Are your light commercial vehicles (LCVs) ready for the 2026 tachograph requirement?
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Starting July 1, 2026, all vehicles weighing 2.5 tons or more and involved in international transportation must be equipped with a Smart 2 tachograph. This is a significant regulatory change for you as a fleet operator.
For LCVs, tachographs have never been a requirement — until now. This is the time to get ahead. Waiting too long could mean hefty fines, operational delays, frustrated drivers, and losing ground to competitors who are already preparing. The last thing you want is to face last-minute installations, long wait times, unavailable workshops, and costly penalties. Take action now to stay compliant and keep your fleet moving smoothly.
Understanding the New EU Regulations
As part of the EU Mobility Package, installing a tachograph is now mandatory. The requirement applies specifically to LCVs engaged in international transport and weighing more than 2.5 tons.
If your fleet regularly operates across EU borders, you must act now to ensure compliance. Failure to do so will mean your vehicles are no longer permitted to operate internationally—leading to missed deliveries, dissatisfied customers, and serious logistical disruptions.
Who needs to comply?
LCVs over 2.5 tons used for international transport
Fleets transporting goods across EU borders
Who is exempt?
LCVs used exclusively for domestic transport
Vehicles under 2.5 tons
Don’t wait, act now!
With the 2026 deadline approaching, workshops will be fully booked before you know it, causing delays and complications if you adopt late. If you wait too long, you risk downtime, missed deliveries, and non-compliance penalties.
By scheduling your Smart 2 tachograph retrofit today, you ensure:
- No last-minute panic – Secure your spot before the rush starts.
- Continued international operations – Stay ahead of the regulations.
- A smooth transition for your drivers – Train them in advance to avoid disruptions.
- Compliance without stress – Avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.
Book your retrofit now and ensure your fleet is ready before it’s too late!
Why compliance matters and how it can impact your business
The EU Mobility Package was introduced to create fair competition, improve driver welfare, and enhance road safety in the transport industry. The EU aims to prevent driver fatigue, reduce unregulated working hours, and improve tracking of transport operations.
Compliance isn’t just about following rules—it’s about protecting your drivers, avoiding costly delays, and keeping your fleet moving efficiently. A compliant fleet means fewer roadside inspections, reduced downtime, and improved operational efficiency. By ensuring your vehicles are equipped with the Smart 2 tachograph, you can minimize disruptions, avoid fines, and ensure your deliveries stay on schedule.
How you as a fleet owner should prepare to avoid last-minute chaos
As a fleet owner or manager, waiting is not an option. The retrofit process isn’t just about installing new hardware. Retrofitting your fleet with Smart 2 tachographs also involves training your drivers and planners to use the tachograph correctly and efficiently, as well as adjusting your administrative processes to ensure compliance with monitoring and reporting requirements. If you don’t start now, you risk last-minute delays, unnecessary stress, and even operational disruptions.
If you delay, you could face fully booked workshops, unavailable tachograph cards, and increased downtime for your vehicles, directly impacting your business. Book your retrofit appointment now to ensure a smooth transition and keep your fleet running without interruptions!
This is how you retrofit your LCV fleet with the SE5000 tachograph
Retrofitting to the Smart 2 tachograph requires careful planning, training, and investment. You must take the necessary steps to ensure compliance and take these steps in time. You don’t have to do it alone, we are here to help. Providing expertise, tools, and the support needed for a smooth transition.
Step 1: Create a retrofit plan & schedule installations
As fleet manager, you should start working with certified workshops to schedule tachograph installations well ahead of the deadline to prevent last-minute delays. Our network counts over 5,000 importers, dealers, and workshops across Europe, ensuring your fleets can access reliable and timely installation services, no matter where in Europe you operate.
Step 2: Training for drivers & fleet managers
Next, your drivers must be trained to use the Smart 2 tachograph correctly. Fleet managers need to understand compliance requirements and reporting obligations We encourage you to follow training programs to help both drivers and fleet operators efficiently integrate the new tachograph into daily operations.
Step 3: Apply for tachograph cards
You must apply for Kiwa tachograph cards for both your drivers and the company. Processing can take time, so early applications are key.
Step 4: Invest in tachograph analysis & compliance tools
Using tachograph analysis software simplifies compliance and automates data storage. It helps fleet managers monitor driver activity, store tachograph data securely, and ensure compliance with EU regulations. The SE5000 Smart 2 integrates seamlessly with fleet management and telematics solutions, providing a holistic compliance approach.
Stoneridge supports fleet management efforts with the OPTAC3 web-based tachograph analysis system, empowering companies to analyze driver and vehicle data effectively.
Which Light Commercial Vehicles (LVCs) must be retrofitted?
To assist you as best as possible, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly used Light Commercial Vehicles. Is your vehicle not listed? Then check whether it has a 2.5-ton capacity. If it does, you are required to equip it with a tachograph.
Ford
Transit
Transit Custom
Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter
Vito
Volkswagen
Crafter
Transporter
Renault
Master
Trafic
Peugeot
Boxer
Expert
Citroën
Jumper
Jumpy
Fiat
Ducato
Talento
Iveco
Daily
Opel/Vauxhall
Movano
Vivaro
Nissan
NV400
NV300
Toyota
Proace
MAN
TGE
Hyundai
H350
Isuzu
N-Series
Mitsubishi
Fuso Canter
Don’t risk costly delays - get your fleet ready and retrofit now
The July 1, 2026, deadline may seem far away, but being prepared will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Act now and retrofit your LCVs with our SE5000 Smart 2 tachograph to avoid last-minute delays and prevent operational disruptions. We are here to support you every step of the way, offering expert guidance, a certified tachograph, and access to a vast network of installation partners and dealers across Europe.
Book your consultation now to ensure your LCV fleet is fully prepared before the deadline.