Road Transport Regulations 2026

Key changes you need to know

Mobility Package, Euro 7 standards, LEZ, smart tachograph: all the regulatory changes impacting your business in 2026.

European Mobility Package

The Mobility Package, which has been gradually coming into force since 2020, reaches full implementation in 2025-2026. It fundamentally reforms the rules for road transport in Europe.

Driving and rest times
New rules on the regular return of drivers to their base (every 4 weeks) and a ban on weekly rest in the cab.
Strengthened cabotage rules
Maximum 3 cabotage operations in 7 days, followed by a 4-day cooling-off period before cabotage can be performed again in the same country.
Driver posting
Posting rules apply from the first day of cabotage. Drivers on bilateral international transit are exempt.
Smart tachograph V2
Since August 21, 2023, all new vehicles over 3.5t must be equipped with the smart tachograph V2. Since August 18, 2025, all existing vehicles in international transport are affected. From July 1, 2026, this obligation extends to vehicles over 2.5t in international transport.

Low Emission Zones (LEZ)

LEZs are being deployed in urban areas with more than 150,000 inhabitants, with around 25 active zones in 2026. The schedules and restriction levels vary by metropolitan area.

  • Ban on Crit'Air 5 and unclassified vehicles in active LEZs
  • Crit'Air 4 restrictions in major cities (Paris, Lyon, Marseille), with variable tolerance phases
  • Crit'Air sticker mandatory for all heavy goods vehicles in LEZs
  • Conversion grants available for older vehicles

Euro 7 standard

The Euro 7 standard (EU Regulation 2024/1257) will apply to new types of heavy goods vehicles from May 29, 2028, and to all new heavy goods vehicles from May 29, 2029. It significantly reduces NOx and particulate emission thresholds and introduces, for the first time, limits on brake and tyre emissions.

Entry into force: May 29, 2028 for new types, May 29, 2029 for all new heavy goods vehicles

Frequently asked questions

What are the main regulatory changes in 2026?

The main changes are the full implementation of the Mobility Package (cabotage, posting, driver return), the extension of LEZs with around 25 active zones, the mandatory smart tachograph V2 for all vehicles in international transport, and the extension to vehicles over 2.5t from July 2026.

Can my vehicle operate in LEZs?

It depends on its Crit'Air sticker. In 2026, Crit'Air 5 vehicles are banned from all LEZs. Crit'Air 4 restrictions apply in major cities. Check your vehicle's sticker.

Is the smart tachograph V2 mandatory?

Yes, all new vehicles over 3.5t must be equipped with a smart tachograph V2 since August 21, 2023. Existing vehicles in international transport had to be updated before August 18, 2025. From July 1, 2026, vehicles over 2.5t in international transport will also be affected.

What grants are available for the ecological transition?

Grants for clean vehicle purchases, bonuses for electric and CNG vehicles, and retrofit subsidies are available. Check the ADEME schemes and regional grants.

How does Affretium help with regulatory compliance?

Affretium automatically verifies the compliance of all carriers in your network: licences, insurance, Crit'Air stickers. You are alerted in case of non-compliance.

Stay compliant with Affretium

Affretium monitors the regulatory compliance of your carriers and alerts you to any changes. Anticipate developments with peace of mind.