What it is for
The tachograph monitors the driving and rest times set by the social rules (Regulation (EC) No 561/2006) to prevent fatigue. The digital tachograph records them electronically on a card; the smart tachograph adds automatic position recording via GNSS/Galileo and remote communication (DSRC), which lets enforcement officers pre-select vehicles for checks. It is governed by Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 and Regulation (EU) 2020/1054 (Mobility Package).
The second-generation smart tachograph and its deadlines
- New vehicles: mandatory for registrations from 21 August 2023.
- Retrofit in international transport (analogue or non-smart digital): replacement by 31 December 2024.
- Replacement of the first-generation smart tachograph in international transport: by 21 August 2025.
- Light vehicles over 2.5 t in international transport: mandatory since 1 July 2026.
Giormo keeps track of vehicle and driver documents — including expiry dates — so you are never caught with something out of date. See how.
For information only; this is not legal advice. For the binding text, see the official sources.
Official sources
- Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 on tachographs in road transport. eur-lex.europa.eu
- Regulation (EU) 2020/1054 (Mobility Package), DOUE-L-2020-81223. www.boe.es