From July 1, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and vans with a gross vehicle weight of more than 2.5 tonnes engaged in the international transport of goods or in cabotage operations for hire or reward must be fitted with a smart tachograph (version 2).
This new requirement, part of the EU Mobility Package I, marks a significant shift as these vehicles were previously exempt from tachograph rules.
This requirement ensures compliance with EU driving, rest, and posting rules, similar to heavy-duty vehicles.
Key Aspects of the New LCV Tachograph Regulation:
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Scope: Applies to LCVs (vans) over 2.5t used for hire or reward in international trade or cabotage.
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Device Type: Must be the 2nd generation smart tachograph (G2V2).
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Timeline: Mandatory by July 1, 2026.
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Exemptions: Generally, LCVs used exclusively for domestic, non-cross-border transport are exempt.
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Rules: Drivers must follow EU drivers’ hours rules, including daily driving limits (max 9-10 hours) and mandatory breaks.
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to penalties during inspections, where driver data (e.g., card data, 56 days of records) must be presented.
Own account vehicles operating internationally include those travelling to, through or from the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) and are required to comply with the retrofit requirements, unless they qualify for an existing exemption.
RSA Transport Officers, Customs Officers and members of An Garda Síochána will enforce the new tachograph rules.
Anyone who drives a vehicle fitted with the incorrect version of tachograph is liable on summary conviction to a €5,000 fine (class A) and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months. The transport undertaking is also liable to be proceeded against as per Regulation 44(1)c of these Regulations.
In addition, RSA Transport Officers are empowered to require a driver or operator to take a vehicle (or arrange for it to be taken) to a workshop for the tachograph to be inspected and checked for compliance with the regulations.
