This summary is based on information from the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and the Dutch government, and describes the rules as they apply in the Netherlands. Not sure about your situation? Use the ILT tachograph rules tool (in Dutch) or give us a call.
Who needs a tachograph?
- Trucks with a maximum permissible mass over 3,500 kg.
- Buses and coaches for more than 8 passengers, not counting the driver.
- Vans over 2,500 kg (including trailer or semi-trailer) that carry goods abroad or carry out cabotage. This has applied since 1 July 2026.
The maximum permissible mass is shown on the vehicle registration document. For a vehicle with a trailer, the masses of both are added together.
Digital, analogue or smart?
- If the vehicle was first registered on or after 1 May 2006, a digital tachograph is required.
- Older vehicles may have either a digital or an analogue tachograph.
- Since 21 August 2023, all new vehicles that require a tachograph are fitted with a second-generation smart tachograph.
- Trucks and buses that drive abroad must have a smart tachograph.
Main exemptions
- Non-commercial transport with vehicles up to 7,500 kg, such as a motorhome. Transport by a business always counts as commercial.
- Tradespeople carrying their own equipment: vehicles up to 7,500 kg carrying tools, materials or machinery for the driver's own work, within 100 km of the business base and with no more than 12 hours of driving per week.
- Own-account transport with light commercial vehicles of 2,500 to 3,500 kg, if the transport is not for third parties and driving is not the driver's main activity.
- Electric and hydrogen vehicles of 3,501 to 4,250 kg, within 100 km of the business base and only within the Netherlands.
- Vehicles with a maximum speed of no more than 40 km/h.
At a roadside check, you must be able to show that an exemption applies to you. The full lists are published by the ILT under international exemptions and national exemptions (in Dutch).
What if you drive without a tachograph?
The ILT and the police check that tachographs are used correctly and that driving and rest times are observed. If you drive without a required tachograph, you risk a fine and your transport licence can be revoked.
Having a tachograph installed
HEK bv is an RDW-approved tachograph workshop. We advise you on the right tachograph, install it and calibrate it. Read more about our tachograph service.
Sources (in Dutch): ILT, tachographs in trucks and buses; Dutch government, which vehicles need a smart tachograph. Updated October 2026.