A major regulatory shift began on 1 July for Europe’s van sector: cross-border light commercial vehicles (LCVs) above 2.5 tonnes must now comply with EU rules on driving and rest times, mandatory smart tachographs and driver posting. This means equipping vehicles with tachographs and adapting to entirely new compliance requirements affecting drivers and day-to-day operations.
IRU has long supported a practical and proportionate rollout of these rules to strengthen fair competition and ensure a level playing field across the sector. Their successful implementation will depend on legal clarity, practical guidance and consistent enforcement across the EU.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “This is the first time the LCV sector is fully brought under key EU transport rules that have long applied to heavy-duty vehicles.
“Tachographs, driving and rest time rules, and posting obligations are complex requirements, especially for smaller operators and drivers with limited previous exposure to EU transport compliance.
“Working hand in hand with EU institutions, enforcement authorities and our member associations, IRU has helped operators prepare for this transition and will continue supporting the sector to ensure compliance remains practical and cross-border logistics continue to run smoothly.”
From 1 July, the rules apply to LCVs weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used in cross-border EU transport, including vehicles registered in EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.
Over the past year, IRU has worked closely with EU institutions, enforcement authorities and member associations to help the sector prepare through technical exchanges, workshops and train-the-trainer sessions.
Ahead of the rules entering into force, IRU also brought operators’ perspectives to the Light vehicles. Big changes. conference hosted by the European Labour Authority in Brussels, where policymakers, enforcement authorities and industry representatives discussed the practical implications of the new rules.
IRU will continue supporting operators and engaging with EU institutions and enforcement authorities to help address remaining practical questions and promote consistent application across Member States.