New tachograph rules are coming. Is your fleet ready?
From 1 July 2026, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) used in international transport will fall under EU tachograph regulation. This means mandatory driver cards, rest periods and data recording. Even for vans.
For many fleets, this comes as a surprise. But the impact is real. This is not a minor policy update. It is a legal shift with daily operational impact. And for fleet managers responsible for vans, mixed fleets or cross-border operations, the time to prepare is now.
What changes and why now?
The expansion of tachograph regulation is part of a broader effort by the EU to increase safety, ensure fair competition and reduce illegal transport practices. It is rooted in Regulation 561/2006 and specifically aims to:
- Create a level playing field across the European transport sector
- Improve driver working conditions and reduce fatigue
- Stop misuse of LCVs to bypass tachograph obligations for trucks
- Strengthen enforcement of cabotage rules in cross-border transport’
For companies operating vans in international transport, this means entering a regulated environment with strict technical, operational and legal requirements.
The legal shift: what it means in practice
From July 2026, LCVs over 2.5 tonnes that cross national borders must be fitted with a smart tachograph of the newest version (or: Gen2V2) and comply with EU rules on driving and rest times. Each driver must carry a driver card. Fleet operations must collect and store data in line with EU regulations.
This update will affect thousands of businesses, including delivery services, field service fleets and suppliers who have never worked with tachograph systems before.
“The biggest challenge is awareness. Many fleets still don’t realise that LCVs will fall under full tachograph rules. And most vans aren’t ready for installation. Retrofitting is complex and takes time.”
- Alexander Rahtjen, Head of Sales at DAKO
Compliance is not just about the hardware. Companies will also need to:
- Plan installations and secure workshop appointments
- Apply for driver and company cards via national authorities
- Train drivers and internal teams on legal use of the tachograph
- Set up systems to download, archive and evaluate tachograph data
- Assign responsibility for daily compliance, even during absences
Importantly, from 1 July 2026, drivers must be able to show activity records for the past 56 days. To avoid risk, fleets are advised to start using the new setup by May.
Why cross-border fleets need to act early
Although the EU sets the same basic rules, each country applies them differently. What counts as a legal rest in the Netherlands may not be accepted in France. The same mistake can lead to a small warning in one country and a fine in another.
This complexity creates risk, especially in mixed fleets. Vans often fly under the radar. A single cross-border delivery can bring full compliance responsibility, including tachograph data, driver behaviour and legal reporting.
“We see that in mixed fleets, vans are often the blind spot. Most fleet managers are well prepared for trucks. But when a van crosses the border, it suddenly comes with the same legal duties. That is not just a formality. It affects your hardware, your drivers and your entire way of working.”
- Alexander Rahtjen, Head of Sales at DAKO
DAKO’s web platform is designed to manage these differences. The system automatically adjusts to local requirements, including:
- National rest time rules and working time directives
- Fine structures and enforcement policies
- Data download intervals and retention periods
You do not just need tachograph data. You need the correct interpretation for each country. That is the key to avoiding fines, protecting drivers and keeping operations running smoothly.
What this means for daily operations
For most LCV fleets, this is unfamiliar territory. Tachograph compliance introduces a completely new set of daily tasks and responsibilities.
Companies will need to:
- Retrofit smart tachographs (Gen2V2) where needed
- Apply for and manage driver and company cards
- Train drivers on correct use and legal obligations
- Invest in software and tools to retrieve, store and analyse data
- Monitor compliance and handle exceptions such as illness, holidays or card loss
The latest version of the second-generation smart tachograph also brings technical upgrades, including:
- GPS-based logging of cabotage activity and border crossings
- Remote communication with enforcement authorities
- Enhanced fraud detection via additional sensors
Compliance is not just a checkbox. It affects planning, driver behaviour and how data is handled every day. For international fleets, the added complexity of local interpretations and roadside practices makes it even more important to prepare in time.
Moove x DAKO: a fully integrated compliance solution
Moove and DAKO bring together fleet performance and tachograph compliance in one seamless solution. Together, we help fleet managers to:
- Stay compliant with current and future EU legislation
- Automate downloads, alerts and reporting
- Improve planning and driver safety
- Connect hardware, software and support in one system
- Scale across vans, trucks and EVs
- Rely on a complete service from installation to training
DAKO’s infrastructure is integrated into the Moove platform. That means one environment for all your data, alerts and compliance insights. With over 30,000 company cards hosted and millions of downloads processed, DAKO brings legal certainty and operational continuity across Europe.
“Moove focuses on fleet performance. DAKO brings in deep compliance expertise. From remote downloads to driver training, we support the entire process.”
- Felix Hoffmann, Partner Manager at DAKO
Five steps to get ahead of the 2026 deadline
To help fleet managers prepare for what is coming, Alexander Rahtjen (DAKO) shares five key actions every fleet should take now:
- Map your fleet: identify which LCVs are used internationally. Even one van crossing a border may require full compliance.
- Check with your dealer: not all vehicles are ready for smart tachographs. Retrofitting requires planning and certified installation.
- Align your teams: make sure operations, HR and drivers understand what is changing and who is responsible for what.
- Review your compliance setup: Moove and DAKO can assess your situation and advise on the most effective solution.
- Start early: retrofitting and onboarding take time. Acting now prevents disruption and reduces compliance risk.
Ready for what’s next?
This transition is more than a legal requirement. It is a shift in how fleets operate. With the right partners, it becomes an opportunity to improve systems, protect drivers and gain control over performance.
Moove and DAKO help you move forward with clarity. From hardware to data. From driver cards to compliance insights.
