17/07/2026
If you are planning an international Home Move you need to read this👇👇
Since the 1st of July the European Union has made it mandatory for every van or truck over 2500 Kg (Every removal vehicle) to be fitted with a Smart 2 Tachograph and comply with the same driving rules as Larger HGV vehicles
The reason why they have done this is to improve safety of all road users by making light goods vehicles comply to sensible driving times and breaks. In addition the smart 2 tachograph speaks to traffic police in every country via a signal saying who the driver is, where they are from & how long they have been driving. It also tells the police indirectly that the vehicle is being used legally & it holds a European operators licence (required by law since May 2022)
What does this mean to you?
It has a massive impact on the industry as every route will now take longer due to driving restrictions on hours, speed and breaks. Its also an expensive bit of kit costing in excess of 4000 euros to fit and 500 euros per year to maintain. As a result, expect to pay more for your international home move if you are using a legitimate company.
What happens if my moving company has not got a tachograph?
Very bad things! When they drive passed the police in France who are sat on the side of a motorway drinking their cafe au lait and the van does not send them a signal. They will pursue, stop the vehicle, find there is no tachograph, fine the driver up to 31,000 euros, seize the vehicle with your stuff in it and potentially give the driver up to 2 years in prison and destroy van with your belongings inside. This is worst case as France are particularly strong on enforcement, but every country in Europe including the UK has fines ranging from 4000 to 31000 euros with seizure of vehicle as standard. Ask yourself if the company you hired can afford to pay the fines and correct the vehicle in order to get your belongings back?
Is there any good news about this change?
Actually yes, it basically means the days of uninsured, unregistered cowboys in old overweight box vans, presenting themselves as international moving companies are over. You are now empowered to avoid them and the problems they are likely to bring to your home move.
You see getting a tachograph is not a simple process. First you need to be a registered company in Europe, then you need get an operators licence. To get this you need a vehicle and proof that you have the money to maintain it, then you can apply for a digital tachograph card. After 6 months of successful bureaucracy, only then can you install it. So, it's not just expensive, but a long process. On one hand, it means dodgy companies can't comply. On the other, it means they might just not comply and just take a chance with your move.
So how do you check if your removal company are compliant and therefore legal?
Ask them to see a copy of their digital tachograph card. It looks a little like a licence and is registered to the driver and or company. There is a chip on the rear for card readers. Make sure the driver name and company name are displayed on the card. (Images attached for reference) If they can't provide this, walk away.
To find out more click here:
https://manwithavanremovals.es/f/is-your-moving-company-compliant
