Convey turns spotlight on tacho rule changes
Transport compliance specialist Convey has highlighted the new responsibilities falling to UK businesses as a result of new tachograph and drivers’ hours requirements for certain van operators undertaking qualifying international journeys.
Under the changes which have been in force since July, light goods vehicles with a maximum permissible mass exceeding 2.5 tonnes, including any trailer or semi-trailer, used for certain international transport operations between the UK and EU can now fall within drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.
“For affected operators, this means using a Smart Tachograph 2, following rules around driving time, breaks and rest, and managing the associated records,” explained Convey.
Research shortly before the deadline suggested preparedness across the wider European road transport sector remained low, says Convey, citing an International Road Transport Union (IRU) survey which found that just 27.7 per cent of operators were ready, while 46.5 per cent were not. At the time, 88 per cent of the fleet covered still required tachograph retrofitting.
While the research reflects the market across wider Europe, the changes are also relevant to UK van operators who undertake qualifying international journeys in the EU.
“The requirements do not apply to every van between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes,” added Convey.
“Vehicles operating solely within the UK are not brought into scope, while exemptions can also apply, including to certain international own-account operations where driving does not constitute the driver’s main activity.”
Convey also highlighted the need for operators in scope to be aware of mandatory software updates affecting certain Smart Tachograph Version 2 units, confirmed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).
“Affected Continental VDO DTCO 1381 Version 4.1 units running software version 4126 have required an update to version 4141 since 15 July 2026. From 1 September 2026, mandatory updates also apply to certain Stoneridge SE5000-8.1 units running software versions 1214 or 1619. Updates must be completed no later than the next periodic tachograph inspection, so operators should check which units and software versions they have and discuss any required updates with their approved tachograph centre.
“Beyond the equipment itself, drivers need valid driver cards and businesses need processes for downloading data, monitoring drivers’ hours, identifying infringements and retaining compliance records. Drivers undertaking in-scope international journeys must also be able to produce tachograph records covering the current day and the previous 56 days when required at the roadside.”
Convey says its Tachograph Analysis software enables operators to import, store and analyse tachograph data, monitor drivers’ hours, review infringements and maintain compliance records in one system – with affected LCVs able to sit alongside HGVs in the same process for mixed fleets.
Steve Fisher, founder and CEO of Convey, said: “Tachograph compliance doesn’t stop once the equipment is fitted. Operators need clear processes and accurate records to stay on top of downloads, drivers’ hours and infringements — whether that’s a new responsibility for their vans or established practice for their HGVs.”
With the 1 July deadline having passed and further Smart Tachograph 2 requirements taking effect, Convey says operators should confirm which vehicles and journeys fall within scope, check whether any tachographs need a software update, and ensure the right processes are in place to manage ongoing compliance.
