LIGHT VEHICLES.
New EU rules for
LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
1 July 2026
Get ready now!
WHY THIS MATTERS
Key facts you need to know
• Applies to LCVs > 2.5t up to 3.5t in international transport of goods or cabotage for hire or reward
• Applies to EU and non-EU drivers employed by EU transport companies
• Posting of drivers may mean better pay & conditions
• Driving limits & rest rules apply from 1 July 2026
• Smart tachograph (G2V2) required
KEY RULES
DRIVING & REST TIMES
New limits and requirements for driving hours, breaks, and rest periods
POSTING RULES
Know when you're considered a posted driver and your rights
SMART TACHOGRAPHS
Mandatory G2V2 smart tachographs
DRIVING AND REST TIMES
Scroll down to explore driving and rest time rules, with practical examples.
DAILY driving limit
- Maximum daily driving time: 9 hours.
- Can be extended to at most 10 hours, not more than twice during the week.
WEEKLY driving limit
- 1 week driving maximum: 56 hours.
- 2 consecutive weeks driving maximum: 90 hours.
BREAK time
- Minimum break time: 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving.
- Can be split in 2 parts: minimum 15 + 30 minutes.
REST time
DAILY:
- Regular: at least 11 hours uninterrupted.
- Can be split: at least 3 + at least 9 hours uninterrupted.
- Reduced: at least 9 hours (under specific conditions).
WEEKLY:
- Regular: at least 45 hours uninterrupted.
- Reduced: at least 24 hours (should be compensated later).
POSTING OF DRIVERS
If you are employed by an operator established in one EU Member State and sent to work temporarily to another Member State to perform certain types of transport operations, you are considered a posted driver under EU law. Check the following types of transport operations:
CABOTAGE
The employer you work for is not established in the Member State where you carry out domestic transport operations.
You are considered a posted driver.
CROSS-TRADE
Transport operations between two Member States, or a Member State and a non-EU country, and your employer is not established in any of these countries.
You are considered a posted driver.
BILATERAL
Transporting from the Member State where your employer is established to another country (inside or outside the EU) or returning from any other country (inside or outside EU) to the Member State where your employer is established.
You are not considered a posted driver.
TRANSIT
Crossing a Member State without any loading or unloading.
You are not considered a posted driver.
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS
DO's
DO comply with maximum driving time limits and minimum break and rest requirements.
DO use the tachograph to record driving, break, rest periods and ‘other work’ accurately.
DO inform your employer of any delays or unforeseen circumstances affecting compliance.
DO make sure you have the posting declaration and required documents with you in case of a posting situation
DON'Ts
DON’T exceed daily or weekly driving limits.
DON’T falsify or tamper with tachograph records.
DON’T drive when fatigued or before completing the required rest period.
DON’T ignore minimum break times or rest periods.
DON’T take your weekly rest of at least 45 hours in the vehicle.
GET THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Download our comprehensive leaflet with all the details you need to know
