The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed a significant driving law change that will take effect from July 1, impacting thousands of drivers across the UK. From this date, all drivers of goods vehicles weighing over 2.5 tonnes will be required to have a smart tachograph 2 (ST2) fitted. This mandate applies specifically to those who are paid to drive large goods vehicles (LGVs) exceeding 2.5 tonnes between the UK and the European Union.
Who Is Affected by the New Tachograph Requirement?
The new regulation means that any operator or driver using an LGV over 2.5 tonnes for international journeys must ensure the vehicle is equipped with an ST2 device. Additionally, compliance with the assimilated drivers' hours rules is mandatory to avoid penalties. The DVSA emphasizes that this change is designed to enhance road safety and ensure accurate recording of driving hours and activities.
Exemptions: Two Groups Are Not Required to Fit ST2
Two specific groups are exempt from the smart tachograph 2 requirement. The first exemption applies to drivers operating a vehicle internationally for their own account or their operator's account, where driving is not their main activity. The second exemption covers drivers of vehicles weighing more than 2.5 tonnes but less than 3.5 tonnes, provided the vehicle operates only within the UK. These exemptions offer some relief for smaller operators and occasional drivers.
Deadline and Preparation Advice
Operators affected by the changes are urged to take action before July 1, 2026. The DVSA warns that the average lead time for tachograph fitting appointments is currently between four and six weeks. Therefore, businesses should plan ahead to avoid delays and ensure compliance. Failure to fit the required device could result in fines and operational disruptions.
The DVSA explained in a statement: "Analogue tachograph recordings are made by a stylus cutting traces into a wax-coated chart. Three separate styluses mark recordings of speed, distance travelled, and the driver's activity (known as the 'mode'). The inner part of the chart is used by the driver to write details of their name, location of start of journey, end location, date and odometer readings. The reverse of a tachograph chart normally contains an area for recording manual entries and details of other vehicles driven during the period covered."
Industry Reaction and Next Steps
Matt Candish, head of compliance information at Logistics UK, highlighted the importance of acting promptly: "This also includes operators in Northern Ireland with vehicles over 2.5 tonnes entering the Republic of Ireland, as they will also need to have an ST2 installed. It is important to check operations now, and delaying any further could mean long waiting times to get devices fitted and risk not being compliant with the potential for fines and disruption."
Drivers and operators are encouraged to contact approved tachograph centers to schedule fittings as soon as possible. The DVSA will continue to provide guidance on its website to help businesses navigate the transition smoothly.
