Since Jan. 1, 2025, it is mandatory to equip all vehicles subject to tachograph requirements with the Smart Tacho Type 2. This advanced tachograph is designed to increase road safety, improve working conditions for drivers, promote fair competition and simplify business management. The Smart Tacho Type 2 offers more efficient enforcement and improved ease of use.
Important dates:
- Jan. 1, 2025: All vehicles with analog or older digital tachographs must have switched to the Smart Tacho Type 2.
- Aug. 21, 2025: Vehicles with a Smart Tacho Type 1 must upgrade to the Smart Tacho Type 2 by this date.
Practical tips for the transition to Tachograph V2:
- Combine replacement with recalibration: Schedule the installation of the new tachograph along with the recalibration of the old one to save time and costs.
- Plan early: Workshops will be busy; avoid long waits by planning early.
- Download old data: Make sure all data from the old tachograph has been downloaded before replacing it.
- Company card management: log off your company on the old tachograph with the company card and re-register on the new one to secure data.
Note to drivers: With the introduction of the Smart Tacho Type 2, inspectors can read data remotely. Inform your drivers about this so they are aware of this capability.
Additional tachograph obligations:
- Registration period: As of Jan. 1, 2025, drivers must carry registrations of 56 days on board, double the previous 28 days.
- Light commercial vehicles: From July 1, 2026, vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tons that drive internationally or perform cabotage will also be required to use a tachograph. This means that many vans will fall under this rule. Make sure drivers apply for a driver card in a timely manner.
Exemptions: The tachograph requirement applies to vehicles transporting goods or buses and coaches with more than eight people. Non-commercial passenger transport, such as motor homes and campers up to 7.5 tons, are excluded from this requirement. Existing exemptions will remain in effect under the new regulations.
For more information, brochures and frequently asked questions about the digital tachograph, visit the official government website or specialized agencies such as DIGITACH
By being proactive and well prepared, you will ensure a smooth transition to the Smart Tacho Type 2 and stay compliant with the latest regulations.
Compatibility with telemetry devices
The good news is that the second generation smart tachographs are technologically compatible with our telemetry devices. If you have any questions about switching to the second generation of smart tachographs or want to switch to another fleet management software vendor to be compatible with the new technology, don't hesitate to contact us!
