EU tachograph requirement from July 2026 – also for vans and light commercial vehicles

What changes on 1 July 2026?

As part of the EU Mobility Package, the weight threshold for the tachograph requirement will be lowered from the current 3.5 tonnes to a maximum permissible mass of 2.5 tonnes. The change applies only to international commercial carriage of goods; purely domestic transport and non-commercial journeys remain exempt.

Which vehicles are affected?

• Vans, panel vans and light delivery vehicles

• Light commercial vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of 2.5–3.5 tonnes

• Vehicle combinations with a total mass above 2.5 tonnes used in international transport

What obligations will arise?

• Installation of a second-generation smart (digital) tachograph

• Driver cards and recording of driving time, breaks and rest periods

• Compliance with the driving-time and rest-period rules under Regulation (EC) No 561/2006

• Regular downloading, storage and retention of data

• Training drivers and dispatchers to use the new systems

Legal basis

The legal basis is the EU Mobility Package and Regulation (EU) 2020/1054, which amends Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 on tachographs and Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 on driving times and rest periods. The objectives are fair competition, greater protection for drivers and improved road safety.

How should companies prepare?

• Review the fleet and identify vehicles covered by the requirement

• Schedule the installation or retrofitting of tachographs

• Apply for driver cards and organise training

• Set up processes for data archiving and roadside inspections

Conclusion

The new tachograph requirement will affect many businesses that have so far operated below the 3.5-tonne threshold. Reviewing the fleet early and meeting the deadlines will help avoid fines and operational downtime. This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice in an individual case—please contact our law firm for tailored guidance.