Vans 2.5–3.5t: What Changed on 1 July 2026, and the 2022 Rule Many Still Miss
A large share of operators running light commercial vehicles internationally still treat it as the unregulated end of the market. It is not, and two dates changed that.
21 May 2022 — licensing became mandatory
Since that date, vehicles of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes used in international freight require both an operator authorisation and a Community licence. In other words you are inside the same framework as heavy trucks: genuine establishment, an operating base, good repute, financial standing and a transport manager holding the certificate.
The one real difference is the money. Financial standing is €1,800 for the first vehicle and €900 for each additional one.
1 July 2026 — smart tachographs
From that date, light vehicles over 2.5 tonnes used in international transport or cabotage must be fitted with a second-generation smart tachograph (G2V2).
Heavy vehicles completed the same transition on 19 August 2025; light vehicles are now in scope. The rule took effect six weeks ago and there are still a lot of non-compliant vans on the road.
What this means in practice
If you are running vehicles under 3.5 tonnes into Europe today without a licence, you are operating outside the rules. At a roadside check that means a penalty and points counting against good repute.
Check the tachograph position before buying vehicles. Retrofitting is both more expensive and takes the vehicle off the road.
Related
The licence process and fees: The Polish transport licence
Financial standing in detail: Financial standing
What Meyis does
The route is the same for a light fleet: incorporation, arranging the operating base, evidencing financial standing, the transport manager and both licence applications — calculated at the lower thresholds.
Tell us how many vehicles you run and at what weight, and we will set out exactly which requirements bind you.
Frequently asked questions
- Do vans of 2.5–3.5 tonnes need a transport licence?
- In international transport, yes. Since 21 May 2022 these vehicles require an operator authorisation and a Community licence. Purely domestic work is outside this requirement.
- What changed on 1 July 2026?
- Light vehicles over 2.5 tonnes used in international transport or cabotage must now be fitted with a second-generation smart tachograph, the G2V2.
- How much financial standing do these vehicles need?
- €1,800 for the first vehicle and €900 for each additional one — considerably lower than the €9,000 and €5,000 required for heavy vehicles.
- Do light vehicles need an operating base too?
- Yes. The licence conditions apply as a set; the establishment and operating base requirements do not fall away because the vehicles are lighter.
- Is a transport manager required for a van fleet?
- Yes. Professional competence is one of the four licence conditions and does not depend on vehicle weight.