New Tachograph Rules for Vans Over 2.5 Tonnes (2026)

From 1 July 2026, new drivers' hours and tachograph rules came into effect for certain light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes used on international journeys.

For UK businesses operating vans into Europe, this is an important compliance change. Vehicles that may previously have operated without a tachograph can now fall within drivers' hours and tachograph requirements.

The rules do not mean that every UK van over 2.5 tonnes needs a tachograph. Vehicle weight, the type of transport and whether the journey is international all matter.

What changed on 1 July 2026?

The rules were extended to certain light goods vehicles and vehicle-and-trailer combinations with a maximum permissible mass of more than 2.5 tonnes when they are used for international transport or cabotage.

For international journeys carried out for hire or reward, vehicles within scope may also need a Smart Tachograph 2. Drivers and operators may then need to comply with requirements covering driving time, breaks, rest periods and activity records.

There are exemptions and exceptions, so operators should check their circumstances against the current official guidance rather than relying on vehicle weight alone.

Does this apply to vans operating only in the UK?

For many UK-only van fleets, the July 2026 extension does not apply.

A van operating solely within the UK is not automatically required to have a tachograph simply because its maximum permissible mass exceeds 2.5 tonnes. A 3.5-tonne van carrying equipment between jobs in England may therefore be subject to different requirements from an identical vehicle transporting goods between the UK and an EU country.

Fleet operators should consider both the vehicle or combination's maximum permissible mass and how it is being used.

Which vehicles and journeys could be affected?

A common example is a van used commercially to transport goods between the UK and Europe. Depending on the operation, the manager may need to consider:

• Whether the vehicle or vehicle-and-trailer combination exceeds 2.5 tonnes maximum permissible mass
• Whether the work is international transport or cabotage
• Whether goods are being carried for hire or reward
• Smart Tachograph 2 requirements
• Driver tachograph cards
• Daily and weekly driving limits
• Breaks and rest periods
• Other work and periods of availability
• Working-time and tachograph data records
• Whether a specific exemption or exception applies

Two visually identical vans can have different compliance requirements because of their journeys and the work they perform.

What does a tachograph record?

A tachograph records driver activity and vehicle use. Depending on the system and operation, records can include:

• Driving time
• Breaks and rest periods
• Other work
• Periods of availability
• Vehicle movement
• Distance travelled

These records create an additional compliance responsibility. Operators need suitable processes for using the equipment correctly, downloading data where required, reviewing potential infringements and retaining records for the applicable period.

Why this matters for van fleet operators

Van compliance can appear less complex than HGV compliance, but fleet operators are still responsible for roadworthiness and for following any transport rules that apply to their work.

The July 2026 change shows why managers need clear information about vehicle weights, trailers, international journeys and driver activity. This sits alongside everyday fleet records such as:

• Daily vehicle checks
• Reported defects and close-out actions
• Maintenance information
• MOT dates
• Driver and vehicle assignments
• Relevant training and compliance records

What should fleet managers do now?

If your vans operate internationally, review the fleet and identify vehicles and vehicle-and-trailer combinations that may exceed 2.5 tonnes maximum permissible mass.

For potentially affected work:

1. Confirm whether the journey falls within the applicable drivers' hours rules.
2. Check whether an exemption or exception applies.
3. Confirm whether a Smart Tachograph 2 is required.
4. Make sure affected drivers understand how to use the equipment and record activities.
5. Establish how tachograph and working-time data will be downloaded, reviewed and retained.
6. Keep the supporting vehicle and journey information easy to retrieve.

If you are uncertain whether a vehicle or operation is in scope, check the latest GOV.UK guidance or seek specialist transport-compliance advice.

Do not overlook everyday vehicle compliance

Tachographs and drivers' hours are only one part of running a compliant fleet. Drivers should carry out appropriate checks before using a vehicle and report safety defects they identify. Managers should assess reported problems and record the action taken before a vehicle returns to service where necessary.

Clear digital records can make checks, defects, repair actions and MOT information easier to retrieve. They do not replace tachograph systems or specialist compliance advice, but they can help managers maintain oversight of the wider vehicle fleet.

How Fleet Track PRO can help

Fleet Track PRO helps UK businesses manage daily vehicle checks, photo-backed defect reports, defect close-out and MOT or tax visibility in one place.

The platform is not a tachograph recording or analysis system. Its role is to support the wider vehicle roadworthiness record around the operation, giving managers clearer visibility of checks, reported defects and close-out actions.

See Fleet Track PRO features →

Official guidance

• GOV.UK: Drivers' hours and tachographs — goods vehicles
• GOV.UK: Tachograph rules

This article summarises general principles and is not legal advice. Regulations and guidance can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK and DVSA guidance for your specific vehicles, journeys and operation.