European transport and tachograph regulation updates

European transport regulations are undergoing significant updates regarding tachograph requirements and vehicle tolling.

In the European Union, new rules for second-generation intelligent tachographs became effective on July 1, 2026, for international road transport involving vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tons. These mandates impose stricter standards for driving time, breaks, and rest periods. Additionally, the European Commission has proposed new regulations for smart tachographs in occasional passenger transport, which would allow bus and coach drivers to split their mandatory 45-minute breaks into segments of at least 15 minutes. Industry representatives have expressed concerns regarding the costs of software updates and technical repairs.

In Poland, changes to the e-TOLL electronic toll collection system take effect on September 21, 2026. Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tons towing a trailer are no longer subject to the system; toll obligations will instead be determined by the mass of the towing vehicle alone. Under these new rules, the 500 PLN fine for failing to pay e-TOLL fees for light vehicle combinations is abolished, and drivers with remaining funds in their accounts must apply for refunds by March 21, 2027.