Weekly rest period outside the cab for EU 3.5-ton vehicles

After July 1, 2026, verifying that the weekly rest period was taken outside the cab will become a key requirement for 3.5-ton vehicles equipped with a tachograph. Authorities will be able to cross-reference tachograph data with the vehicle’s location and the duration of the rest period, and the absence of supporting documentation may lead to the presumption that the standard weekly rest period was taken inside the cab.

In short, the weekly rest period check for 3.5-ton vehicles involves:

After July 1, 2026, 3.5-ton vehicles equipped with tachographs will be subject to stricter enforcement regarding weekly rest periods.
The standard 45-hour weekly rest period must not be taken in the cab in countries where this practice is prohibited and subject to penalties.
France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and Luxembourg are considered countries with very strict checks.
In France, inspections are very strict, and authorities may request a hotel bill, an Airbnb receipt, or other proof of accommodation.
In Germany, the inspection may include tachograph data, the vehicle's location, accommodation documents, and related work obligations.
In Belgium, inspections may also take place in secure parking lots and may specifically check whether the driver has slept in the cab.
The Netherlands and Italy conduct regular inspections, particularly of courier and express delivery fleets and cabotage operations.
Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria currently have a lower risk, but controls may be stepped up after 2026.
Verbal explanations, such as “I stayed at a friend’s house” or “in the parking lot,” are not sufficient without supporting documentation.
For operations in high-risk countries, the company must keep documented proof of accommodation, a named invoice, and evidence that matches the tachograph data.

After July 1, 2026, when it becomes mandatory for 3.5-ton vehicles to be equipped with tachographs, checks on how weekly rest periods are taken will become a major focus of enforcement. In some European countries, these checks are already extremely strict, and 3.5-ton vehicles will not be treated any differently from heavy trucks.

The risk map is based on actual enforcement practices, not just on legal provisions.

Countries with VERY strict checks

(proactive inspections and frequent fines)

France

The strictest country on this issue
Check whether the standard weekly rest period (45 hours) was taken in the cabin
Required documents: hotel/accommodation invoice, Airbnb receipt, and sometimes a bank statement
Fines: up to 30,000 euros; vehicle impoundment possible
The tonnage doesn't matter—what matters is whether the tachograph is present

Germany

Combined inspection: tachograph, MiLoG, and weekly rest period
The 45-hour break and the vehicle's location are verified using tachograph data
Accepted documents: proof of accommodation, company statement (this alone is not sufficient)

Belgium

Traffic checks and checks in secure parking lots
They check to see if the driver has been sleeping in the cab
Typical fines: €1,800–€2,000 per driver
Belgium has already imposed heavy fines on vans used for courier services

Austria

Frequent checks at the border and on the highway
Check the weekly rest period and supporting documents
Fines issued immediately, without warning

Luxembourg

Very strict, even though it's a small country
Require clear proof of accommodation
High fines relative to the length of stay

Countries with regular but less aggressive checks

The Netherlands

Inspections targeting courier and express delivery fleets
They are more open to alternative forms of accommodation, not just hotels

Italy

Inspections, particularly in the northern part of the country and in cases of cabotage
Inspections are less frequent, but the penalties are severe if violations are found

Low-risk countries (currently)

This does not mean that the rule does not apply, but rather that enforcement is still more lenient.

Spain
Poland
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria

Please note: After 2026, many of these countries will step up inspections for 3.5-ton vehicles.

What will definitely change after July 1, 2026

Authorities will be able to verify exactly: the vehicle's location and the duration of the rest period
Verbal explanations will no longer be accepted
Failure to provide proof of lodging will give rise to the presumption that the rest period was taken in the cabin
Statements such as “I slept at a friend’s house” or “in a parking lot” are not accepted

Practical recommendation

For operations carried out in France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and Luxembourg, the following are required:

Documented accommodation
Invoice in the name of
Documents linked to tachograph data

Frequently Asked Questions

What will change after July 1, 2026, for 3.5-ton vehicles?

After July 1, 2026, 3.5-ton vehicles equipped with tachographs will be subject to stricter checks regarding the duration and location of weekly rest periods, including by cross-referencing tachograph data with accommodation records.

Can the standard 45-hour weekly rest period be taken in the cab?

No, in countries where this practice is prohibited and subject to penalties. The regular weekly rest period must be taken in appropriate accommodation, not in the vehicle's cab.

Which countries have the strictest checks?

The countries with very strict checks are France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and Luxembourg. In these countries, checks are proactive, and failure to provide proof of accommodation can result in significant penalties.

What documents might be required in France?

In France, you may be asked to provide hotel bills, Airbnb receipts, or other clear proof of accommodation. In some cases, the authorities may also request additional documentation, such as a bank statement.

What are the authorities in Germany checking?

In Germany, inspections may include checks of the tachograph, vehicle location, weekly rest periods, and supporting documents. A simple statement from the company is generally not sufficient on its own.

Does Belgium also inspect vans?

Yes. Belgium has already imposed heavy penalties on delivery vans and can verify whether the driver has taken their regular weekly rest period in the cab.

Do low-risk countries still follow the rule?

Yes. The fact that some countries currently have a more lenient enforcement policy does not mean that the rule does not apply. After 2026, inspections for 3.5-ton vehicles may become more frequent in those countries as well.

Are verbal explanations accepted during an inspection?

It is not recommended to rely solely on verbal explanations for verification. Statements such as “I slept at a friend’s house” or “in the parking lot” are not sufficient without clear evidence and supporting documents.

What documents does the company need to keep?

The company must retain accommodation records, itemized invoices, receipts, and other supporting documents that can be linked to the tachograph data and the vehicle’s location.

What is recommended for driving in France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, or Luxembourg?

For operations in these countries, it is recommended that each regular weekly rest period be supported by documented accommodation, a named invoice, and evidence that corresponds to the tachograph data.

György Bokor

Founder and CEO of Paneuropa Logistics

I am György Bokor, Founder and CEO of Paneuropa Logistics. I have been active in the logistics industry for more than 20 years, focusing on international transportation, freight forwarding, last-mile deliveries and customs services. I am passionate about developing efficient solutions that connect businesses across Europe.

Verification of weekly rest periods outside the cab – vehicles weighing 3.5 tons (after July 1, 2026)