Mandatory smart tachographs in vans – what the new legislation brings and how owners need to prepare

The G2V2 smart tachograph will soon become mandatory equipment for every van in international traffic, so carriers need to prepare in time.

With the Mobility Package, the European Union has  set clear rules that will also have a significant impact on van owners. If until now tachographs were mandatory mainly for trucks and buses, they will soon also be mandatory in vans over 2.5 tonnes of maximum permissible weight in international traffic.

This change is a major innovation for thousands of smaller carriers that have so far operated without mandatory recording of working hours and driving speeds. With the introduction of tachographs, they will also have to follow the same rules as larger transport companies.

Later in the article we will break down:

  • When exactly will tachographs be mandatory in vans?
  • Which vehicles will be covered and which exemptions exist?
  • Why are second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2) coming?
  • How can van owners prepare in time?
  • What happens if changes are ignored?

 

 

Smart tachographs are coming soon to vans

From 1 July 2026,  drivers of vans transporting goods in international traffic will have to use the second generation smart tachograph (G2V2).

This device not only records driving times and rest periods, but also allows you to:

  • automatic recording of border crossings,
  • storage of data on loads and unloading points,
  • the possibility of remote reading of data by supervisory authorities,
  • greater protection against manipulation.

Although this may seem complicated and unnecessary to some van owners, the aim of the legislation is clear: to ensure a level playing field in the transport industry, where until now smaller vans have often circumvented the rules that applied to larger trucks.

 

The change will level the playing field in the industry

Until now, companies with larger trucks were considered to have incurred higher costs due to the mandatory installation of tachographs, driving time restrictions and strict controls. Smaller vans, however, were able to operate virtually unattended, creating unfair competition.

With the introduction of mandatory tachographs in vans, this gap will be eliminated. All carriers will have to follow the same standards regarding:

  • driving times and rest periods,
  • proper recording and archiving of data,
  • access to control by inspections.

This means that those who are already operating transparently and legally will find it easier to compete, while carriers who have been looking for shortcuts so far will have to adapt their operations.

 

Half of the carriers have not even prepared for the novelty

According to research by professional associations, as many as 50% of van owners have  not even begun to prepare for the changes.

The main reasons:

  • lack of information – many drivers do not even know that they are affected by the change,
  • installation and equipment costs – fear of additional financial burdens,
  • Complex legislation – Uncertainty about which vehicles and routes will be covered.

But inaction can come at high costs in the future – from penalties for not using the tachograph to losing business for being unsuitable compared to the competition.

 

Experts warn: time for action is running out

Transport experts warn that delaying the introduction of tachographs will  cause problems as hauliers search en masse for installation just before the deadline.

This means:

  • lack of free appointments at authorized workshops,
  • higher prices of equipment and services due to increased demand,
  • the possibility of penalties for carriers who catch their hands unattended.

It makes the most sense for companies to prepare now:

 

 

From when do van drivers have to use tachograph?

According to the EU regulation, from 1 July 2026, all vans over 2.5 t in international traffic will have to use the tachograph.

Which vehicles will be covered?

  • Vans and light commercial vehicles with a mass of between 2,5 t and 3,5 t,
  • Vehicles used for the international transport of goods,
  • Vehicles operating as part of a commercial activity.

Which vehicles will be exempt?

  • Vans used exclusively for personal purposes,
  • Vehicles providing local services (e.g. artisanal activity in the home country, without transporting goods across the border),
  • Special vehicles that have statutory exemptions.

 

 

How to prepare for the introduction of tachographs in vans?

Although the change seems challenging, preparation can be quite easy if companies implement it on time.

  1. Choosing a smart tachograph

Owners will have to choose  a second-generation tachograph (G2V2) that allows compliance with the new rules.

  1. Installation at an authorized workshop

The tachograph may only be installed in authorised service centres that are certified to work with digital and smart tachographs.

  1. Driver training

Drivers will need to learn:

  • correct handling of the driver card,
  • recording and data transfer,
  • compliance with restrictions on driving time and rest periods.
  1. Data archiving and analysis

Companies will have to download, analyse and archive data from tachographs and driver cards  on a regular basis  – at least 1x every 28 days for cards and 1x every 90 days for tachographs. More information on www.tacho4u.com

 

What happens if van owners don’t comply with the law?

Ignoring the new rules can have serious consequences:

  • high fines for the company and the driver,
  • revocation of licenses in the event of repeated infringements,
  • loss of competitiveness compared to companies that will operate legally,
  • the possibility of a driving ban abroad.

 

 

Start your preparations today

The introduction of mandatory tachographs in vans is inevitable. Although the deadline will come into force on 1.7.2026, it makes sense to prepare today – you will avoid crowds with installations, higher costs and possible penalties.

Van owners should:

This will give you peace of mind that your company is compliant with the law, while giving you a competitive advantage over those who will wait until the last minute. For legal download, analysis and archiving of tachograph data, please visit www.tacho4u.com.

 

Source: European Commission – Mobility package and new rules for tachographs (https://transport.ec.europa.eu)