Logistics UK is urging UK van operators who undertake international journeys to get ready for upcoming tachograph regulation changes.
From 1 July 2026, operators of light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of more than 2.5 tonnes that undertake international journeys for hire and reward must have smart tachograph 2 (ST2) devices fitted.
Since August 2025, UK HGVs exceeding 3.5t on international journeys have had to use second-generation smart tachographs.
The newer ST2 technology is designed to meet the increased demand for accuracy and reporting under EU Regulations and also has improved fraud protection to prevent tampering.
Logistics UK also stresses the need for drivers to be trained properly on using the tachographs.
Martin Candish, Head of Compliance Information at Logistics UK said: “To ensure compliance, all operators that conduct international journeys should carry out a review of journeys, vehicles and drivers to check and see if they fall under the regulations.
“This also includes operators in Northern Ireland with vehicles over 2.5t entering the Republic of Ireland, as they will also need to have a ST2 installed.
“It is important to check operations now, and delaying any further could mean long waiting times to get devices fitted and risk not being compliant with the potential for fines and disruption.
“Fortunately, irregularities and technical errors with the system are not considered to be the fault of the driver, but they can increase disruption and distress.
“This is why it is essential that drivers receive appropriate training on how to operate the tachograph, understand the current legislation and know what to do if there are technical problems such as security breach error codes.”
