Mandatory tachographs for vans from 1 July 2026: who is affected and how to comply

Mandatory tachographs for vans from 1 July 2026: who is affected and how to comply

New rules for operating light commercial vehicles in international transport came into force on 1 July 2026. If you operate vans with a gross vehicle weight of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes, check whether you are now required to use a second-generation smart tachograph, follow the rules on driving and rest times and download tachograph data regularly.

In this article you'll find out who the changes affect, what new obligations they bring and how GPS vehicle tracking, an electronic trip journal and modern fleet management can help you meet them.

New obligations for van operators

The new legislation applies to vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes that are used for international commercial transport of goods within the European Union. For many hauliers this is a major change, because obligations that until now applied mainly to lorries now also cover some vans.

Second-generation smart tachograph

Every vehicle covered by the new regulation must be fitted with a second-generation smart tachograph (G2V2). It automatically records the vehicle's position, border crossings and the places where goods are loaded and unloaded.

Complying with driving and rest times

Drivers must now follow the rules on driving and rest times. Daily driving time is limited to 9 hours (it can be extended to 10 hours twice a week), every 4.5 hours of driving must be followed by a break of at least 45 minutes, and sufficient daily rest is required between shifts.

Regular downloading and archiving of data

Companies are legally required to download and archive tachograph data regularly. Data from driver cards must be downloaded at least every 28 days, and data from the vehicle unit every 90 days.

Failing to meet these obligations can result in heavy fines. In the Czech Republic they can reach up to CZK 500,000, and in some EU countries the penalties are even higher. Checks are also made easier by DSRC technology, which allows selected enforcement authorities to verify tachograph data without stopping the vehicle.

How to meet the new obligations easily

We know that the new obligations mean more paperwork and more demanding transport planning. That's why we designed our solution to handle most of these tasks automatically – from downloading tachograph data and GPS vehicle tracking to the electronic trip journal and digital dispatching.

Automatic tachograph data download

Our Tachograph module enables automatic remote downloading of data from tachographs and driver cards. You don't have to call vehicles back from international routes to base just for the paperwork. The system also keeps track of the statutory download deadlines, so you can be sure that everything complies with current legislation.

GPS tracking and electronic trip journal

In international transport, it is important to have an accurate overview of vehicle routes, border crossings and trip history. GPS tracking records all this data automatically and creates a clear electronic trip journal that you can use during inspections as well as for your internal records.

Digital dispatching and route optimisation

Mandatory breaks and rest periods affect transport planning. Our digital dispatching helps you allocate jobs efficiently, optimise routes and make better use of your fleet. Dispatchers can see where vehicles are and how individual trips are progressing, which helps reduce delays, make better use of drivers' working hours and run your operations more efficiently.

Be ready for the new obligations

The changes in legislation bring more paperwork and higher demands on how transport is organised. With a properly configured fleet management system, however, you can handle most of these obligations automatically. You'll save time, reduce the risk of fines and know that you are always ready for an inspection.

Not sure whether the new rules apply to your vehicles? Contact us. We'll be happy to help you choose the right solution for GPS vehicle tracking, remote tachograph data download and efficient management of your entire fleet.