU is short for Medizinisch-Psychologische Untersuchung, a medical-psychological assessment ordered by the license authority.

It is often triggered by:

• Alcohol and drug offenses (mpu drogen)

• Repeated traffic violations

• Aggressive driving or poor emotional control

• Driving without a valid license or insurance

These issues don’t magically disappear just because you were in a shared car. The Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (license authority) still views the driver — not the owner — as responsible.

MPU Bedeutung: Legal Weight of Car-Sharing Violations

The mpu bedeutung (importance of the MPU) lies in its ability to determine whether you're fit to hold a license — mentally, emotionally, and physically.

For example:

• If you’re found driving a shared car under the influence of alcohol or cannabis, you may be subject to the same scrutiny as in a personal vehicle.

• Gelegentlicher (occasional) substance users are particularly vulnerable if they're caught during random police checks.

In fact, police often monitor car-sharing zones due to the high rate of misuse during nightlife hours.

Common Violations in Car-Sharing That Lead to MPU

Here are some typical examples:

• Substance Use Before Driving: Using cannabis, alcohol, or cocaine before driving a shared vehicle, even if you feel “fit.”

• Aggressive Driving: Racing, sudden lane changes, or tailgating in high-end shared cars.

• Late-Night Driving While Fatigued: Many assume the vehicle's advanced safety tech covers for driver fatigue — it doesn't.

• Incorrect Booking or Identity Fraud: Letting someone else drive on your account or faking credentials.

In all these cases, authorities may issue a Verkehrsverstoßanzeige (traffic offense notice) and initiate an MPU request.

Gelegentlicher Drogenkonsum & Shared Cars: A Dangerous Mix

Many drivers who use cannabis occasionally (gelegentlicher) assume it won’t be detected. But Germany’s strict zero-tolerance approach means even minor traces can be enough for a stop and subsequent MPU drogen.

In car-sharing cases, this is even more common, because:

• Police suspect recreational users target short-term vehicles

• Company vehicles are more frequently involved in urban incidents

• GPS and digital logs provide police detailed evidence

The Role of Ordnungsrecht and Public Liability

Under ordnungsrecht, it’s the state's job to protect public order — regardless of whether you're in a personal car or a rental.

Your driving behavior — not the car’s registration — determines your legal exposure. This means:

• If you’re intoxicated, the ordnung polizei can issue a full driving ban

• If you resist police or act irrationally, they may recommend psychiatric review

• If caught without proper documents, it may lead to an MPU order directly

MPU Fragen in Car Sharing-Related Incidents

Expect questions like:

• Why did you choose to drive a shared vehicle that night?

• Were you aware of your substance levels?

• Did you consider alternatives like taxis?

• How often do you use drugs or alcohol before driving?

• Are you taking responsibility for what happened?

Failing to answer these clearly could mean mpu nicht bestanden (MPU failed), and license loss.

Why a Verkehrsrecht Anwalt is Even More Important in These Cases

The digital nature of car-sharing services makes it easier for authorities to gather evidence. But a verkehrsrecht anwalt (traffic lawyer) can:

• Cross-check timelines and data accuracy

• Review legality of stops and tests

• Help clients gather clean drug test records

• Assist with MPU Vorbereitung (MPU preparation)

They can also argue that the offense was gelegentlich (occasional) and not part of a pattern — a key factor in many MPU cases.

Shared Cars Don't Mean Shared Responsibility

It’s important to remember:

• Every traffic violation is treated seriously in Germany

• The legal assumption is that drivers are fully capable of judging risk

• There’s no “reduced accountability” just because you didn’t own the car

Using a shared car while impaired — even slightly — shows a lapse in judgment, which is exactly what an MPU evaluates.

How to Protect Yourself When Using Shared Cars

Here are smart steps:

• Avoid any drugs/alcohol at least 72 hours before planned driving

• Stick to daytime hours, especially if tired or stressed

• Never lend the vehicle to someone else using your account

• Keep records of your booking and mileage

• Know your rights during a traffic stop

Conclusion: Modern Mobility Still Comes with Legal Responsibility

Car sharing might be part of Germany’s mobility revolution, but the legal expectations remain firmly rooted in personal accountability. From mpu drogen referrals to loss of license for gelegentlicher infractions, everything you do behind the wheel — shared or not — reflects directly on you.

If you ever find yourself facing an MPU because of something that happened in a shared car, your best tools are preparation, documentation, and expert legal support from a rechtsanwalt verkehrsrecht.