Mandatory tachograph and LEZ : what changes for moving trucks

Two reforms fall in the same year for moving companies: the obligation to equip certain light commercial vehicles with a smart tachograph, and the retention of low-emission zones (ZFE) despite an attempted repeal. Together, they redraw the conditions under which moving trucks operate and bill for their services.

The smart tachograph becomes mandatory for moving trucks

As of 1 July 2026, light commercial vehicles (LCV) over 2.5 tonnes assigned to international goods transport or moving services must be equipped with a second-generation smart tachograph (Smart Tachograph Gen 2). This requirement stems from the European mobility package and aims to harmonise the rules applicable to light commercial vehicles with those for heavy goods vehicles.

• Threshold concerned: LCVs over 2.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass.
• Recorded functions: driving time, breaks, rest and border crossings, with position recording every three hours.
• Installation, calibration and company locking reserved for an approved workshop.
• Exemptions exist, notably for the transport of equipment or tools necessary for the company's activity.

For a moving company that operates beyond regional or national borders, this compliance represents an additional cost for equipment and training, to be built into quotes from this summer.

Low-emission zones remain in force despite the challenge

The debate over repealing low-emission zones (ZFE) has been settled: a vote to repeal in the Assemblée nationale was ultimately annulled by the Conseil constitutionnel on 21 May 2026. The ZFE therefore remain fully applicable, with around forty urban areas of more than 150,000 inhabitants affected since 1 January 2025 when they do not meet recommended air quality values.

On the ground, it is the oldest fleets that are most exposed: restrictions on access to city centres, accelerated fleet renewal and additional costs to be passed on. Some professionals benefit from transition periods, but old diesel vans remain on the front line. In Île-de-France, controls still need to be strengthened in the autumn within the Val-de-Marne area.

What this means in practice for movers and their customers

Combined, these two reforms push moving and transport companies to accelerate the renewal of their fleet while absorbing new administrative obligations. For private individuals planning a change of residence, this potentially means longer waits to get a slot with a vehicle that complies, and quotes that already include these compliance costs. For real estate professionals, it is better to anticipate these constraints with their clients as soon as the lease or deed of sale is signed.

Frequently asked questions

Are all moving trucks affected by the smart tachograph?

No, only light commercial vehicles over 2.5 tonnes used for international transport or cross-border moving services are targeted by the obligation that came into force on 1 July 2026.

Will the ZFE eventually disappear?

No. A repeal attempt voted by the Assemblée nationale was annulled by the Conseil constitutionnel on 21 May 2026, which keeps the scheme in the affected urban areas.

Will these new rules increase the price of a move?

Companies that have to equip their vehicles or renew their fleets to stay compliant with ZFE generally pass on part of these costs in their quotes, particularly for international journeys or to city centres subject to restrictions.

Sources

• OTRE — The 2nd-generation smart tachograph becomes mandatory on LCVs
• L'Officiel des Transporteurs — Tachograph mandatory on LCVs from July 2026 — what carriers need to know
• Tous les Camions — Impact of low-emission zones on truck fleets and carriers' strategic choices

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy