From 1 July 2026, some light commercial vehicles operating above 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes may be required to have a Generation 2 Version 2 smart tachograph fitted when used for certain cross-border operations.
This change does not mean that every vehicle in this weight category travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland will require a tachograph. The requirement applies only where the vehicle and the type of work being carried out fall within the scope of the relevant drivers hours and tachograph regulations.
For that reason, businesses should review how their vehicles are being used before making any decisions. In particular, they should consider whether the vehicle is being used for commercial goods transport, whether the journey is cross-border in nature, and whether the operation falls within the rules requiring tachograph use, driver cards and related driver training.
The key point is that the obligation is not based on vehicle weight alone. A vehicle between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes may cross the border without automatically falling within the tachograph requirements. The nature of the journey and the activity being undertaken are important factors.
Gencat’s Compliance team is happy to provide information to customers or operators who are unsure whether their vehicles or journeys may be affected.
