From July 1, 2026, carriers performing international transport operations with light commercial vehicles weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes will become subject to new obligations under the EU Mobility Package.

Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, Norwegian transport companies and vehicles engaged in international transport are largely covered by the EU Mobility Package due to Norway’s participation in the European Economic Area (EEA).

In practice, this means that both Norwegian carriers operating internationally and foreign transport companies performing transport activities within Norway are subject to the same European regulations arising from the Mobility Package.

What Will Change on July 1, 2026?

Starting from July 1, 2026, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used for:

• international transport,
• cabotage operations,
• or cross-trade transport operations between two countries other than the carrier’s country of establishment,

will fall under the Mobility Package regulations.

In practice, this introduces three key obligations:

• installation and use of a second-generation smart tachograph,
• compliance with EU driving time, break, and rest period regulations,
• implementation of driver posting rules (if needed).

However, changes go far beyond simply installing a tachograph. Even occasional international transport operations may cause a vehicle to become subject to the new regulatory framework. 

In addition, cabotage and cross-trade operations may trigger driver posting obligations, including mandatory declarations through the EU posting portal for road transport.

In practice, the organization of transport operations with light commercial vehicles is beginning to correspond to the standards already known from heavy goods transport. 

Companies will need to manage driver cards, tachograph data downloads, transport documentation, and preparation for roadside inspections, whereas drivers will require training on driving time planning, mandatory breaks, and the correct use of tachograph devices.

For this reason, it is highly recommended to begin preparations well in advance. Both, to ensure tachograph installation on time, and to familiarize with the new obligations in order to avoid costly consequences during inspections.