Big changes are coming for businesses operating vehicles or combinations exceeding 2.5 tonnes on international journeys. From 1st July 2026, all such vehicles, including vans and light commercial vehicles with trailers, must be equipped with tachographs to monitor driving and rest times.
This regulation will also apply to cabotage journeys, meaning drivers must record data for any transport operations conducted within another country.
For many businesses, this introduces a completely new set of responsibilities and compliance measures.
What Does Compliance Look Like?
The new requirements bring numerous obligations for both businesses and drivers:
For the Business:
- Tachograph Installation & Maintenance: Tachographs must be installed and inspected every two years.
- Data Protection: A company card must be used to lock and protect data stored in the device.
- Journey Planning: Routes must be planned to comply with Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006.
- Data Recording & Archiving:
- Regularly download tachograph and driver card data.
- Archive the data securely for a minimum of 12 months.
- Driver Training: Drivers need to be trained on proper tachograph usage and regulatory requirements.
- Regulation Adherence: Compliance with both national and international regulations, including cabotage and posting rules.
For Drivers:
- Obtaining and maintaining a valid driver card.
- Ensuring tachograph data covers at least the previous 56 days.
- Accurately recording driving, rest times, work hours, and breaks.
- Regularly downloading and sharing driver card data.
- Adhering to the EU Mobility Package, including rules for posting and cabotage.
Why Start Preparing Now?
With just 19 months until the deadline, early preparation is essential to avoid disruptions. Key challenges include:
Supply Shortages:
Previous tachograph rollouts, such as SM1 and SM2 smart tachographs, faced supply chain delays and limited installation availability.
Training Needs:
Drivers and operational staff will need comprehensive training to adapt to new technologies and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
Internal Processes:
Policies, systems, and data management processes will need updating to handle tachograph data collection, archiving, and analysis.
How A S Miles Consulting Can Help
At A S Miles Consulting, we specialise in helping businesses adapt to regulatory changes and maintain compliance.
We provide:
✔ Strategic Compliance Planning: Tailored plans to meet the unique needs of your operation.
✔ Driver Training Programmes: Comprehensive training to ensure drivers and teams understand and follow the new regulations.
✔ Policy & Process Development: Expert advice to establish or update internal systems, ensuring you’re ready for the new requirements.
Don’t leave compliance until the last minute. Begin your preparations now to ensure your operation remains safe, compliant, and profitable.
Contact us today for more information on how we can support your business.