Since July 1, 2026, vans with a GVW of 2.5-3.5 t used in international transport must have a tachograph and follow driving time limits that used to apply only to trucks. It is worth knowing about this change if you book transport with a delivery van, not just a 40-ton rig. We cover the full scope of the Mobility Package (posting of drivers, IMI, cabotage, ETS2) in our article “Mobility Package – regulations for carriers“.
G2V2 tachograph and driving time limits
From that date, all vans with a GVW of 2.5-3.5 t operating in international transport must be fitted with a second-generation smart tachograph (G2V2), installed by an authorized workshop. Drivers of these vans are now subject to the same limits as truck drivers under Regulation (EC) No 561/2006: no more than 4.5 hours of driving without a break, at least 11 hours of daily rest, and a 45-hour weekly rest taken outside the cab. Operating without the required device can result in a fine of up to PLN 12,000.
For example, our Van 8EP and Van 10EP vans (2.5-3.5 t) already have G2V2 tachographs.
Background: rules in force since 2022
Posting declarations for drivers in the IMI system have been required since February 2, 2022 (under Polish law since August 19, 2023), and the requirement for a genuine company establishment since February 21, 2022. These are not 2026 changes but long-standing rules that form the background for the new tachograph requirement.
Cabotage rules
The cabotage limit of three operations within seven days, followed by a four-day cooling-off period before the same vehicle can carry out cabotage again in the same country, has applied since 2022. From July 2026, it also covers vans subject to the new tachograph requirement.
Organizational requirements for businesses
The requirement to have a genuine place of business where documents (including accounting records) are kept has applied since February 21, 2022. It is part of the effort to combat so-called letterbox companies. Together with the new tachograph requirement, it will also cover van operators who were previously outside its scope.
What this means in practice for customers booking transport
- higher rates for van transport on international routes, as the cost of tachographs and driving time limits will be built into the price,
- lower risk of fines and vehicle detention during roadside inspections (ITD, BAG): there are no routine border checks within the Schengen area, but roadside inspections do take place,
- longer lead times on routes with multiple cabotage stops in one country, since the limit of 3 operations/7 days + 4 days off requires more careful planning of the return leg.
Frequently asked questions
Do the changes apply only to large trucks?
No. From July 2026, the G2V2 tachograph requirement also covers delivery vehicles with a GVW of 2.5-3.5 t in international transport, which were previously exempt from some of the regulations.
Does the Mobility Package change anything in domestic transport?
The main changes (cabotage, posting of drivers) concern international and cabotage transport. Purely domestic transport is not subject to the same cabotage limits.
How does this affect delivery times?
The cabotage limit (3 operations / 7 days + 4 days off) requires more careful planning of the return leg. A well-organized carrier takes this into account when preparing the quote, not during the job.
Ask us about transport that complies with current regulations
If you book van transport on international routes, ask the carrier directly about the G2V2 tachograph. Since July 1, 2026, it is a legal requirement, not an option. Call +48 508 546 540 or email jasek@jasek-transport.pl.
