The European Union’s Mobility Package has brought major changes to the road transport sector, with a strong focus on fair competition, better working conditions, and increased road safety. One of the most urgent compliance issues in 2025 concerns the mandatory replacement of Smart 1 tachographs with the more advanced Smart 2 devices across international transport operations.

 

For companies managing vehicle fleets across EU borders, understanding the upcoming deadlines and the consequences of non-compliance is essential.

This article outlines the current state of play as of July 2025, the key dates still ahead, and what to do if you haven’t completed your retrofitting obligations.

 

Smart Tachograph 2: why it matters

The Mobility Package I, adopted in 2020, introduced a phased rollout of the Smart Tachograph 2 (G2V2) to replace older tachograph versions. These new devices come with enhanced security features, automatic border detection via GNSS, improved tamper resistance, remote enforcement capabilities, and support for posting declarations and electronic documents.

These upgrades aren’t optional – they’re mandatory for international transport, and the deadlines have been clearly established by EU regulation.

 

Key deadlines: what’s already passed and what’s coming

December 31, 2024 (with grace period until February 28, 2025) – passed

All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes used in international transport that had been equipped with Smart 1 tachographs were required to be retrofitted with Smart 2 tachographs by this date.
If your company has not yet completed this transition, you are now non-compliant and risk fines, inspections, and being barred from international operations.

 

August 18, 2025 – approaching deadline

All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes used in international transport that are still equipped with analog or digital (non-smart) tachographs must also be upgraded to Smart 2.

This is a critical milestone for operators who may still be using legacy equipment.

 

July 1, 2026 – for smaller vehicles

From this date forward, vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used in international freight transport will also fall under tachograph regulations and must be equipped with Smart 2 tachographs.
This represents a major expansion of the scope of tachograph compliance to include light commercial vehicles.

 

Who must retrofit?

These rules apply specifically to international road transport operations, including:

• Cross-border freight transport
• Cabotage activities
• Transport under contract between EU countries

Domestic operations within one country are currently exempt from the retrofit requirement – however, many companies operating nationally today may expand into cross-border transport tomorrow. Proactive planning is recommended.

 

Consequences of missing the retrofit deadlines

If your fleet still contains vehicles that haven’t been upgraded by the required deadlines, the risks include:

• Hefty fines and sanctions during roadside checks
• Prohibition from international journeys
• Operational delays and reputational risk
• Possible breach of contracts or loss of transport authorisation

Since March 2025, enforcement authorities across Europe have begun checking for Smart 2 compliance, especially at border crossings and during company audits.

 

Best practices for compliance in mid-2025

With one major deadline already passed and another approaching fast, now is the time to act – especially if your fleet still includes analog or Smart 1 devices. Here’s what you should do:

1. Assess your fleet immediately: Identify all vehicles that still use outdated tachographs – whether analog, digital, or Smart 1 – and determine if they are involved in international transport.

2. Schedule retrofitting without delay: Tachograph workshops are expected to face a surge in demand as the August 2025 deadline approaches. Waiting could mean you miss your compliance window due to availability issues.

3. Ensure driver readiness: Train drivers and operations staff on the use of Smart 2 tachographs, especially regarding new features such as automatic border detection and remote inspections.

4. Upgrade your data downloading tools: Smart 2 tachographs require compatible download devices and software. If your team uses manual download equipment, ensure it supports G2V2 technology and is configured for cloud integration or web-based analysis. Discover the full range of compliant TachoSafe products and software solutions.

5. Document everything: Keep detailed records of retrofitting dates, certificates, and driver training to prove compliance during inspections.

 

Smart 2 and the future of fleet compliance

The transition to Smart Tachograph 2 represents more than a compliance hurdle – it’s an opportunity to streamline your operations. By adopting devices and systems that support semi-automated downloads, cloud storage, and remote configuration, your fleet gains flexibility, transparency, and efficiency.

Solutions like TachoSafe Connect offer real-time data transfer via 4G, web-based controls, and period-based download scheduling, helping companies meet their obligations while reducing administrative burden.

 

As of July 2025, one deadline has already passed, and another is just weeks away. If your vehicles are still running with analog, digital, or Smart 1 tachographs and you’re active in international transport, urgent action is required.

By upgrading to Smart 2 and using the right tools to manage your tachograph data, you’re not just complying with EU law – you’re setting your business up for long-term success in a highly regulated, increasingly digital industry.