A driving law change will kick in within weeks - as experts claim it will be a "make-or-break issue". New European Union rules mean certain vehicles need to be fitted with features to record driving hours. On or after 19 August 2025, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be retrofitted into in-scope vehicles currently fitted with a smart tachograph 1 that are undertaking international journeys. If the vehicle is operating only within the UK, then the vehicle can still use the smart tachograph 1 that has originally been fitted. Cherie Carter, director of Indigo Car Hire, said: "This isn't just red tape, it's a make-or-break issue for drivers heading into Europe. READ MORE Drivers over 70 could face new medical rules with Labour 'open' to checks "If you miss the upgrade deadline, you could face hefty fines, refused entry at ports, or even legal trouble. We're urging all HGV and van drivers to check their tachographs now and take action before it's too late." Carter warned that drivers ignoring the update could jeopardise delivery contracts and find themselves "grounded at customs checkpoints" across the European Union . On or after 1 July 2026, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be fitted into newly registered goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes, undertaking international journeys for hire and reward. If the vehicle is undertaking an international journey for the driver or company’s own account and driving does not constitute the main activity of the driver, there is no requirement to fit a tachograph. In addition, if the vehicle weighs over 2.5 tonnes and less than 3.5 tonnes and is operating only within the UK, then there continues to be no requirement to fit a tachograph into the vehicle. It comes after regulations and rules were amended by the Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs (Amendment) Regulations 2023 to allow for a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 to be used.