New Regulations Coming July Next Year to Include Additional Vehicles
Further regulatory changes are set for July next year, extending the scope to additional vehicle types.
Today marks the enforcement of new driving regulations that could significantly affect numerous drivers throughout the UK.
As of this Tuesday, August 19, 2025, operators of vehicles classified as “in-scope” are required to comply with updated standards to remain operational on roadways.
Vehicles affected typically include goods vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes or passenger vehicles designed to carry more than nine individuals.
**EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF GB NEWS ON OUR APP – DOWNLOAD NOW**
These vehicles are mandated to upgrade to either a “full” smart tachograph 2 or a “transitional” smart tachograph 2 if they are currently equipped with a smart tachograph 1.
This is essential for vehicles engaged in international transport to enhance road safety.
If the vehicle operates solely within the UK, it can continue using the initially installed smart tachograph 1.
This initiative is part of the Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs, International Road Haulage, and Licensing of Operators (Amendment) Regulations 2022.
A component of the smart tachograph 2 was not available by August 21, 2023, leading to a postponement of its implementation in vehicles used internationally.
Tachographs are essential for maintaining road safety by monitoring the driving hours of professional motorists.
European Union regulations stipulate that drivers cannot operate for more than nine hours per day, nor exceed 56 hours weekly, or 90 hours across two consecutive weeks.
The smart tachograph 2 simplifies tracking for drivers and transport companies regarding time spent on the road.
The European Commission has noted that the upgrades to the tachograph system will make it easier to utilize additional services such as smart parking or pay-as-you-drive options.
- Millions of drivers at risk of violating DVLA licence regulations due to a simple oversight that could lead to ‘criminal offences’
- Vladimir Putin presents a motorcycle to an American who voiced concerns about obtaining spare parts from war-impacted Ukraine
- British drivers could face lifetime bans and £1,000 penalties for traffic violations as police clamp down on ‘reckless’ driving behavior
These laws build on regulations activated on December 31, 2024, which mandated that a “full” smart tachograph 2 or “transitional” smart tachograph 2 be installed in in-scope vehicles equipped with analog or digital tachographs for international journeys.
Additional regulations introduced in February 2024 required the installation of a “full” smart tachograph 2 or “transitional” smart tachograph 2 in all newly registered in-scope vehicles, irrespective of their intended use.
These regulations were applicable to haulage vehicles for any type of journey.
Further updates will be implemented on July 1 of next year, mandating the installation of a “full” smart tachograph 2 or “transitional” smart tachograph 2 in all newly registered vehicles.
The forthcoming regulations will encompass newly registered goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes, as well as those engaged in international transport for hire and reward.
In cases where a vehicle is involved in an international journey for the company’s own account and driving is not the primary activity of the driver, a tachograph is not required.
Vehicles weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes that operate solely in the UK are also exempt from fitting a tachograph in their vehicles.