Kratom & traffic control: What is being tested ?
During traffic checks, police first use screenings (mostly saliva, sometimes urine). Legally, laboratory blood analyses are then decisive, and in special cases hair analyses. These programs are geared toward traffic-relevant standard substance classes (e.g., cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates/opioids, benzodiazepines). Kratom alkaloids (mitragynine/7-hydroxymitragynine) are generally not part of these standard rapid-test panels in Germany; their detection requires targeted laboratory procedures (LC-MS/MS). PMC+2MDPI+2
How the test types are typically used
Saliva test (roadside rapid test)
Goal: quick indication of whether common standard classes are present.
Kratom: usually not part of these standard panels. A hit on mitragynine requires systems specifically designed for it, which are not common. PMC
Urine test (screening/retrospective)
Goal: supplementary screening for metabolites.
Kratom: standard urine rapid tests typically do not cover mitragynine; reliable detection only with targeted LC-MS/MS in the laboratory. MDPI+1
Blood test (laboratory confirmation)
Goal: evidence-relevant measurement of specific substances and concentrations.
Kratom: detection is in principle possible if the laboratory explicitly tests for mitragynine/7-HMG (LC-MS/MS methods available). Not a routine component, but specialized analytics. SCIEX
Hair analysis (long-term pattern)
Goal: longer-term exposure (weeks/months), rare in road traffic.
Kratom: detection is possible if specifically commissioned; not suitable to prove acute impairment when driving. PMC
Is kratom tested for in Germany at all?
Standardized police screenings target the major, traffic-relevant classes—kratom is usually not included there.
Laboratories can measure kratom if it is expressly requested (special LC-MS/MS). In other words: it is not tested “automatically,” but can be checked specifically. PMC+1
Is kratom prohibited in road traffic?
In Germany, kratom is currently (2025) not listed in the Narcotics Act (BtMG); it is not an approved medicinal product. Authorities point out risks; the overall legal classification outside the BtMG remains in flux. Driving “under kratom” is not regulated separately across the board—the decisive factor is whether impairment is present.
For road traffic, § 24a StVG applies: anyone who drives under the influence of certain intoxicants listed in the annex (and exceeds defined limits for alcohol) commits an administrative offense; blood analyses are decisive for this. Regardless of listings, fitness to drive or unfitness to drive can also be relevant under criminal law (situational/manifest signs of impairment).
One-sentence assessment:
Kratom is not BtMG-listed in Germany (as of 2025), is usually not captured by standard roadside rapid tests, but can be specifically detected in the laboratory; what counts in traffic is not to drive while impaired. DocCheck Flexikon+1
What results and assessments depend on
- Panel & method (rapid screening vs. laboratory; which substance classes are included?)
- Timing/dose and preparation/matrix
- Individual factors (metabolism, body composition)
- Laboratory order (is mitragynine/7-HMG explicitly requested?) PMC
Important—at the end
Regardless of testing practice: it is explicitly advised against driving a vehicle under the influence of psychoactive substances—which can include kratom alkaloids. Safety in road traffic takes priority.
Legal notice
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. The content provided here is not intended to encourage consumption. Each purchaser is responsible for informing themselves about the applicable legal provisions.
Image source:https://www.kratoein.com/