From July 2026, new regulations concerning vehicles and vehicle combinations with a maximum authorised mass from 2.5 tonnes will begin to apply in the European Union. This means that light commercial vehicles, such as minibuses, vans and delivery vehicles used for international commercial transport, will also have to be equipped with a digital tachograph and use it when carrying out transport operations.
Why are the new regulations being introduced?
The changes are intended to:
- ensure fairer competition on the transport market,
- enable more effective control of drivers’ driving and rest times,
- improve road safety throughout the European Union.
Until now, the obligation to use tachographs mainly applied to vehicles with a MAM above 3.5 tonnes. From 1 July 2026, this threshold will be lowered to 2.5 tonnes for vehicles carrying out international commercial transport.
Key changes
- The obligation to use a tachograph from as low as 2.5 tonnes MAM (instead of the previous 3.5 t).
- Mandatory installation of a digital tachograph (analogue tachographs will not be sufficient).
- The obligation to comply with and document drivers’ driving time, breaks and rest periods.
Important information for transport companies
From July 2026, businesses should expect more frequent checks and stricter documentation requirements, especially during cross-border inspections.
Therefore, it is worth taking action now to:
- train drivers in the use of digital tachographs,
- analyse the vehicle fleet,
- plan the retrofitting of vehicles with tachographs,
- when purchasing new vehicles, choose models factory-equipped with digital tachographs or allowing easy installation of these devices.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which vehicles will be covered by the new regulations?
From 1 July 2026, the obligation will apply to light commercial vehicles with a MAM from 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes carrying out international road transport.
Which vehicles are covered by the new regulations?
- minibuses and delivery vehicles,
- vans and panel vans,
- light commercial vehicles with a MAM from 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes,
- vehicles used for deliveries or the provision of services in other EU countries.
Are vehicles used exclusively for domestic transport subject to the new regulations?
No. Vehicles used exclusively in domestic transport are not covered by the new obligation to use tachographs resulting from EU regulations.
How should businesses prepare for the changes?
Companies should:
- check which vehicles will be covered by the new regulations,
- familiarise themselves with the available tachograph models,
- plan the necessary technical upgrades,
- train drivers in the new obligations and regulations concerning driving and rest times.
Early preparation will help avoid fines, financial penalties and disruptions to the company’s operations.
The EU tachograph obligation from July 2026 will also cover minibuses and delivery vehicles
From 1 July 2026, the new EU regulations will cover vehicles and vehicle combinations with a maximum authorised mass from 2.5 tonnes. This means that minibuses, delivery vehicles and light commercial vehicles used in international commercial transport will also have to be equipped with a digital tachograph.
Key changes
- The obligation to use a tachograph from as low as 2.5 t MAM (previously from 3.5 t).
- Applies to vehicles carrying out international commercial transport.
- A digital tachograph will be required, as well as compliance with regulations concerning drivers’ driving and rest times.
Who is affected by the new regulations?
The new regulations will cover, among others:
- minibuses and delivery vehicles,
- vans and panel-type vehicles,
- light commercial vehicles with a MAM from 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes,
- certain vehicle combinations exceeding 2.5 tonnes MAM.
Vehicles used exclusively in domestic traffic are not covered by the new obligation.
How should a company prepare?
Businesses should already now:
- check which vehicles will be subject to the new regulations,
- plan the installation or replacement of tachographs,
- train drivers in the use of the devices and the new obligations,
- prepare processes related to documenting working time and storing data.
From July 2026, more frequent checks and stricter documentation requirements should be expected. Early preparation will help avoid financial penalties and operational problems.
