Replacing tachographs with an intelligent version for heavy goods vehicles
The second generation intelligent tachograph is mandatory for new heavy goods vehicles. A two-year countdown that has already started for all carriers operating international routes. A rule that was approved with the European Mobility Package in 2020 and to favour greater control of the new regulation on the relocation of drivers in international transport.
Two years to replace tachographs with a second generation smart version
In fact, the new second generation smart tachographs for heavy goods vehicles will have to record where the daily work starts, border crossings, loading and unloading, tracking of accumulated driving every three hours and where the daily work period ends.
Why will the tachograph have to be replaced by a second generation intelligent tachograph in heavy goods vehicles?
For smart tachographs for heavy-duty vehicles, this is a regulation included in the Mobility Package that was adopted in July 2020. Among the different measures, the need to include a new, more intelligent tachograph with technology that favours the location and position of heavy goods vehicles and greater control of drivers was introduced. New tools to control company relocation and unfair competition in the professional transport sector.
What is new in the second generation intelligent tachograph for heavy goods vehicles?
Among the new features of the second generation intelligent tachograph is the introduction of the controls required by the new European Mobility Package. Therefore, in addition to monitoring driving and resting times automatically, it also locates the vehicle, as well as the movement of workers and border crossings.
Another new feature for intelligent tachographs for heavy goods vehicles is the recording of entries for loading and unloading operations and the mandatory inclusion of the dialogue interface with intelligent transport systems (ITS) via Bluetooth, which until now was optional.
In short, the new intelligent tachograph for heavy goods vehicles will record where the daily work starts, border crossings, loading and unloading, tracking of accumulated driving every three hours and where the daily work period ends.
The new tachographs started being installed in trucks, buses and coaches from August 2023 and have a lead time of up to two years for their implementation in the whole fleet of heavy goods vehicles. The deadline will depend on the year of registration.
Which heavy goods vehicles and when will they have to replace their tachograph with a second generation intelligent tachograph?
Switching to an intelligent tachograph will also depend on when the truck, bus or coach was registered and the type of tachograph installed.
Specifically, if the vehicle is registered before June 2019, the replacement by a second generation smart tachograph has a deadline of December 2024. If the vehicle is already fitted with a first generation smart tachograph, the deadline for fitting a second generation smart tachograph is extended to 21 August 2025.
In total, it is estimated that in Spain more than 140,000 international heavy goods vehicles will have to replace their tachograph with a second-generation intelligent tachograph within the next two years. The European fleet that will be affected by this new regulation is estimated to number between 800,000 and 1,000,000 heavy goods vehicles.
Will vehicles over 2.5 MMA have to be fitted with a second generation intelligent tachograph?
Until now, light vehicles over 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes maximum permissible weight were exempted from carrying a tachograph. With the implementation of the new Mobility Package regulations, it will be mandatory to carry one. This will be from July 2026 and, for the time being, only if international transport takes place. An extension of the national transport standard is not ruled out in the coming months.
