2026 brings new EU rules that will affect fleets operating across European borders. From vehicle safety and tachographs to digital documentation and CO₂ tolls, fleets traveling in the EU will need to plan carefully to stay compliant and protect drivers.
While new vehicles may already include some of the latest safety and compliance features, fleets still need careful planning, training, and oversight to stay compliant and avoid costly surprises. Here’s what fleet managers need to know about 2026 regulations—and how to get ahead.
Fleet safety tech: AEB and EDR requirements
From July 2026, all new trucks and buses must have advanced emergency braking systems (AEB) to automatically reduce collision risks. And starting from the 7th of January 2026, all newly manufactured heavy vehicles must be fitted with event data recorders (EDRs)— which is essentially the vehicles “black box” that records key operational data. Full rollout of EDRs across all new vehicle registrations is expected by 2029.
These systems are standard on new vehicles, but fleets still need to plan carefully to maximise the benefits. Check procurement specifications to ensure AEB systems include pedestrian and cyclist detection, not just other vehicles, particularly if you operate in busy urban areas.
For mixed fleets, consider how older vehicles without AEB or EDRs will operate alongside newer trucks, put policies in place to securely store EDR data, and train drivers on how AEB changes braking behaviour in everyday driving.
Smart tachograph for vans 2.5 – 3.5t
From 1st of July 2026, vans with a gross vehicle weight of 2.5 – 3.5 tonnes used for international freight or cabotage must be fitted with second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2). This change brings affected vans under EU driving-time and rest-time rules, aligning them with trucks when operating across borders.
For many fleets, this will be a significant operational shift. Plan tachograph retrofits for older vans early, issue the required driver and company cards, and train teams on correct tachograph use and data archiving, including the requirement to retain records for at least 12 months.
Fleet technology that automatically downloads, stores, and monitors tachograph data can significantly reduce manual admin, highlight potential infringements early, and support ongoing compliance as operations scale.
Updated ADR regulations for transporting dangerous goods
If your business transports hazardous materials, ADR (the European regulations for transporting hazardous goods by road) compliance is tightening in 2026. Fleets should be prepared for four key changes:
- Harmonised inspection checklists – inspections across the EU will follow a consistent format, leaving less room for error.
- Updated risk classifications – hazardous materials are now more clearly categorised, so documentation and handling must match the new classifications.
- Stronger chain-of-responsibility rules – drivers, operators, and managers are more accountable for compliance, making oversight critical.
- Expanded digital documentation requirements – more transport paperwork must be stored digitally, ready for instant inspection.
To stay ahead, fleet managers should audit vehicles, equipment, and paperwork, standardise digital storage of ADR certificates and transport documents, and train drivers for roadside inspections.
Using fleet technology to automate ADR document management can simplify record-keeping, reduce errors, and make it easier to demonstrate compliance during inspections via smart phone apps and digital compliance management.
Moving from paper to electronic freight transport information (eFTI)
The EU is transitioning freight documentation to electronic freight transport information (eFTI). Certified digital systems can start being used in 2026, with full mandatory acceptance by authorities from 9th of July 2027. From that date, paper documents will no longer be considered valid for inspections.
To stay compliant, fleets should adopt a certified e-document platform, integrate it with dispatch and fleet management systems, and implement pre-checks to ensure all information is accurate before inspections. Using fleet technology to manage eFTI can reduce errors, speed up administrative processes, and simplify audits.
CO₂ tolls, fuel costs, and fleet sustainability
2026 isn’t just about compliance—it’s also about managing costs. CO₂-based tolls are expanding across Europe, with cleaner vehicles paying less and older, high-emission trucks paying more.
ETS2 carbon pricing officially starts in 2027, but fuel costs may rise sooner as suppliers adjust prices in anticipation. Additionally, expanding low-emission zones will restrict older vehicles and tighten delivery windows in urban areas.
Fleets should audit vehicle CO₂ ratings and model toll costs, plan for potential fuel price increases, and implement more efficient operations by reducing idling, predicting maintenance, improving driver behaviour, and route optimisation.
Planning now for EVs or alternative fuels on urban routes can help maintain compliance and control costs. Tracking vehicle performance and fuel usage today makes it easier to adapt as rules and charges evolve.
Low-emission zones and city access
Urban deliveries are becoming more challenging as low-emission zones expand. Fleets can expect digital permits, geo-fenced restrictions, and stricter delivery windows for combustion vans.
To stay compliant, operators should keep zone rules updated in transport management systems, plan routes in advance to avoid restricted areas, and consider EVs for last-mile deliveries. Being proactive helps fleets avoid delays, fines, and service disruptions.
2026 fleet readiness checklist
- AEB and EDR compliance: Check new vehicle specs, manage mixed fleets, and train drivers on system behaviour.
- Tachograph retrofits for vans: Retrofit older vans, issue driver and company cards, and ensure teams know how to record and archive data.
- ADR compliance: Audit vehicles and equipment, standardise digital storage of documents, and train drivers for roadside inspections.
- Digital freight documentation (eFTI): Adopt a certified platform, integrate with fleet systems, and implement pre-checks for data accuracy.
- CO₂ tolls and fuel planning: Audit vehicle CO₂ ratings, model toll costs, and implement fuel-saving practices such as idling controls, route optimisation, and eco-driving.
- Fleet visibility: Use technology to monitor vehicle performance, fuel usage, and compliance across your operations.
Make fleet compliance easier in 2026. Consider solutions that give you a complete, real-time view of your fleet, helping you stay on top of regulations without adding extra admin. We can help — get in touch today.
