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VDO-Tachograph-LCV_2

As of 1 July 2026, all light commercial vehicles (2.5 t–3.5 t) used in cross-border commercial transport must be equipped with the second-version smart tachograph (from DTCO 4.1a) in accordance with the EU Mobility Package I, initiated by the European Commission.

 

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New Tachograph Rules for Vans

Non-compliance now carries serious consequences - in Germany alone, penalties can reach €1,500 per inspection, with the added risk of vehicle immobilization at borders and even loss of transport authorizations, so it’s critical to act without delay to keep operations running smoothly.

The obligation applies to all light commercial vehicles over 2.5 tons (including trailer/semi-trailer) used for cross-border transport or cabotage, and it also continues to apply, regardless of weight, to any vehicle designed or permanently equipped to carry more than nine persons, including the driver.

 

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What fleet businesses and fleet operators should know:

  • Installation and calibration of DTCO 4.1a or higher by a authorized workshop
  • Activation of the company lock with the company card in the respective tachograph
  • Route planning in accordance with, and in compliance with, the relevant regulations
  • Complete recording and archiving of driving times and rest periods
  • Regular download of vehicle and driver data to a suitable archiving system
  • Minimum storage of this data for twelve months
  • Training for drivers on following regulations and  the correct use of the tachograph
  • Compliance with international regulations on posting of drivers, cabotage and working hours

What drivers should know:

  • Application for and carrying of a valid driver card
  • Understanding and following of driving times and rest periods as well as working hours and stand-by duties
  • Manual entry of activities not automatically recorded
  • Support with the regular download of tachograph and driver card data
  • Cooperation during checks by national authorities
  • Understanding and following of international cabotage and posting of drivers rules
  • Regular checks of the tachograph function
  • Participation in training courses on safe and compliant use
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Why act now

With demand rising and workshops filling up, early planning is essential - and the new requirement also opens the door to modernizing your transport processes.

  • Plan the installation together with a certified workshop – including practical configuration

  • Familiarize yourself with the new requirements early and initiate all changes in a timely manner

  • Ensure that drivers are familiar with the use of the device and the new regulations by organizing trainings.

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FAQ - Tachograph Requirements for Light Commercial Vehicles

A smart tachograph (Generation 2/Version 2) is a tamper-proof digital device that automatically records driving and rest times, border crossings, loading and unloading activities, and precise vehicle positions.

With the new regulation, light commercial vehicles (2.5–3.5 t) are now also subject to tachograph requirements, ensuring they meet the same safety and driver protection standards as heavy-duty trucks.

The device automatically implements the EU Regulation 561/2006. It logs mandatory driving, working, and rest periods and generates tamper-proof reports – helping you avoid penalties and stay legally compliant.

  1. Driver safety and protection: Regulated rest times reduce accident risks 
  2. Fair competition: Uniform rules prevent non-compliant operators from undercutting prices 
  3. Operational transparency: Real-time GPS and activity data improve route planning and reduce empty runs 
  4. Efficient administration: Automated downloads and violation alerts reduce back-office workload 

Yes. Even a single cross-border commercial journey triggers the obligation. Every vehicle crossing the borders of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland for commercial purposes must be compliant by the deadline. 

Note: Certain exemptions apply and should be considered.

For more information, please visit the VDO Portal at my.vdo.com or the European Commission’s website.

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Without a driver card, the smart tachograph cannot identify the driver, and records remain incomplete. 
The company is still liable and may face fines – so it’s essential that drivers always carry and correctly insert their card.

According to EU regulations, the following requirements will apply to light commercial vehicles in cross-border commercial transport as of 1 July 2026: 

  • Driver card data: must be downloaded at least every 28 calendar days 
  • Vehicle unit data: must be downloaded at least every 90 calendar days 

Storage periods: 

  • Driver card data: at least 12 months 
  • Vehicle unit data: at least 24 months 

The data must be securely stored, protected against unauthorized access, and made fully available to authorities during inspections. 

With the VDO Fleet platform, these downloads can be automated, fast, secure, and audit-proof – so you stay fully compliant and avoid downtime. 

To manage tachograph and driver data legally and efficiently, we recommend using a professional tachograph management platform, such as VDO Fleet. 

Benefits include: 

  • Automated downloads of driver and vehicle data 
  • Early warnings for rule violations 
  • Reports and analytics for monitoring and documentation 
  • Secure data archiving in line with legal requirements 

This reduces administrative workload and helps you meet all legal obligations reliably. 

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