From 1 July, new EU regulations will come into force requiring even vehicles weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes that transport goods between European countries to be equipped with a tachograph.
“We offer efficient solutions for downloading tachograph data, including for this type of vehicle,” says Oskar Svensson, Customer Success Manager at Drivec.
Until now, the EU rules on driving and rest periods have primarily applied to heavier commercial vehicles. However, from the summer of 2026, international goods transport carried out by vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, including trailers or semi-trailers, will also be covered by these regulations.
The changes affect, among other things, how long a driver may drive each day, when breaks must be taken, and the required length of daily rest periods. The regulations also specify how the tachograph must be used.
“The new regulations introduce new requirements for both drivers and companies, including requirements relating to tachographs and the associated cards,” says Oskar Svensson.
The vehicle must be equipped with a Smart Tachograph Version 2, and the driver must have a personal driver card that is inserted into the tachograph. The company, in turn, must have a company card to download and store the data.
“Our Drivec Tachograph solution works perfectly for smaller vehicles as well. It provides a smooth, secure, and fully digital solution for collecting tachograph data, with all downloads carried out automatically and remotely. This minimises administration and eliminates the need for manual handling or taking vehicles out of operation,” says Oskar Svensson.
He expects that Drivec will receive a considerable number of new assignments once the new regulations take effect.
“There are many smaller transport companies that will be affected by the new rules, particularly those operating frequently between Skåne and Denmark. Many of them may not be very familiar with the type of digital solutions that are now required. We can help them implement an efficient solution that is easy to manage,” says Oskar Svensson.
