As the European Union (EU) pushes forward with new regulations, ensuring compliance with the latest tachograph standards has become crucial for fleet managers and transport companies. One of the most significant changes currently is the mandatory retrofitting of vehicles with the Smart Tacho 2, an advanced tachograph system that replaces older versions. This change does not only help ensure road safety but also ensures compliance with EU regulations, which, if ignored, can lead to hefty fines for non-compliance.

 

Why the shift to Smart Tacho 2 is crucial

As of 2025, EU regulations require all vehicles involved in international transportation to be equipped with Smart Tacho 2. This new system is designed to monitor and track the driving times, rest periods, and working hours of drivers in a more efficient and accurate manner, helping to improve road safety and reducing the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue.

Enforcing penalties for missing Smart2 Tachographs was supposed to start on January 1, 2025. However, the Committee on Road Transport, granted a two-month educational period, a grace period meaning that enforcement for non-compliance was postponed until February 28, 2025. However, this grace period has recently ended and failure to comply with current regulations can become costly for drivers and transport companies alike.  

There are various deadlines for the retrofit based on the vehicle’s registration date. For vehicles registered before August 21, 2023, retrofitting has to be completed by December 2024, while vehicles with older tachographs will need to be retrofitted by August 2025. It is important to note that the deadline is also strict for lighter vehicles (those between 2.5 and 3.5 tons) engaged in international transport, with retrofitting becoming mandatory from July 2026. Failure to comply with these deadlines could result in severe fines, which vary across EU member states, and in some cases, suspension of transport privileges in certain countries.

 

Below is an overview of potential fines and sanctions in various countries, as published by The National Union of Road Carriers in Romania (UNTRR):

• Austria: between €200 and €1,500.
• Belgium: between €400 and €5,000.
• Bulgaria: up to €3,417.
• Croatia: between €390 and €920 for drivers, and between €1,980 and €3,310 for companies.
• Czech Republic: between €4,000 and €18,500.
• Denmark: €805 for drivers and €1,610 for companies.
• Estonia: up to €800 for drivers and €3,200 for vehicle owners.
• France: between €2,500 and €4,500.
• Germany: between €750 and €30,000, with the possibility of suspension of transport privileges.
• Greece: €3,000.
• Italy: between €866 and €3,464.
• Lithuania: between €560 and €1,140 for drivers and between €1,400 and €2,800 for transport companies.
• Netherlands: €4,400.
• Poland: €2,340 for the transport company, €465 for the transport manager.
• Portugal: between €1,200 and €6,000.
• Spain: up to €900 for drivers and between €1,659 and €16,596 for companies.
• Sweden: up to €1,800.

These are just a few of the fines you may face, but they underscore the importance of taking action now to avoid unnecessary costs and disruptions to your operations.

 

Compatibility with data download equipment is a key factor 

While retrofitting to Smart Tacho 2 is essential for compliance, it’s also important to ensure compatibility with your data download equipment. This is where TachoSafe comes in. Our Tacho5Safe device is the most advanced downloader we offer and is compatible with all tachographs available on the market, including Smart Tacho 2.

In addition to compatibility with the latest tachographs, Tacho5Safe ensures that you can download and store tachograph data efficiently and securely, helping to streamline compliance and keep your fleet running smoothly.

 

A more budget-friendly option: Tacho2Safe and the G2V2 Update

If you’re currently using an older device that serves your needs just right, such as the Tacho2Safe reader, and are looking for a more budget-friendly solution, we recommend considering the G2V2 update. This is a more affordable option that still ensures your tachograph data can be downloaded and stored in compliance with EU regulations. Whether you’re operating an older system or want a solution that balances cost and compliance, Tacho2Safe with the G2V2 update is a solid choice for those looking to avoid high fines while maintaining a streamlined fleet management process.

As EU regulations continue to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is essential for transport companies to avoid fines and disruptions. By retrofitting your vehicles with the Smart Tacho 2 and ensuring compatibility with your data download equipment, you can stay compliant and keep your fleet operating without interruption.

At TachoSafe, we offer solutions tailored to meet the latest regulatory requirements, whether you need more advanced features or a budget-friendly option. By choosing TachoSafe, you’re not just complying with regulations – you’re investing in the future of your fleet’s efficiency and safety.

Get in touch with us for more information on retrofitting your vehicles or choosing the right equipment for your needs.