When do vehicles over 2.5 tonnes need a tachograph?

From 1 July 2026, vehicles exceeding 2.5 tonnes performing international freight transport in the EU must use a smart tachograph, as required by EU Regulation 2020/1054.

Which vehicles are affected by the 2.5 tonne tachograph rule?

All vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes (vans, light trucks, flatbeds) used for international freight transport in the EU are affected. This includes Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Renault Master, and similar vehicles.

What app can I use to read my tachograph driver card?

TachoData is a mobile app for Android and iOS that reads your driver card via USB card reader, Bluetooth, or front download device. It provides infringement reports based on EU 561/2006, attendance sheets, and deadline tracking.

Do I need a tachograph for my van from July 2026?

Yes, if your van exceeds 2.5 tonnes gross mass and you perform international freight transport in the EU, you will need a smart tachograph installed and a valid driver card from 1 July 2026.

TachoData - Tachograph App for Drivers

AI Chat

TachoAI feature

AI Chat is a tachograph expert you can ask any regulatory question — based on your own card data, personalised, in 32 languages.

How to ask

Open the AI Chat tab and type your question in your own language. The answer is sourced: it cites the relevant legal articles and guidance.

What it answers

Specific situations: “How do I take a ferry with multi-manning?”, “When can I start a reduced weekly rest?”
Questions about your own data: why an infringement occurred, and what you can do now.
General tachograph and AETR rules: border crossing, ferry/train, printout obligations.

Monthly allowance

AI Chat includes 20 questions per month in the subscription. The allowance resets every month.

Important: AI Chat is informational expert assistance and does not replace an official ruling by the authorities. In a dispute, the applicable law and the decision of the enforcement authority always prevail.