Mobility Package I – Applicability for vehicles ≤3.5 t (from July 1, 2026)

Introduction

The application of Mobility Package I for vehicles ≤3.5 t becomes relevant from July 1, 2026, with the obligation to equip them with a tachograph.

Important:

Not all provisions of the Mobility Package automatically apply to vehicles under 3.5 t. Only the rules directly related to the use of tachographs and driving and rest times are applicable, particularly for international transport and cabotage.

1. Obligation to equip with a tachograph (Smart Tacho v2)

From July 1, 2026, vehicles with a MTMA between 2.5 t and 3.5 t used for:

• international freight transport
• cabotage

must be equipped with a smart tachograph (Smart Tacho 2).

This represents the most significant extension of the Mobility Package to the 3.5 t vehicle segment.

2. Driving times, breaks, and rest periods (Regulation 561/2006)

With the use of the tachograph, the rules on driving and rest times apply in full:

• Daily driving: maximum 9 hours (twice a week 10 hours)
• Weekly driving time: maximum 56 hours
• Driving in two consecutive weeks: maximum 90 hours
• Break: 45 minutes after a maximum of 4 hours and 30 minutes (can be divided into 15 + 30)
• Daily rest:
  • normal: 11 hours
  •  reduced: 9 hours
• Weekly rest:
  •   normal: 45 hours
  •   Reduced: 24 hours (with compensation)

The rules are identical to those applicable to vehicles over 3.5 t.

3. Regular weekly rest – prohibition of work in the cabin

Normal weekly rest period of 45 hours:

• cannot be performed in the vehicle
• must be performed outside the cabin
• accommodation must be provided and paid for by the employer

This rule applies to all vehicles equipped with a tachograph, regardless of weight.

4. Driver's return home or to the operations center

In international transport, the employer is required to organize work in such a way that:

• the driver can return home or to the operational center
• at least once every 4 weeks
• or every 3 weeks, if two consecutive reduced weekly rest periods have been taken

This requirement is not based on the vehicle's weight, but on the driver's status as a professional driver.

5. Control, sanctions, and data management

It becomes mandatory:

• use of the driver card
• periodic discharge to:
  • tachograph data
  •  data on the driver card
• data retention for a minimum of 12 months (in many Member States 24 months)

Failure to comply with these requirements or tampering with the tachograph will result in penalties similar to those applicable to trucks.

6. Provisions that do NOT apply to vehicles weighing 3.5 tons

The following rules in the Mobility Package do NOT automatically extend to 3.5 t vehicles:

• obligation to return the vehicle to base every 8 weeks
• the rules on the posting of drivers, unless national law provides otherwise
• market access and licensing specific to heavy vehicles
• structural cabotage restrictions different from those already in place

7. Conclusion

Starting July 1, 2026, vehicles with a MTMA between 2.5 t and 3.5 t used in international transport or cabotage:

• falls under the scope of the tachograph requirement
• must fully comply with driving and rest times
• are subject to EU-wide controls and sanctions

However, they are not treated in the same way as vehicles over 3.5 t in terms of market access.

Frequently asked questions about the Mobility Package for vehicles up to 3.5 t