EU Mandates Tachographs for Vans Under 3.5 Tons: Impact on Transport Operators.

New EU Regulations for Commercial Drivers

According to Novyny.live: The European Union is introducing new regulations that will require tachographs to be fitted in vans used for goods transport with a gross weight of up to 3.5 tons. These rules, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, mandate that all vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tons used for international freight transport within the EU must be equipped with the devices. This move extends existing rules for larger trucks to a new class of commercial vehicles, aiming to standardize safety oversight across the transport sector.

The implementation aims to improve monitoring of drivers' working hours and enhance road safety. These regulations are part of broader EU efforts, which include obligations introduced in 2025 requiring truck drivers to install modern tachographs. In Poland alone, these changes are expected to affect approximately 40,000 buses and vans.

Transport Operators Must Adapt to New Standards

Carriers will need to prepare to adapt their vehicles and operational processes to comply with the new standards coming into force in the coming years. The introduction of tachograph rules is a significant step toward improving road safety in Europe and controlling drivers' working conditions, which could reduce the number of road traffic accidents.

These changes may also impact the financial costs for operators, who will need to upgrade their equipment to meet the new requirements. This investment, in turn, could lead to adjustments in freight haulage rates across the EU as companies pass on the costs of compliance.