Owners and stables crossing international borders with light horse trucks should take note. As of July 1, 2026, new European regulations will come into effect for light commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) exceeding 2,500 kg. These changes will have a direct impact on how you plan and execute your international journeys.
Previously, the threshold for mandatory tachograph installation was set at 3,500 kg. This limit is now being lowered for international transport. This means that many light horse trucks—including the popular "B-license" two-horse trucks—will soon have to comply with the same stringent requirements as heavy-duty HGVs.
International Journeys vs. Domestic Use
The new legislation specifically targets international transport. If you take your horse truck across the border—for example, traveling from the Netherlands to Belgium, Germany, or France—the installation of a Smart Tachograph 2 becomes mandatory.
If you drive exclusively within your own national borders, nothing changes for the time being, provided your vehicle remains below the familiar 3,500 kg limit. however, as soon as a border crossing is planned, European law will monitor your light horse truck in the same way as a large commercial lorry.
What Data Does the System Record?
The Smart Tachograph 2 is an advanced system that does much more than simply track driving time. It records several key data points, including:
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Driving and Rest Times: To ensure drivers remain alert and avoid fatigue.
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Routes and Speeds: Providing full transparency for each journey.
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Border Crossings: The system automatically detects and records when a national border is crossed.
This data must be correctly processed and stored. This requirement could significantly impact your daily scheduling, as you must strictly adhere to legally mandated rest periods—even during a busy competition weekend abroad.
Taking Timely Action
It is highly recommended not to wait until the summer of 2026. There are several practical steps that require significant lead time:
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Applying for Tachograph Cards: Ensure that you and any other drivers hold the correct driver cards.
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Scheduling Installation: The installation of a smart tachograph must be carried out by a certified workshop. Given the high volume of vehicles that will fall under this new obligation, workshops are expected to be very busy closer to the deadline.
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Adjusting Workflows: Incorporate the mandatory rest periods into your logistical planning now to avoid heavy fines during international roadside inspections.
