New regulations on tachographs in vans from 2026
From 1 July 2026, tachographs in vans (including vans with trailers) will become mandatory in international transport for vehicles with a GVW above 2.5 tonnes. This is not just a matter of fitting the tachograph, but also of new operational obligations:
- keeping working time records with a digital tachograph: the tachograph in the van will record the driver's working time just as in a lorry,
- holding a driver card and keeping it regularly updated,
- remote download of data from the van's tachograph and the driver card: every 90 days from the tachograph and every 28 days from the card.
Downloading data from a van's tachograph: what is changing?
Along with the obligation to fit tachographs in vans comes a requirement to download and archive data regularly. Failure to download data from the van's tachograph on time can have serious consequences:
- a penalty for the carrier of up to PLN 10,000,
- removal from the register of carriers,
- being blocked from carrying out further orders, especially foreign ones.
That is why companies must already be planning the implementation of remote download systems for tachographs in vans; collecting files by hand becomes unworkable with larger fleets.
Tachographs in vans: who must have one and when?
Important questions worth knowing the answers to:
- A tachograph in a van up to 3.5 tonnes: from when?
The obligation applies to vans with a GVW above 2.5 tonnes, mainly in international transport, from 1 July 2026.
- A tachograph in a van with a trailer: when is it necessary?
If the total weight of the combination exceeds 2.5 tonnes, the obligation to fit a tachograph also applies to vans with trailers.
- A tachograph in a private van: is it mandatory?
No, provided the vehicle is not used for the commercial carriage of passengers or goods and does not leave the country.
- The Mobility Package and tachographs in vans
The new rules from the Mobility Package harmonise the obligations of drivers and carriers, which now also cover vans.
Mandatory tachographs in vans: exceptions and pitfalls
Not every van needs a tachograph. The exceptions include:
- private and occasional transport (e.g. house moves, camper vans),
- own-account transport, provided it takes place in domestic traffic,
- local transport that does not go beyond Polish territory.
Note: occasional trips abroad (e.g. one trip a month) may be subject to the obligation if the activity is commercial in nature.
Technical challenges of fitting a tachograph in vans
Fitting new-generation digital tachographs (G2V2) in vans can be a challenge:
- no standard speed sensors,
- limited space in the dashboard,
- problems with type approval of devices in light vehicles.
Early technical verification and early installation are recommended to avoid queues at workshops close to the deadline.
What you need to do before July 2026
- Identify the vans in your fleet that are subject to the new regulations.
- Plan the installation of G2V2 tachographs well in advance.
- Order driver cards from the issuing authority (PWPW in Poland) to avoid delays.
- Implement systems for remote download and archiving of data from the vans' tachographs.
- Train drivers and the HR department in the new rules and tachograph operation.
Agata Świerczek
E-marketing Specialist
As a UX/UI design specialist I combine creativity with precise communication. I design intuitive interfaces and engaging digital content, and I write product copy and blog articles that hold attention and support business goals.
