From 1 July 2026, new EU rules require many commercial vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of more than 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes to use a smart tachograph when carrying out international road transport of goods or cabotage (transport within another EU country by a foreign operator).
Previously, these requirements mainly applied to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
✅ For the full regulation, see Regulation (EU) 2020/1054 on EUR-Lex.
For a simplified explanation of the new requirements, visit the European Labour Authority's guide for light commercial vehicles.
A smart tachograph is a device that records:
Driving time
Breaks and rest periods
Driver activity
Vehicle movement and border crossings
The new rules are part of the EU Mobility Package and are designed to improve road safety, ensure fair competition, and help enforce drivers' working time rules.
Which vehicles are affected?
The regulation generally applies if your vehicle:
Has a maximum permissible mass of more than 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes, and
Is used for commercial international transport of goods or cabotage within the EU.
Vehicles used only for domestic transport or certain exempt activities may not be affected. The applicable rules depend on how the vehicle is used, not only on its weight.
What are the requirements?
If your vehicle is covered by the regulation, you must:
Have a Smart Tachograph Version 2 installed.
Follow EU rules on driving times, breaks, and rest periods.
Keep tachograph records as required by law.
If you are unsure whether your vehicle is affected, check your vehicle's maximum permissible mass and whether it is used for international commercial transport.