Do you make cross-border trips with your horse transport truck? If so, new regulations will apply from 1 July 2026. From that date, vehicles with a permissible mass of 2,500 kg or more that are used for international transport must be equipped with a Smart Tachograph Generation 2 (SMT2).
This requirement applies in all EU member states.
Why a tachograph?
A tachograph automatically records the driving and rest times of the driver. This allows authorities to verify whether drivers comply with the legally required driving and rest periods. This improves road safety and ensures fair compliance with regulations.
Until now, the tachograph requirement only applied to vehicles over 3,500 kg (category N2). From 1 July 2026, this limit will be lowered to 2,500 kg (category N1), provided the vehicle is used internationally. In that case, a Smart Tachograph Generation 2 will be mandatory.
If you operate an N1 vehicle under 3,500 kg exclusively within the Netherlands, nothing will change and a tachograph is not required, as long as you do not drive outside the Netherlands.
What does this mean in practice?
Drivers of vehicles equipped with a tachograph must have a valid Gen3 driver card.
This card can be requested via the Kiwa Register (www.kiwaregister.com).
Not having a valid driver card can result in a fine of approximately €1,100.
Install in time
Do you use your Parados outside the Netherlands? If so, it is advisable to schedule an installation or upgrade to a Smart Tachograph Generation 2 well before 1 July 2026. Around the introduction date, additional demand is expected, which may result in longer waiting times.
The installation or replacement of a tachograph may only be carried out by an authorised and certified workshop.
For trucks over 3,500 kg, the Smart Tachograph 2 requirement already applies. New trucks have been equipped with this system as standard since August 2023. If you own an older vehicle in this weight category, it had to be upgraded before 18 August 2025 in order to comply with European regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the new regulation apply to my horse truck?
This depends on the weight and use of your vehicle.
- International trips with a vehicle from 2,500 kg (N1)
→ From 1 July 2026, a Smart Tachograph Generation 2 is mandatory. - Driving only within the Netherlands with a vehicle up to 3,500 kg
→ No tachograph required, as long as you do not cross the border. - Driving within the Netherlands with a vehicle over 3,500 kg
→ The tachograph requirement already applied.
I only occasionally drive abroad. Do the rules still apply?
Yes. Even if you only drive internationally a few times per year, the obligation still applies.
Example:
You mainly use your vehicle in the Netherlands, but occasionally drive to Belgium or Germany.
→ In that case, a tachograph is mandatory.
I drive a 3,000 kg vehicle and stay within the Netherlands. Do I need to arrange anything?
No. As long as you do not drive outside the Netherlands, a tachograph is not required.
I drive a vehicle under 3,500 kg abroad. What do I need to arrange?
As soon as you drive internationally with a vehicle of 2,500 kg or more, you are required to:
- install a Smart Tachograph Generation 2, and
- have a valid driver card.
For example, if you drive a 3,000 kg vehicle to competitions or clients in Belgium, Germany or France, you must comply with these new requirements.
