Zero-Emission Van Rules: Key Regulatory Changes for Operators
Zero-Emission Vans: Government Confirms Major Regulatory Changes - What Operators Need to Know
In November 2025, the Department for Transport published its formal response to the Zero Emission Vans: Regulatory Flexibility consultation, setting out the Government’s intended approach to 3.5–4.25 tonne zero-emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs).
While no legislation has yet been laid, the direction of travel is now clear. The Government intends to reshape the rules around vehicle testing, drivers’ hours and tachograph requirements, with the aim of removing barriers that have made heavier electric vans more complex to operate than their diesel equivalents.
At Total Compliance, we have reviewed the consultation outcome in detail. This article explains what is proposed, what remains subject to legislation, and what operators should be planning for as we move through 2026.
- MOT Testing: Moving 3.5–4.25t Electric Vans Out of the HGV Test Regime
One of the biggest updates is the Government’s intention to move 3.5–4.25t ZEGVs from the HGV test scheme into the Class 7 MOT system.
What this means
- These vans would no longer need annual HGV tests conducted at ATFs.
- Testing would instead take place at Class 7 MOT stations.
- The first test would be due at 3 years from registration, then annually, the same as ICE vans up to 3.5t.
Why this matters
Operators of electric vans above 3.5 tonnes have long faced:
- higher costs
- restricted test centre availability
- more downtime
- earlier first-test deadlines
Moving ZEGVs to Class 7 removes many of those burdens, aligns testing with equivalent ICE vans, and reduces operational disruption.
What’s still unclear
Not all Class 7 MOT facilities will have equipment rated for 4.25t vehicles. DfT will need to consider capacity when drafting legislation.
- Drivers’ Hours Rules: Towards Domestic GB Rules Instead of EU-Based Regime
Currently, once a zero-emission van above 3.5t travels more than 62 miles from base, drivers fall into the assimilated EU drivers’ hours rules, triggering full tacho requirements.
The consultation response confirms that the Government plans to move 3.5–4.25t ZEGVs into the GB domestic drivers’ hours rules when operated within Great Britain.
What this means
If implemented:
- 4.25t electric vans would no longer switch into the full EU-derived rules when exceeding the 62-mile limit.
- Tachograph requirements would no longer automatically apply.
- Driver oversight would fall under GB domestic rules (10 hours driving / 11 hours duty per day).
Why this matters
The change would:
- remove one of the biggest administrative hurdles for heavier electric vans
- simplify operations for mixed fleets
- reduce the risk of compliance errors
- eliminate the 62-mile “cliff edge” where a tacho is suddenly needed
- Tachographs: Possible Removal of the Requirement
The Government has confirmed that it is open to removing tachograph requirements on 3.5–4.25t ZEGVs operating in GB, subject to road safety considerations.
This is not yet guaranteed, but it is the clear direction of policy.
Implications if adopted
- No installation or calibration costs
- Less administrative burden
- Simpler driver management
- Cleaner record-keeping for operators already using telematics or internal compliance systems
- Speed Limiters: No Immediate Change
The update also confirms that:
- 56mph speed limiters will remain mandatory for 3.5–4.25t electric vans for now.
- Evidence submitted was not strong enough to justify removing them.
- A separate review may take place in future, but no legislative change is planned.
Why it matters
This means operators must continue to manage:
- motorway speed differences between ICE vans and ZEGVs
- route planning and scheduling impacts
- driver frustration over speed limitations
Operator Licensing
Operator licensing exemptions for 3.5–4.25t zero-emission vans remain unchanged.
Zero-emission vans in this weight range do not require an O-licence, and this consultation does not propose altering that position.
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What Operators Should Do Now
Although legislation is not yet in force, operators should prepare early by reviewing:
- Fleet and Testing Plans
- Identify which vehicles would move into Class 7 MOT.
- Review internal maintenance schedules against future MOT timings.
- Assess vehicle downtime improvements.
- Drivers’ Hours Compliance
- Map routes that currently trigger the 62-mile tacho threshold.
- Prepare for simplified GB rules but maintain full compliance until legislation actually changes.
- Tachograph Strategy
- Avoid unnecessary investment in new tachograph equipment until clarity is published.
- Ensure drivers remain trained and compliant with existing rules until transition dates are confirmed.
- Policy and Procedure Updates
Changes will eventually require updates across your compliance system, including:
- driver handbooks
- transport manager oversight
- maintenance procedures
- driver training
- internal audits
Total Compliance will support operators through every stage of implementation.
What Happens Next
The Government now intends to draft legislation to:
- move 3.5–4.25t ZEGVs into Class 7 MOT
- adjust the testing schedule to first test at 3 years
- explore legislative changes to drivers’ hours and tachograph rules
A further impact assessment and post-implementation review are planned.
We will continue monitoring all updates and will notify operators as soon as legislative timelines are published.
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Preparing for What Comes Next
While nothing changes immediately, the landscape for 3.5–4.25t electric vans is clearly shifting. Some long-standing frustrations are finally being addressed, and once the legislation is in place the day-to-day running of these vehicles should become far more practical.
The next step is simply making sure you’re ready. Testing schedules, driver oversight and internal procedures will all need a careful check once the new rules arrive.
If you need support assessing your fleet, preparing for the new testing regime, or updating your compliance systems, Total Compliance is here to help.