Media Information

New EU requirement for light commercial vehicles: Tachographs also mandatory for vans in cross-border traffic from July 1, 2026

From mid-2026, many light commercial vehicles will have to use a smart tachograph for the first time – provided they are used in cross-border freight transport. This means that in future, most of the same rules will apply to vans between 2.5 and 3.5 tons as to large trucks. For fleet operators, this means informing, retrofitting, transforming and digitalizing.

  

July 1, 2026, marks the beginning of a new era for many small and medium-sized enterprises in European freight transport. From this date onwards, the tachograph requirement will also apply to light commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of over 2.5 tons (including trailers or semi-trailers), provided they are used commercially in cross-border freight transport or cabotage. The obligation to digitally record driving times and rest periods,  which was previously limited to conventional truck fleets weighing 3.5 tons or more, will thus be extended to a vehicle segment that was not previously covered. For fleet operators, this means new challenges – legally, organizationally and technically.

Background: Tachograph requirement as part of the EU Mobility Package I

The new regulation is part of the EU Mobility Package I, which was adopted at European Union level in 2020. The aim is to improve working conditions for drivers in freight transport, strengthen fair competition within the European logistics industry, and increase road safety. Since August 2023, newly registered trucks have been required to be equipped with second-version smart tachographs (G2V2). This was followed by commercial vehicles over 3.5 tons currently in use in the European fleet, which had to be retrofitted with the new tachographs in two stages by August 2025. Now comes the final phase of implementation: from summer 2026, light commercial vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tons used in cross-border freight transport, such as transporters, delivery trucks or vans, will also be subject to the tachograph requirement.

  

Importantly, it is not the vehicle class itself that determines the obligation, but rather the commercial purpose and type of transport. Anyone who regularly transports goods across national borders or operates domestically within the scope of cabotage is subject to the new regulation. The following are exempt:

  

  • Purely domestic transport without worker posting
  • Journeys for own-account purposes, provided driving is not the main activity
  • Non-commercial use
The implementation of the EU Mobility Package I is now entering its final phase.
The implementation of the EU Mobility Package I is now entering its final phase.

What exactly is changing?

The new regulation imposes comprehensive documentation and equipment requirements on affected companies for the first time. Light commercial vehicles must be retrofitted with a second-version smart tachograph, such as the VDO DTCO 4.1a or higher, by July 1, 2026, at the latest. Installation may only be carried out by certified specialist workshops, which also initially calibrate the system and equip it with a so-called company lock to ensure data integrity.
The VDO DTCO 4.1a or higher offers all the functions specified in the EU Mobility Package.
The VDO DTCO 4.1a or higher offers all the functions specified in the EU Mobility Package.

At the same time, fleet operators must adapt their internal processes: route planning, personnel management and data archiving must comply with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 and other regulations of the EU Mobility Package I. Companies are required to regularly download driver and vehicle data from the tachograph and store it in a suitable archiving system for at least twelve months. Proper training of driving personnel is alsorequired by law and is the responsibility of the fleet operator.

  

Drivers also have new obligations. Among other duties, drivers must carry a valid driver card in order to consistently record driving times and rest periods and to be able to make manual additions if necessary. They must present the data upon request during inspections and assist their employer with the regular download of tachograph and driver card data. In many companies, this involves additional training – especially where there has been no previous contact with the tachograph issue.

Technical requirements: What the new tachograph offers

The second-version smart tachograph is a sophisticated digital system that does much more than just count driving hours. It automatically detects border crossings using OSNMA-authenticated data from the European satellite navigation system Galileo, enables remote checks by control authorities via a DSRC module, and documents both malfunctions and tampering attempts in a legally compliant manner. Furthermore, a Bluetooth interface allows remote control via smartphone or tablet – for example, using the VDO Fleet App.

  

In addition to hardware, fleets need the right IT infrastructure to unlock the full potential of digital fleet management based on reliable tachograph data, also known as Trusted Data. With the cloud-based VDO Fleet platform, all tachograph and driver data can be automatically analyzed, stored and exported as needed. This saves administrative time and reduces the effort required to comply with documentation obligations. The system is particularly convenient when used in combination with the VDO Link: the small Plug & Play telematics solution is simply plugged into the front interface of the tachograph and transmits all data in real time – without the need for additional workshop visits.
The VDO Ecosystem seamlessly connects tachographs, fleet management and workshops.
The VDO Ecosystem seamlessly connects tachographs, fleet management and workshops.

Acting early pays off

For many fleet operators, the organizational effort is initially considerable: equipment must be procured, vehicles retrofitted, and employees trained. At the same time, there is the threat of heavy penalties for non-compliance – up to 1,500 euros in Germany and up to 3,328 euros in Italy. Time slots at certified workshops are also limited, especially when the deadline is fast approaching. AUMOVIO therefore recommends planning the retrofit in advance. The fleets that get started with the technical and organizational preparations as early as 2025 will avoid bottlenecks and can lay the foundation for a smooth transition. Drivers should also be involved and trained at an early stage toavoid uncertainties in everyday operations.

  

Despite all the effort involved, the mandatory introduction of the second version of the smart tachograph for light commercial vehicles also offers opportunities. The precise recording of driving times and rest periods as well as vehicle data makes route planning more efficient, reduces empty runs, and the legally compliant documentation ensures trust – both among customers and regulatory authorities. Finally, the digital transformation contributes to more economical, transparent and sustainable fleet operation.
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Sören Pinkow

Sören Pinkow


Media Spokesperson Autonomous Mobility and Commercial Vehicles


+49 69 7603-8492
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