Effective 24 August 2026, new technical and operational requirements apply to light commercial vehicles with a maximum gross weight between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes engaged in international freight transport or cabotage operations. The rules, derived from EU Regulation 2020/1056 and transposed into Latvian law via Cabinet Regulation, mandate the installation of smart tachographs (version 2), compliance with enhanced emissions standards (Euro 6), and mandatory registration in the EU’s electronic road transport platform (ERRU). The State Revenue Service (VID), in coordination with the Road Transport Administration, will enforce these requirements at border checkpoints and during roadside inspections. Non-compliant vehicles risk detention, fines, and prohibition from continuing their journey. The measure aims to improve road safety, ensure fair competition, and reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector.
Key Takeaways
- Smart Tachograph Upgrade Deadline: Vehicles must be equipped with version 2 smart tachographs by 31 December 2026; older analog or digital tachographs are no longer accepted for cross-border operations.
- Electronic Registration Mandate: Transport operators must register each vehicle and driver in the ERRU system before commencing international trips, enabling real-time monitoring by enforcement authorities.
- Cabotage Restrictions: The rules clarify cabotage limits: a maximum of three cabotage operations within seven days following an international loaded journey, with strict documentation requirements to prevent illegal domestic transport.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement