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The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced a series of new rules for HGV drivers operating internationally from the UK, aimed at enhancing road safety and aligning with international agreements.
Effective today, these changes support the UK's compliance with the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and affect regulations related to drivers' hours and tachograph use for vehicles involved in cross-border transport.
Ahead of the implementation, the DVSA urged operators to prepare for the new standards, emphasizing their importance for remaining compliant during international journeys. These updates bring the UK in line with the European Agreement concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR).
Key updates include an extension of record-keeping requirements: operators must now retain 56 days’ worth of driver data—double the previous 28-day requirement. This includes digital records, analogue tachograph charts, and any manually kept logs. Companies must also ensure that drivers are familiar with the updated rules and that vehicles are equipped to manage the expanded tachograph data.
The AETR regulations largely mirror existing UK/EU rules, particularly regarding maximum driving time and required rest periods. However, some EU-specific rules do not apply to AETR journeys. For example, requirements about returning to base, interrupting rest periods, and reaching a driver’s home base in exceptional circumstances are excluded.
A major part of the update is the requirement to retrofit smart tachograph 2 devices on vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. These devices must be installed by August 18, 2025, while lighter vehicles (2.5–3.5 tonnes) must comply by July 1, 2026. Smart tachograph 2 devices, introduced in 2023, automatically record border crossings and offer enhanced fraud prevention features.
These changes aim to strengthen enforcement of drivers’ hours rules, which are essential for reducing fatigue-related incidents on the road. The DVSA clarified that these new requirements apply only to international operations—domestic transport within the UK remains unaffected.
