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

Bluetooth Card Reader (iOS)

The Bluetooth Card Reader (iOS) lets you read your driver card from an iPhone or iPad over Bluetooth Low Energy. The reader is designed to work together with the TachoData iOS app and replaces the USB OTG card readers, which are not available on Apple devices.

What can you do with it?

Read your driver card from an iPhone or iPad — no cable, no separate computer
Process driving and rest-time data directly inside the TachoData app
Portable solution: use it on the road, in the cabin, or in the office

Compatibility

The reader connects to iOS devices over Bluetooth Low Energy. You need an Apple iPhone or iPad with the TachoData app installed. This model is not designed for Android devices — for Android we recommend the USB-C Card Reader.

Set-up in the TachoData app

Pair the reader from the TachoData app's Settings menu. The pairing dialogues guide you step by step the first time you read a driver card.

Keep the card reader powered on and within roughly 10 m of the iOS device during pairing and reading.

You can order this device directly from the official TachoMI / Autóvéd webshop:

View in the webshop