Tachograph requirement
In the European Union, a tachograph requirement applies to commercial passenger and freight transport to ensure road safety and fair competition. For private individuals, the requirement does not apply to strictly private and non-commercial use.
Starting July 1, 2026, the tachograph requirement will also apply in the European Union to delivery vans used for international commercial freight transport. Vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) exceeding 2,500 kg must then be equipped with a second-generation smart tachograph (SMT2). This is a recording device that automatically tracks a driver’s driving and rest times, speed, and distance traveled.
Do you cross the border for business purposes in a delivery van or truck? If so, the tachograph requirement may apply to you. Because fines can reach up to 4,500 euros and you, as the renter, are always liable, we’ll explain on a case-by-case basis when you’re legally required to use a tachograph.
When do you need a tachograph?
To determine whether a tachograph is required, you must always check the maximum authorized mass (MAM) listed on the vehicle registration certificate. This is the vehicle’s curb weight plus its maximum payload. Are you using a trailer? If so, always add the MAM of the vehicle and the trailer together.
After that, the situation and the purpose of the trip are decisive:
Private and non-commercial: Are you using the vehicle (or combination) entirely for private purposes? For example, for your own move, a vacation, or transporting a classic car as a hobby without receiving any commercial compensation in return? In that case, you are generally fully exempt from the tachograph requirement, regardless of the vehicle’s weight. Please note: For vehicles weighing over 7,500 kg, you must be able to provide written proof during an inspection that the trip is 100% private.
Business or commercial: Are you using a vehicle or combination of vehicles for commercial freight transport, business transport, or cabotage? If so, strict rules apply. Whether you need a tachograph depends on several factors: the vehicle’s weight, what you’re transporting, the purpose of the trip, and whether you’re crossing the border.
Business trips within the Netherlands (domestic)
Vehicles or combinations weighing up to 3,500 kg: no tachograph or driver card required
Vehicles or combinations weighing 3,500 kg or more (such as trucks): a tachograph and driver card are always required. Are you renting a truck from us? If so, it comes standard with a tachograph.
Business trips abroad (International)
As of July 1, 2026, European regulations for international trips have been tightened. The threshold for the tachograph requirement has been lowered from 3,500 kg to 2,500 kg TMM. In some cases, this also applies to delivery vans, pickup trucks, and vehicle combinations with a trailer.
You are required to use a second-generation smart tachograph (SMT2) and a driver card if you meet the following conditions:
The vehicle has a maximum authorized mass (TMM) of more than 2,500 kg.
The vehicle is used for commercial freight transport, business transport, or cabotage.
The vehicle crosses a national border.
Please note: Our delivery vans are not equipped with a tachograph and are therefore not suitable for international business trips. Our trucks, however, are equipped with a tachograph.
Exceptions to the tachograph requirement
You may be eligible for an exemption. This is the case if:
Transporting company goods (2,501–3,500 kg): Do you use the vehicle exclusively for your own business, and is transportation not your primary activity? If so, you are exempt, provided that driving time accounts for no more than 30% of your weekly working hours.
Transporting work equipment (up to 7,500 kg): Do you transport tools, machinery, or materials you need for your own work, such as a carpenter or plumber? Then you are exempt under two conditions: you remain within 100 kilometers of your place of business, and driving is not your primary activity.
Electric or hydrogen vehicle (3,501–4,250 kg): Do you drive a fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle? If so, you are exempt, provided you remain within 100 kilometers of your place of business and within the Netherlands.
Nonprofit or association (up to 7,500 kg): Do you transport goods for a charity, cultural organization, or sports club, and do you do so on a non-commercial basis? If so, you are exempt.
Agriculture, horticulture, fishing, or emergency services: Do you work in one of these sectors? If so, you are exempt, provided you remain within a limited radius of your base of operations.
Test drive or maintenance trip: Are you driving for maintenance, repairs, an APK inspection, or a test drive? If so, you’re always exempt.
In these cases, a driver’s card is generally not required.
Still unsure? Follow the ILT’s step-by-step guide to make sure your situation qualifies for an exemption.
What do you need to take care of?
As a tenant, you are always responsible for complying with laws and regulations. To make sure you’re well prepared, you can follow these steps.
If in doubt, always follow the ILT’s step-by-step guide to make sure you qualify for a national or European exemption.
Apply for a driver card through the Kiwa Register. This card records your personal driving and rest times. The application process can take several weeks, so be sure to apply well in advance.
Make sure you know how the tachograph and what the European driving and rest time regulations entail.
Are you an employer? Then you’re also required to read, store, and verify the tachograph data.
Having trouble figuring it out? Feel free to contact us.