Estonia 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Transpordiamet
Last Updated: 1 February 2026
Summary
Estonia adopts EU GSR2 Phase 3 safety requirements for new vehicles in 2026, introduces smart tachograph mandates for international transport vans, updates winter tire standards, and continues expanding its digital driving services.
Key Changes
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective 7 July 2026
Basic ADAS only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic systems including AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning based on driving patterns
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars sold in Estonia must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use, eating, or looking away from road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. The car will detect if you're looking at your phone or not paying attention. Basic systems like AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024.”
Smart Tachograph Required for International Vans
Effective 1 July 2026
No tachograph for vans
Vans between 2.5-3.5 tonnes used for international transport were exempt from tachograph requirements
G2V2 smart tachograph mandatory
Vans with gross vehicle weight of 2.5-3.5 tonnes used for international goods transport must use second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2)
Official Source: EU Mobility Package
Instructor's Tip
“From July 2026, drivers of vans (2.5-3.5 tonnes) used for international goods transport need smart tachographs and are subject to the same working time rules as truck drivers. This ensures fair competition and better road safety.”
Changes by Category
🔧Vehicle Equipment(2)
Smart Tachograph Required for International Vans
Effective 1 July 2026
No tachograph for vans
Vans between 2.5-3.5 tonnes used for international transport were exempt from tachograph requirements
G2V2 smart tachograph mandatory
Vans with gross vehicle weight of 2.5-3.5 tonnes used for international goods transport must use second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2)
Official Source: EU Mobility Package
Winter Tire Standards with 3PMSF Marking
Effective 1 December 2026
M+S marking accepted
Winter tires with M+S marking were acceptable during mandatory winter tire period (December 1 - March 1)
3PMSF marking required
Only winter tires marked with Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol accepted for studless tires; studded tires allowed October 15 - March 31
Official Source: Transpordiamet Winter Tyre Requirements
📋Licensing(1)
EU Digital Identity Wallet for Driver Licenses
Effective 1 January 2026
Physical card only internationally
Digital driver license available domestically through e-services but physical card required abroad
EU-wide digital recognition
Driver licenses stored in EU Digital Identity Wallet recognized by police across EU member states; Estonia's e-ID infrastructure enables seamless integration
Official Source: EU eIDAS 2 Regulation
🛡️Safety Rules(1)
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective 7 July 2026
Basic ADAS only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic systems including AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning based on driving patterns
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars sold in Estonia must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use, eating, or looking away from road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
Instructor Tips
Re: EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. The car will detect if you're looking at your phone or not paying attention. Basic systems like AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024.”
Re: Smart Tachograph Required for International Vans
Instructor's Tip
“From July 2026, drivers of vans (2.5-3.5 tonnes) used for international goods transport need smart tachographs and are subject to the same working time rules as truck drivers. This ensures fair competition and better road safety.”
Re: Winter Tire Standards with 3PMSF Marking
Instructor's Tip
“Estonia requires studless winter tires with the 3PMSF symbol (three-peak mountain snowflake) from December 1 to March 1. Studded tires are allowed from October 15 to March 31 and don't need the 3PMSF marking. Check your tires before the season starts.”
Re: EU Digital Identity Wallet for Driver Licenses
Instructor's Tip
“Estonia's advanced digital infrastructure means the EU Digital Identity Wallet integration is smooth. Your driver license can be stored digitally and recognized across the EU. Keep your physical card for travel outside the EU.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What new safety features are required in cars sold in Estonia from 2026?
Do vans need tachographs in Estonia now?
What winter tires are legal in Estonia?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Transpordiamet — Official regulatory body
- EU General Safety Regulation 2 — EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
- EU Mobility Package — Smart Tachograph Required for International Vans
- Transpordiamet Winter Tyre Requirements — Winter Tire Standards with 3PMSF Marking
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
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