Upcoming Tachograph Changes for Vans from July 2026: What You Need to Know
From 1 July 2026, new regulatory requirements will come into force affecting certain light goods vehicles operating internationally. These changes mark a significant shift for operators using vans over 2.5 tonnes.
What’s Changing?
From this date, any goods vehicle over 2.5 tonnes that is:
- Used for international journeys between the UK and EU, and
- Operating for hire and reward
must be fitted with a full Smart Tachograph 2.
When a Tachograph Is Not Required for Vehicles Weighing Between 2.5 and 3.5 Tonnes
The requirement does not apply in all cases.
A tachograph is not required if:
- The vehicle is used internationally for the company’s own account, and
- Driving is not the driver’s main activity
It also does not apply to domestic operations. Vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used only within the UK are not required to have a tachograph fitted.
What Does This Mean for Operators?
This change introduces tachograph compliance requirements into an area of the fleet sector that has historically operated without them.
For operators carrying out international transport for hire and reward, this means:
- Vehicles will need to have a compliant tachograph unit installed
- Drivers will be required to obtain and use a Driver Tachograph Card: https://www.gov.uk/apply-driver-digital-tachograph-card
- Drivers must follow the EU drivers’ hours rules
- Drivers hours will need to be recorded and managed
- There will be additional administrative and compliance requirements including drivers training
Key Takeaway
The scope is specific but important:
- Applies to vehicles over 2.5 tonnes from 1 July 2026
- Applies to international journeys for hire and reward only
- Does not affect UK-only operations
Operators planning or currently carrying out international operations using vans over 2.5 tonnes should begin preparing ahead of the deadline.
To arrange a tachograph installation, visit your local Tachograph Approved Centre:
https://www.gov.uk/find-approved-tachograph-centre-atc
Alternatively, you can find a VDO-approved workshop partner here:
https://www.vdo-fleet.co.uk/partnerfinder/?location=Birmingham+B24+8TA,+UK&category=10&type=2
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information regarding these changes, tachograph analysis software, or tachograph data downloading solutions.