New tachograph rules for LCV fleets imminent
Fleets have been urged to prepare for new tachograph rules for light commercial vehicles that come into force in the UK on 1 July.
The new rules stipulate that light commercial vehicles and vans that weigh more than 2.5 tonnes and are engaged in international logistics or cabotage operations for hire or reward must be fitted with a second-generation smart tachograph.
Previously, vehicles in this category were exempt from tachograph requirements.
Drivers will also have to comply with EU drivers’ hours rules, including maximum daily driving limits and mandatory rest breaks, while fleets will have to record and present tachograph data during inspections.
Regulatory change
Matt Abrams, commercial director at Fleet compliance specialist AssetGo, said: “The introduction of tachograph requirements for vans over 2.5 tonnes involved in international transport represents a major regulatory change for many operators who have never previously had to manage drivers’ hours compliance.
“With the July 2026 deadline approaching, now is a good time for fleets to review their operations and ensure they have the systems in place to manage tachograph data effectively.”
AssetGo tachograph analysis and drivers’ hours software is one solution that can reduce the administrative burden around compliance while providing real-time alerts and infringement reporting.
Abrams concluded:
“This is all about providing visibility of driver activity, automated analysis of tachograph data and the tools needed to stay compliant without adding administrative complexity. Many operators assume introducing a tachograph management system will be complicated or disruptive, when in fact the onboarding is usually completed quickly and with minimal disruption to daily operations.”
