From 1 July 2026, a significant change in EU road transport legislation will come into force, extending key regulatory requirements to light commercial vehicles (LCVs) engaged in international transport.

These new provisions mark an important step in strengthening road safety, improving working conditions for drivers, and ensuring fair competition across the transport sector. Operators, enforcement authorities and drivers alike must now prepare for the transition.

2.5-3.5 tonnes

The rules apply specifically to vehicles with a permissible weight exceeding 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes when used in international transport of goods or cabotage operations for hire or reward. This means that a substantial segment of vans and light commercial fleets, previously outside the scope of certain EU social and market rules, will now be brought into alignment with those applicable to heavier goods vehicles. The scope also includes both EU and non-EU drivers, provided they are employed by transport undertakings established within the European Union.

Rest

One of the central elements of the new framework is the introduction of EU driving and rest time rules for this category of vehicles. Until now, many LCV drivers were not subject to harmonised limits on driving hours or mandatory rest periods. From July 2026, they will be required to comply with clearly defined limits designed to prevent fatigue and improve safety on the roads. These rules establish maximum daily and weekly driving times, as well as minimum requirements for breaks and rest periods, bringing LCV operations in line with existing standards in heavy goods transport.

Devices

Closely linked to these requirements is the mandatory installation and use of second-generation smart tachographs, known as G2V2 devices. These digital systems are designed to automatically record driver activity, including driving time, breaks, rest periods and other work. The newer generation of tachographs incorporates enhanced security features and improved remote communication capabilities, supporting more efficient and effective enforcement. From the date of application, all vehicles within the scope must be equipped with such devices, and drivers must ensure proper use by inserting their driver card, correctly selecting activity modes and recording all relevant work accurately.

Posting

Another major development concerns the posting of drivers under EU law. The updated rules clarify when a driver is considered to be posted to another Member State and therefore entitled to host-country labour conditions, including potentially higher wages. In essence, a driver is regarded as posted when temporarily carrying out certain types of transport operations outside the Member State where the employer is established.

Cabotage

In the case of cabotage operations, where domestic transport is performed within a Member State by an operator based in another country, the driver is considered posted. The same applies to cross-trade operations between two countries where the employer is not established in either of them. In contrast, bilateral transport operations, where goods are transported to or from the country of establishment, do not trigger posting status. Similarly, simple transit through a Member State without loading or unloading does not fall under the posting rules. These distinctions are essential, as they determine the applicable labour standards and documentation requirements.

Obligations

The new framework also introduces important obligations for both drivers and operators. Drivers must comply with limits on driving time and respect mandatory breaks and rest periods without exception. They are required to use tachographs properly and avoid any manipulation or falsification of records. Furthermore, they must communicate with their employer in case of delays or unforeseen events that could affect compliance. In situations involving posting, drivers must carry the necessary declarations and supporting documents to present during roadside checks. Operators, in turn, bear responsibility for equipping vehicles with compliant tachographs, ensuring that drivers are properly trained, and organising work schedules in a way that respects legal limits. Failure to comply with the new rules may result in penalties and enforcement actions across Member States.

Weekly rest

Importantly, the rules also reinforce existing prohibitions related to rest conditions. Weekly rest periods of at least 45 hours must not be taken inside the vehicle, underscoring the EU’s continued focus on improving driver welfare and living conditions.

Significance

The extension of social rules and tachograph requirements to light commercial vehicles reflects a broader policy objective: closing regulatory gaps between different segments of the road transport market. By ensuring that similar activities are subject to comparable standards, the European Union aims to reduce unfair competition, enhance compliance and raise overall safety levels.

“For ROADPOL members and enforcement bodies, the new regime will require adjustments in roadside inspection practices, increased awareness of the expanded scope, and readiness to control G2V2 tachographs in smaller vehicles. For operators and drivers, the message is clear: preparation must begin now to ensure readiness by 1 July 2026”, commented ROADPOL Operational Working Group Chief Jana Peleskova.

These changes represent not only a regulatory shift but also a cultural one, recognising that light commercial transport plays a critical role in the European logistics ecosystem and must adhere to the same principles of safety, fairness and professionalism as the rest of the sector.