For whom the tachograph is mandatory from July 1, 2026. New categories of vehicles must be equipped with this device
From 1 July 2026, the European Union rules on the use of the tachograph are expanding, targeting a wider category of road freight vehicles. The measure is part of the gradual implementation of the European mobility package and aims to strengthen the control of driving times and increase road safety in international transport.
The obligation to use the tachograph extends from July 1. Photo carVertical
The tachograph is a device that automatically records driving time, breaks and rest periods of drivers, being used to prevent exceeding legal driving times and to ensure standardized working conditions at European level.
The tachograph becomes mandatory for light vehicles
From 1 July 2026, all commercial vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used for international freight transport or cabotage operations in the European Union will have to be equipped with an intelligent tachograph (second generation – G2V2).
Until now, these vehicles, frequently used for fast transport, urgent deliveries or smaller volumes, were not subject to these rules.
The extension comes in the context of the phased application of the European legislation on driving and rest times, known as “Mobility Package I”. This legislative package gradually introduced the obligation to use the smart tachograph also for vehicles that were not previously included in these requirements.
The new provisions aim to standardize controls in international road transport and reduce the differences in the application of legislation between the member states of the European Union.
Vehicles that remain exempt from the tachograph requirement
Not all vehicle categories will fall under the new rules applicable from July 1, 2026.
Vehicles used exclusively for non-commercial transport remain exempt, as well as a number of special categories provided for by European legislation, such as certain public services, interventions or operations carried out under specific conditions, depending on the exemptions applicable at national level.
Certain types of local transport or activities that do not fall under the category of international road transport of goods carried out for commercial purposes may also be exempted.
The exact application of the exceptions is established by the member states through the transposition rules of the European legislation, in accordance with the general framework established at the level of the European Union.
Failure to comply with tachograph regulations can attract very high fines in Romania. In case of serious violations, fines can reach 390,000 – 520,000 lei, for example if the daily driving time is exceeded by 50%.
