New European Transport Regulations Effective From July

Two regulatory changes are due to come into effect within Europe from July 1st 2026, with implications for some road freight operations, light commercial vehicle movements and logistics pricing.

The new rules relate to the use of smart tachographs in certain light commercial vehicles operating on the continent, and the introduction of a kilometre-based truck toll in the Netherlands. While the impact will vary depending on vehicle type, route and operating model, both changes are expected to add compliance requirements and, in some cases, additional operating costs for European transport movements.

New tachograph rules for light commercial vehicles

From July 1st, light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorised mass between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes will be required to use second-generation smart tachographs when operating within the EU.

The change forms part of the EU Mobility Package and brings certain van-based international transport operations closer to the regulatory framework that has long applied to heavier commercial vehicles.

Until now, tachograph requirements have generally applied to goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes. The new rules extend compliance obligations to smaller commercial vehicles when they are used for qualifying cross-border transport activity.

The aim is to improve road safety, create fairer competition across the sector, and ensure better protection for drivers by applying consistent standards around driving time, rest periods and working conditions.

For operators, this means affected vehicles will need to be fitted with an approved smart tachograph, and drivers will need to comply with relevant recording and driver-hours requirements.

Dutch distance-based truck toll

Also from July 1st, the Dutch government will introduce a new distance-based road charging scheme for heavy goods vehicles.

The new toll will apply to qualifying trucks over 3.5 tonnes using Dutch roads, regardless of whether the vehicle is registered in the Netherlands or overseas. This means the charge will apply not only to domestic Dutch haulage operations, but also to international vehicles transiting through the Netherlands.

The scheme replaces the existing Eurovignette system in the Netherlands. Under the Eurovignette model, operators paid a fixed charge for access to the road network over a set period, such as a day, week, month or year. The new system will instead charge vehicles according to the actual number of kilometres travelled on applicable Dutch roads.

To comply, affected vehicles will need to be fitted with approved onboard equipment capable of registering road use and transmitting journey data. The charge payable will depend on a number of factors, including the vehicle’s maximum authorised mass, its CO₂ emissions class and the distance travelled.

Cleaner and lighter vehicles are expected to benefit from lower rates, while heavier vehicles and those with higher emissions will generally face higher kilometre-based charges.Westbound Logistics continues to monitor regulatory developments across Europe and will work with customers and transport partners to ensure services remain compliant, competitive and reliable.

For further information about these changes, or to discuss our extensive range of European logistics services, please contact a member of the Westbound team.