New Tachograph Rules from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, light commercial vehicles over 2.5 tonnes used for cross-border commercial freight transport may need to be fitted with a second-generation Smart Tachograph 2.

Yes, if the vehicle is over 2.5 tonnes and is used for commercial cross-border transport, journeys between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland may fall within scope.

The requirement applies to light commercial vehicles in commercial use with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 2.5 tonnes, including trailers or semi-trailers, where they are used in cross-border freight transport.

A tachograph records driving time, rest periods, working time, vehicle movement, speed, distance travelled and border crossings.

The legislation refers to a second-generation Smart Tachograph, also known as Smart Tachograph 2 or G2V2.

Some own-account journeys may be exempt, provided driving is not the driver’s main activity. Vehicles used only for non-commercial transport are also generally not affected.

Vehicles that are not used for cross-border transport are currently not required to install a tachograph under this requirement.

Installation time can vary depending on the vehicle and specification. The process includes fitting the tachograph, speed sensor and GNSS antenna, followed by calibration.

Not having the required tachograph may be treated as a serious offence and could result in penalties during an inspection.

A tachograph must be calibrated no later than two years after the previous calibration. Calibration may also be required after repairs, wheel size changes or registration changes.