Tachograph exemption for 2.5–3.5 t vehicles: Explanations from the State Police and the Road Transport Administration
Tachograph exemption for 2.5–3.5 t vehicles: Explanations from the State Police and the Road Transport Administration
4.08.2026
The Latvian Ship Suppliers Association has received official explanations from the State Police and the Road Transport Administration regarding the application of Article 3(ha) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 to own-account transport operations supplying vessels using vehicles with a maximum permissible mass between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes.
From 1 July 2026, requirements applicable to international transport operations with vehicles exceeding 2.5 tonnes in maximum permissible mass have entered into force. At the same time, European Union legislation provides for an exemption in certain cases where own-account transport operations are carried out and all conditions specified in the Regulation are met.
Main conditions
The tachograph requirement exemption may only be applied if all of the following conditions are met simultaneously:
✓ The transport operation is carried out as own-account transport, not as commercial transport.
✓ Driving the vehicle is not the person’s main occupation.
✓ Driving does not exceed 30% of the person’s monthly working time.
✓ Evidence must be provided during inspections to demonstrate compliance with the exemption conditions.
The State Police emphasises that each situation is assessed individually, and it is not possible to provide a general confirmation that tachograph requirements will never apply to the transport operations of a particular company. The application of the exemption depends on the specific factual circumstances and documentary evidence available.
What documents may be requested during an inspection?
Freight accompanying documents;
Employment contract or an extract from the employment contract;
Job description;
Working time records;
Other documents proving that driving the vehicle is not the person’s main occupation.
📄 State Police explanation
Regarding the application of Article 3(ha) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 to own-account transport operations supplying vessels (2.5–3.5 t).
📄 Road Transport Administration explanation
Regarding the application of Article 3(ha) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 to vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of 2.5–3.5 tonnes.
We encourage companies to review both documents in full and ensure that all necessary supporting evidence for applying the exemption is available during inspections.