Obligation to equip vehicles weighing 2.5–3.5 t with tachographs

FORMAL COMPLIANCE GUIDE

International transport – applicable from July 1, 2026

Document drafted on: February 26, 2026

This document is a formal compliance guide for road freight transport operators in Romania who use vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) between 2.5 and 3.5 tons and carry out international transport or cabotage operations within the European Union.

1. Applicable legislative framework

Starting July 1, 2026, vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) between 2.5 and 3.5 tons used for international freight transport or cabotage operations will be required to be equipped with a second-generation smart tachograph (Smart Tachograph v2 – G2V2).

The application of this obligation derives from the changes introduced by Mobility Package I, which extend the applicability of social rules (driving and rest times) to light commercial vehicles used in cross-border operations.

At the national level, enforcement and penalties are based on Government Ordinance No. 37/2007 and the related regulations of the Romanian Road Authority (ARR).

2. Obligations regarding the tachograph

Economic operators must ensure the following:

• Equipping each vehicle concerned with a G2V2 smart tachograph installed in an authorized workshop;
• Proper calibration and sealing of equipment;
• Proper use of tachograph cards (driver card and company card);
• Periodic downloading and archiving of data in accordance with legal requirements;
• Training drivers on the correct use of the tachograph.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in administrative penalties, immobilization of the vehicle, or suspension of the right to operate.

3. Rules on driving and rest times

With the introduction of the tachograph, the vehicles concerned are subject to rules on driving times, breaks, and rest periods. The operator is responsible for organizing the activity so that:

• The maximum daily and weekly driving times must be observed;
• Mandatory breaks must be taken in accordance with regulations;
• Daily and weekly rest periods shall be granted accordingly;
• The recorded data should reflect the reality of the activities carried out.

The company must implement internal procedures for periodic verification and control of downloaded data.

4. Licensing and mandatory documents

For international transport for hire or reward with vehicles weighing 2.5–3.5 tons, it is necessary to hold a Community License and a certified copy for each vehicle.

The documents must be kept on board and presented for inspection at the request of the competent authorities.

5. Posting of Drivers

In the case of certain types of international transport (cabotage, cross-trade transport), the operator is required to submit the posting declaration via the portal connected to the IMI system.

The declaration must be submitted prior to the operation in question and must contain the operator's details, the driver's details, the period of posting, and the host Member State.

The driver must be able to present proof of registration of the declaration, as well as supporting documents relating to the transport operation, during checks.

6. Remuneration in accordance with the rules on secondment

During the period of posting in a Member State, the driver is entitled to the remuneration applicable in the host country, in accordance with the principle of 'equal pay for equal work'.

The operator must ensure that the total remuneration paid to the driver for the period of posting is not lower than the minimum level set in the Member State concerned.

Salary elements may include base salary, specific allowances, bonuses, and other mandatory components in accordance with the legislation of the host country.

Secondment allowances may be considered part of remuneration only to the extent that they do not represent reimbursement of expenses (transport, accommodation, meals).

The operator must keep clear records of salary calculations, hours worked in each state, and related supporting documentation.

7. Recommended internal organization

To ensure compliance, it is recommended that a person be designated to monitor tachographs, manage cards, submit IMI declarations, and verify compliance with wage rules.

It is recommended that a quarterly internal audit be conducted to verify compliance with legal obligations.

8. Conclusions

Extending the obligation to use tachographs to vehicles weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tons represents a major change for Romanian operators engaged in international transport. Compliance requires not only the installation of technical equipment, but also the implementation of a comprehensive system for monitoring, reporting, and correctly remunerating posted drivers.

Taking the necessary measures before the July 1, 2026 deadline will reduce the risks of penalties, litigation, and commercial losses.

Frequently asked questions about the tachograph requirement for 2.5–3.5 t vehicles in international transport