VUL de plus de 2,5 T : préparez-vous à l’arrivée du tachygraphe intelligent obligatoire en 2026
Chronotachygraphe obligatoire pour les VUL (véhicules utilitaires légers) dès le 1er juillet 2026 : tout ce que les transporteurs doivent savoir
From 1 July 2026, a new milestone awaits the road transport industry: light commercial vehicles (LCVs) over 2.5 tonnes used for international road transport and cabotage will have to be equipped with a second-generation smart tachograph.
This requirement will now apply to part of the light vehicle fleet.
Let's take a look at who is affected by the measure, the regulatory timetable and the impact on businesses.
Why is a tachograph becoming mandatory for LCVs ?
A tachograph is a device that automatically records driving times, rest periods and certain travel data.
Historically reserved for heavy goods vehicles, it is now becoming mandatory for certain LCVs as part of the extension of European regulations on driving and rest times.
Objectives of this measure :
- To improve road safety by limiting driver fatigue
- To guarantee good working conditions
- To guarantee good working conditions
- To combat fraud and strengthen controls
- To ensure fair competition between transport companies
1. Who is affected by this requirement and what do the regulations say?
This requirement applies to light commercial vehicles weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, used for international freight transport or cabotage within the European Union, whether new or already in circulation.
Calendrier réglementaire à retenir (source : DREAL)
- Since 21 August 2023: all new commercial vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes (TRM and TRV) must be equipped with a Gen2V2 smart tachograph.
- By 31 December 2024 at the latest: all commercial vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes (TRM and TRV) put into circulation before 15 June 2019 (equipped with an analogue or old-generation Gen1 digital tachograph) and used for international transport must have a Gen2V2 smart tachograph installed.
- By 18 August 2025 at the latest: all commercial vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes (TRM and TRV) put into service since 15 June 2019 (equipped with a Gen2V1 smart tachograph) and used internationally must have a Gen2V2 smart tachograph installed
- By 1 July 2026 at the latest: all commercial vehicles (LCVs) weighing over 2.5 tonnes (TRM) operating internationally must be equipped with a Gen2V2 smart tachograph.
2. What does this mean for transport companies ?
This regulation entails changes in transport activities using light commercial vehicles, namely:
- The tachograph requires regular reading and archiving of data from the device and driver cards.
- Analysis of driving and rest times to ensure compliance.
- Training drivers in the use of the tachograph and in the legislation on regulatory rest periods.
It is the refore essential to plan ahead in order to manage your transport business :
- Identify the light commercial vehicles affected by this regulation: as a reminder, this retrofit is only valid for international transport.
- Equipment investment: plan for the purchase and installation of the tachograph by approved workshops, followed by regular inspections to ensure that the devices are functioning properly. Anticipation and planning will be key to avoiding delays due to high demand in 2026.
- Obtain driver cards for your drivers and configure your company card to protect stored data from unauthorised downloads.
- Set up internal processes (if you have not already done so) for planning routes that comply with mandatory driving and rest times, and provide training for your drivers.
- Installing a data management and archiving system to ensure CSR compliance.
- Set up internal processes (if you have not already done so) for planning routes that comply with mandatory driving and rest times, and provide training for your drivers.
- Installing a data management and archiving system to ensure CSR compliance.
STRADA, your ally for a smooth transition to the tachograph requirement
With over 30 years of experience in managing social and legal data for the transport industry, Strada supports you every step of the way:
- Comprehensive solutions for reading, archiving and analysing tachograph and driving data.
- Specialised software such as STRADAWORLD to centralise all your data in real time, archive your data and accurately monitor driving and rest times.
- Personalised support from transport experts.
- Technical support for quick and stress-free compliance.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions from transport companies.
Does this apply to light commercial vehicles used for local transport ?
No, only light commercial vehicles used for international transport or cabotage.
What is the difference between an analogue and a smart tachograph ?
The smart tachograph automatically records certain data (geolocation, routes) and facilitates checks.
What are the penalties for non-compliance ?
They vary from country to country, but may include heavy fines, vehicle immobilisation and administrative penalties.
The requirement for light commercial vehicles to be equipped with tachographs from 2026 marks a significant change for the sector. Transport companies that plan ahead will not only be compliant, but will also be able to improve their efficiency and competitiveness through better data management.
Contactez dès aujourd’hui les équipes STRADA, pour préparer votre flotte et mettre en place les outils adaptés à vos besoins.