The new EU rules will extend key social legislation in road transport to light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The rules of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 applied until now applied only to heavier vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes. Now also smaller LCVs with a maximum permissible mass above 2.5 tonnes are covered. The extension of rules concerns only drivers engaged in international transport or cabotage. Transport with LCVs inside an EU country are not concerned.
For the first time, LCV operators and drivers will need to comply with EU social legislation on road transport, including rules on:
- Driving and rest time
- Use of tachographs
- Posting of drivers
The rules apply to both EU and non-EU drivers employed by EU transport companies performing international transport operations, strengthening consistency across the sector.
New phase for light commercial vehicles
After several decades focused exclusively on heavy goods vehicles, the reform brings a fast-growing segment of the market under the same framework, strengthening road safety, fair competition, and working conditions for drivers across Europe. Widely seen as a milestone for enforcement and level playing field in the single market, the move responds to the rapid expansion of van-based transport and closes a long-standing regulatory gap.
ELA organises an information session with practical guidance for drivers and operators on 30 June
The session is aimed at light commercial vehicle drivers and operators engaged in international transport of goods or cabotage, as well as other interested stakeholders. It is part of a broader series of ELA activities supporting the implementation of Mobility Package I. The session will be livestreamed and later made available on ELA’s YouTube channel in multiple languages. Follow the livestream here.
The session will cover:
- An overview of driving and rest time requirements for light commercial vehicles.
- The role of tachographs in enforcing these rules.
- Key elements of the posting of drivers framework.
- Posting declarations and the use of the RTPD Portal.
It is specifically designed to help all concerned to prepare for the changes and apply the new requirements in practice.
The new rules in a nutshell
From 1 July 2026, the changes will apply to light commercial vehicles with a maximum permissible mass greater than 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes used in international freight transport or cabotage. Key updates include:
- application of driving and rest time requirements
- the mandatory use of the smart tachograph G2V2
- specific rules for posting of drivers