From 1 July 2026, EU driving-time and tachograph rules extend to light commercial vehicles with a maximum permissible mass over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes when they carry goods in international transport or cabotage. A typical 3.5-tonne van used only on domestic Irish work is not brought into scope by this extension alone. The work performed and the vehicle combination both matter.
The European Labour Authority describes the change as applying to international freight and cabotage, not domestic transport. The legal text also contains exceptions, including certain own-account transport where driving is not the driver’s main activity. Do not assume that an Irish-registered van is exempt simply because it is small, or that every van above 2.5 tonnes needs a tachograph for local jobs.
Before an international job, check the maximum permissible mass of the van plus any trailer, whether the activity is for hire or reward or own account, the driver’s role, and whether an exemption applies. If the vehicle is in scope, verify that the required smart tachograph is installed, calibrated and being used correctly, and that the business has a process for driver hours and records. A vehicle bought before the change may need equipment added before it can continue covered work.
This is a material change for trades and courier businesses that cross the border, but it is not a generic “all vans need tachographs” rule. Confirm a borderline case with the RSA or a transport compliance adviser before dispatch. Check the current EU and Irish guidance, particularly if you tow or move between domestic, cross-border and cabotage work.
