In short: Since 1 July 2026, EU driving and rest time rules also apply to vehicles with a maximum permissible mass over 2.5 t (including any trailer) that carry goods in international transport or cabotage. These vans need a second-version smart tachograph (Smart Tacho 2, G2V2). Transport that is not carried out for hire or reward is exempt.
Legal basis and start date
Mobility Package I, through Regulation (EU) 2020/1054, extended the scope of Regulation (EC) 561/2006. The new Article 2(1)(aa) covers, "from 1 July 2026", the carriage of goods in international transport or cabotage where the maximum permissible mass of the vehicle, including any trailer or semi-trailer, exceeds 2.5 tonnes. The European Commission's tachograph page confirms that light commercial vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes in international hire-or-reward transport must have a tachograph from that date. The European Labour Authority (ELA) names the smart tachograph G2V2 as the required device.
In practice, the mass including the trailer is what counts, so a lighter van towing a trailer can cross the 2.5 t threshold.
Who is covered – and who is not
| Operation | EU driving times and tachograph? |
|---|---|
| Over 2.5 t up to 3.5 t, international, hire or reward | yes, since 1 July 2026 |
| Over 2.5 t up to 3.5 t, cabotage | yes, since 1 July 2026 |
| Over 2.5 t up to 3.5 t, not for hire or reward (Art. 3(ha)) | no |
| Over 2.5 t up to 3.5 t, purely domestic | not under Art. 2(1)(aa); check national rules |
| Up to 2.5 t (incl. trailer) | no |
| Over 3.5 t | yes, as before |
National rules can add obligations for domestic work. In Germany, for example, BALM states that vehicles of 2.8 to 3.5 t have their own record-keeping duties: a fitted tachograph must be used, otherwise records are kept on prescribed forms.
What van operators need
- Smart tachograph G2V2 fitted in the vehicle.
- Driver card for every driver; according to DAKO, drivers must apply for it themselves at the responsible authority.
- Company card to download the data.
- Records: according to DAKO, companies must be able to present driving and activity data for the previous 56 days.
- Posting: ELA notes that cabotage and cross-trade operations make the driver a posted worker, with the related rights to pay and working conditions.
Driving and rest times for vans
Vans in scope follow the same limits as a 40 t truck:
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Daily driving | 9 h, 10 h twice a week |
| Weekly driving | 56 h |
| Two consecutive weeks | 90 h |
| Break | 45 min after 4.5 h at the latest (split 15 + 30 min allowed) |
| Daily rest | min. 11 h (9 h up to three times; split 3 + 9 h allowed) |
| Weekly rest | min. 45 h, reduced min. 24 h |
Regular weekly rest may not be taken in the vehicle, and drivers must be able to return home regularly – see Weekly rest and the return-home rule. All limits are explained in EU driving and rest times.
Vans registered outside the EU
Whether vans from non-EU countries automatically fall under the obligation is not settled. The trade outlet trans.info points out that vehicles from AETR countries are usually governed by the AETR agreement, which has traditionally applied only above 3.5 t. We did not find an official European Commission clarification on this point.
Worked example: an express run with one driver
Assumption: 3.5 t van, cross-border run of 1,200 km, average speed 80 km/h (a planning figure).
| Before 1 July 2026 (no EU driving limits) | Since 1 July 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pure driving time | 15 h | 15 h |
| Day 1 | – | 10 h driving (800 km), 2 × 45 min breaks |
| Rest | – | min. 11 h (or reduced 9 h) |
| Day 2 | – | 5 h driving (400 km), 1 × 45 min break |
| Earliest delivery | – | about 28 h after departure (about 26 h with reduced rest) |
A run that used to be sold as a non-stop overnight job now needs either an overnight rest stop or a second driver. That changes day rates and quotes – see Truck cost per km.
Logist Calculator works out tolls and diesel for vans up to 3.5 t, 7.5 t and 40 t; for vans you can enter vignettes you already hold so they are not charged twice. Calculate your route
This article is not legal advice.
FAQ
When do vans need a tachograph in the EU?
Since 1 July 2026, if the vehicle including any trailer weighs more than 2.5 t and is used for international hire-or-reward transport or cabotage.
Does a tradesperson with a 3.5 t van need a tachograph?
Not under this rule if the transport is not for hire or reward (Art. 3(ha) of Regulation 561/2006). National record-keeping rules may still apply to domestic trips.
Which tachograph is required for vans?
The second-version smart tachograph (Smart Tacho 2, G2V2), plus driver and company cards.
Do vans follow the same driving hours as trucks?
Yes: 9 hours a day (10 hours twice a week), 56 hours a week, 90 hours over two weeks and a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours.
Sources
- EUR-Lex – Regulation (EC) No 561/2006, consolidated version (PDF)
- European Commission – Tachograph
- European Labour Authority – Light commercial vehicles
- European Commission – Driving time and rest periods
- BALM – FAQ on drivers' social legislation (German)
- DAKO – New tachograph requirements for light commercial vehicles (tachograph software provider)
- trans.info – Do non-EU vans need tachographs in the EU? (trade press)
Last updated: October 2026. Check the official source before quoting these rules.