Tachographs are devices fitted to vehicles to monitor drivers' hours, rest breaks, and other work activities. They are required for those involved in transportation. Their function is to aid enforcement of EU Mobility Package legislation designed to reduce driver fatigue, improve working conditions, and increase road safety across the industry.
In August 2023, all newly registered commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes were to be equipped with the smart tachograph version 2. Looking ahead, taking effect from July 2026, the EU will broaden its requirements. This guide outlines the upcoming changes so that fleet managers can stay ahead and maintain full regulatory compliance.
Mandatory Tachographs for Vehicles Weighing 2.5 Tonnes or More
Starting 1 July 2026, the use of tachographs to record driving will be expanded to a new category of vehicles involved in international transport. This includes vans and light commercial vehicles engaged in cross-border activities with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 2.5 tonnes.
However, select exemptions will remain in place. Specifically, light goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes that are mainly used to transport materials to and from construction sites, or for on-site work, will not be subject to the requirement, assuming they operate within a 100 km radius.
Exemptions also continue for the transport of handcrafted goods. Further exclusions apply to vehicles used for non-commercial, domestic activities where driving is not the primary role of the driver.
Tachograph Compliance for Fleet Managers and Drivers
As tachograph requirements extend to vans and light commercial vehicles from 2026, fleets must adapt their operations to meet new legal responsibilities. Guaranteeing compliance will demand coordinated efforts from both managers and drivers.
Fleet manager responsibilities
Fleet managers will be expected to implement and oversee several core measures, including:
- Ensuring tachographs are correctly installed and undergo routine inspections.
- Accurately monitoring and documenting drivers’ hours, rest periods, and work activities.
- Downloading data from tachographs and driver cards at regular intervals.
- Storing all tachograph records securely for a minimum of 12 months.
- Safeguarding stored data from unauthorised access or manipulation.
- Providing drivers with training on tachograph usage alongside relevant national and EU regulations.
Driver obligations
Drivers will also face new duties as part of the expanded tachograph regulations. These include:
- Possessing a valid driver card capable of retaining records for the previous 56 days before operating a regulated vehicle.
- Adhering to rules on driving times, breaks, and rest periods, as well as making sure this is accurately recorded.
- Manually documenting any work periods or activities not automatically captured by the tachograph.
- Assisting with regular data downloads from both the tachograph unit and their driver card.
- Cooperating fully with authorities during compliance checks or roadside inspections.
- Carrying out routine checks of the tachograph’s functionality and participating in training sessions as needed.
The Benefits of Mandatory Tachographs in Fleet Management
While the extended tachograph requirements bring added responsibilities, they also present significant benefits in fleet management. When integrated with fleet management software, tachograph data provides insights which enable managers to streamline operations and control costs.
Through reliably recording drivers’ hours and rest periods, tachographs play an important part in promoting fleet driver safety and reducing the risk of fatigue-related incidents. Moreover, access to detailed, real-time driving data allows for route optimisation, lowering fuel consumption and improving delivery efficiency. Likewise, better visibility over vehicle usage facilitates more effective scheduling, thereby minimising unnecessary journeys.
Plan Ahead of Tachograph Regulations with MICHELIN Connected Fleet
The upcoming regulatory changes introduce distinct challenges for fleet managers, from the financial investment in new tachograph equipment to the time and effort needed for driver training and system integration. Crucially, upholding compliant operations can damage productivity if not managed properly.
Proactive planning is key here. By preparing for the introduction of tachographs in vans and light commercial vehicles, managers can ensure a smooth rollout, avoid last-minute complications, and sustain operational continuity. Early adoption also offers the opportunity to upskill drivers at a comfortable pace, all while fine-tuning internal processes to align with the new legal framework.
At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, we understand the impact these shifts can have on your fleet. As such, our fleet management solutions are made to support you in the area, helping you stay compliant, mitigate disruption, and unlock greater efficiency.
If you're interested in simplifying compliance and strengthening your fleet’s performance, then be sure to make an enquiry into our services today.
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