Commercial vehicle carriers in Europe are experiencing a crucial moment due to the changes imposed by the European Union’s Mobility Package. This regulation requires the installation of a new second-generation smart tachograph in trucks weighing over 3.5 tonnes and conducting international transport. These vehicles must undergo the upgrade before December 31, 2024, a measure that particularly affects those still operating with first-generation analog or digital tachographs. Those who do not comply with this regulation could face severe penalties, including significant fines and vehicle immobilization.
This regulation also applies to vehicles already equipped with the first version of the smart tachograph, which must be upgraded to the second generation by the end of August 2025. Despite the confusion generated by national transitional regulations and the applicable deadlines in different countries, the European Commission has emphasized that the implementation of this standard will not be postponed.
The penalties for non-compliance vary by country, so industry experts like VDO have developed guides to assist companies and drivers in complying with the regulation. These guides provide details on penalties, amounts, and the procedure for implementing the second generation tachograph in each member state.
Since August 2023, all new trucks weighing over 3.5 tonnes are already equipped with the new second-generation tachograph. The deadlines are clear: December 31, 2024 for vehicles with older tachographs, August 18, 2025 for those with the first generation of smart tachograph, and July 1, 2026 for light commercial vehicles that will also need to integrate this advanced device.
The increasing demand for installations has reduced the availability of workshops, leading Continental to recommend fleets to schedule appointments in advance at trusted workshops. This will not only prevent interruptions in international operations but will also allow carriers to take advantage of regular inspections to reduce additional costs. Through its “Stay ahead of the change” campaign, Continental has highlighted the benefits of this new technology, keeping the industry well informed and prepared for the transition. The company has received a positive response, with numerous interactions and extended reads on its informational platform.
Continental ensures it has the capacity to meet demand, thanks to a strong production of the new tachographs and an efficient system to refer to specialized workshops. With this, they guarantee that carriers and companies can comply with the regulation within the specified deadline.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
