New tachograph rules from 1 July 2026: what does this mean for your 2 Horsetruck?

From 1 July 2026, new European tachograph rules will come into effect as part of updated EU road transport legislation. These rules are decided at European level and may be relevant for all 2 Horsetrucks, regardless of the age of the vehicle.We understand that this topic can raise questions. That is why we want to offer clear information, practical guidance and, where needed, a solution for our customers.

The new rules from 1 July 2026 mainly concern lighter vehicles over 2.5T and up to 3.5T used for international and professional goods transport. (also horses)

For your overview:

What determines whether a tachograph is needed?

Weight is only the first part of the check. The second important question is: how do you use your horse van?
The two key questions are:

• Do you transport horses commercially?
  (Professional riding, training, breeding, horse trading, client transport, rental or transport services, business related international journeys, transport where any payment, compensation or commercial benefit is involved)
  
• Do you cross the border?

What does this mean for 2 Horsetruck owners?

• If you use your horse van privately, only transport your own horses and receive no payment, compensation or commercial benefit, the new rule will usually not apply.
• If you transport horses commercially and cross the border, a tachograph may be required.

Private and non-commercial? Usually no issue.
Commercial and international? Check whether a tachograph is required.

 What to do now? 

If none of these situations apply and your horse van is used only privately and non-commercially, you may indicate that you do not need a tachograph.

If your vehicle may require a tachograph, our Service team can help with installation. Please make an appointment so we can review your vehicle and plan the installation correctly.
Contact our service department

For official confirmation on whether a tachograph is legally required in your situation, please consult the relevant national transport authority in your country or a specialised transport law adviser.

This information is provided as general guidance only. The final assessment depends on your vehicle, its maximum authorised mass, the country of registration, and the actual use of the vehicle. For official confirmation, please consult the relevant national transport authority in your country or a specialised transport law adviser.

This article is based on official and European sources, including:

• Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport — Digital tachograph
  Confirms that from 1 July 2026, vehicles for international goods transport with a maximum authorised mass between 2.5T and 3.5T fall under Regulation 561/2006 and must be equipped with a Smart Tachograph version 2.
  https://mobilit.belgium.be/nl/weg/transport/digitale-tachograaf/digitale-tachograaf
  
  
• Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport — Smart tachograph news update
  Confirms the new European provision entering into force on 1 July 2026 for vehicles between 2.5T and 3.5T used for international goods transport.
  https://mobilit.belgium.be/nl/news/slimme-tachograaf-nieuwe-regelgeving-die-op-1-juli-2026-van-kracht-wordt
  
  
• European Labour Authority — Light commercial vehicles from July 2026
  Confirms that smart tachographs are mandatory from 1 July 2026 for light commercial vehicles between 2.5T and 3.5T used in international transport of goods or cabotage for hire or reward.https://www.ela.europa.eu/assets/lcv2026/index.html
  
  
• European Commission — Tachograph rules
  Confirms that from 1 July 2026, light commercial vehicles between 2.5T and 3.5T engaged in international transport for hire or reward must have a tachograph installed. https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/road/tachograph_en