New era of tachographs: replacement, deadlines, changes

For some time now the latest second-generation smart tachograph has been a topic attracting heightened interest in the transport industry. Why is so much attention being paid to this modern device? On 21 August 2023 the European Union introduced the Mobility Package rules, which require all newly registered trucks engaged in international transport to be fitted with new-generation smart tachographs (also known as new second-generation smart tachographs, G2V2). This obligation also covers vans with a GVW above 2.5 tonnes. Importantly, the changes introduced apply only to international transport; they do not apply to domestic carriage.

Since the second-generation tachograph has already become an integral part of the equipment of vehicles with a GVW above 3.5 tonnes, and in time will also be an important part of vans used for international transport, it is worth taking a closer look at the characteristics of this device. In the rest of this article we explain, among other things, by when the replacement of tachographs with smart ones will have to take place across the whole international transport sector, how to recognise a second-generation tachograph and what distinguishes it from older types of device, and how much such a solution can cost.

A new era of tachographs: replacement, key deadlines and the most important changes

The second-generation smart tachograph: an important innovation in the transport industry

Under EU rules, the obligation to replace tachographs by 31 December 2024 covered not only new vehicles but also trucks registered before 15 June 2019 fitted with analogue or older digital tachographs (G1, G2V1). Later, the G2V2 smart tachograph also became mandatory equipment for vehicles registered up to 21 August 2023. Compliance with the new requirement was policed by the competent authorities: the Road Transport Inspectorate and the police imposed (and still impose) penalties on transport companies and transport managers for vehicles that do not meet the new requirements.

Smart tachographs: from when do they have to be fitted in vehicles?

From when did the latest-generation smart tachographs become a necessity for vehicles engaged in international transport? It is not possible to give a single specific date, because this change was introduced gradually. The easiest way to follow the process of mandatory transition from older devices to second-generation smart tachographs is the timeline below:

by 28 February 2025 (transition period; original date: 31 December 2024)

Road hauliers carrying out international transport within the EU with trucks with a GVW above 3.5 tonnes registered before 15 June 2019 had to replace all old recording devices, such as analogue tachographs or previous digital tachographs, with second-generation smart tachographs by 31 December 2024. The European Commission, in cooperation with the member states, agreed a transition period running until 28 February 2025, thereby extending the deadlines imposed earlier.

by 18 August 2025

Trucks carrying out international transport that were fitted with first-generation smart tachographs (G2V1) and registered between 15 June 2019 and 21 August 2023 had to be upgraded by that date to meet the requirements for a second-generation smart tachograph (G2V2).

by 1 July 2026

From that point the obligation to use a second-generation smart tachograph also covers vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above 2.5 tonnes, such as vans, engaged in international transport.

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How does the smart tachograph 2.0 differ from older recording devices?

The new rules require older recording devices to be replaced with second-generation G2V2 smart tachographs. In addition, drivers are now required to carry data for a longer period: it has been increased from the previous 28 days to 56 days. This means drivers must have with them data from the last 56 days, covering both the information stored on the driver card and supplementary documentation such as printouts, explanations or inspection reports. These additional elements are necessary so that an inspector can verify situations that are not directly visible in the tachograph records, such as breakdowns, rest taken away from the vehicle or changes to the schedule.

When it comes to what the latest G2V2 smart tachographs are like, it is worth mentioning that they offer more functions than devices of previous generations. Among these new features, automatic recording of the time and location of border crossings deserves a special mention. What is more, the smart tachograph 2.0 has also been improved in terms of protection against data manipulation, such as attempts to use magnets or switches. Note also that with second-generation smart tachographs drivers can continue to use their existing cards, as long as they are valid and meet the current legal requirements.

To better understand what characterises a second-generation smart tachograph and how it differs from its predecessors, let us analyse a few important new features it offers users.

Remote data reading (DSRC)

The starting point is the fact that with the introduction of the new generation of recording devices, the competent authorities have gained expanded capabilities for reading a smart tachograph without stopping the driver. G2V2 smart tachographs are fitted with a DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communication) system with a longer communication range, which enables data to be sent remotely from the tachograph to the inspection device. This allows inspectors to check a vehicle from a greater distance without having to stop it. It is a much faster and more effective method of identifying infringements, which leads to fewer random stops and saves drivers time.

Automatic recording of border crossings

In older tachographs, the driver had to enter the country code manually after crossing a border. This required stopping the vehicle and was an additional duty. Operating a second-generation smart tachograph is much more convenient in this respect. Thanks to the implementation of a modern GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) system, the device automatically records the moment of crossing the border. What is more, it also updates the time zone if it changes.

Recording loading and unloading

First-generation tachographs had no function for recording detailed data on loading and unloading locations. In second-generation devices this option is now available. The driver has the option of manually marking the working mode, including unloading and loading, and indicating the exact location, such as a warehouse or terminal.

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Easier communication with fleet management systems

When discussing the operation of second-generation smart tachographs and the new conveniences associated with them, it is also worth noting that the new recording devices, for example those made by VDO, have built-in interfaces: ITS and Bluetooth. They enable smooth communication with fleet management and telematics systems. This makes possible, among other things, automatic data download according to an agreed schedule and real-time monitoring of the driver's working time.

How to recognise a second-generation smart tachograph?

How can you tell in practice that you are dealing with the latest second-generation smart tachograph? One way is by checking the recording device's rating plate or label, which shows its model and serial number. Alternatives include consulting the tachograph's user manual and verifying the features it offers.

Replacing a tachograph with the latest device: how much does a G2V2 smart tachograph cost?

The purchase price of a second-generation smart tachograph ranges on average between around PLN 3,000 and 5,500. Bear in mind that, in addition to the cost of buying a device from a proven manufacturer such as VDO or Stoneridge, the carrier must also be prepared for expenses related to the installation and calibration of the new equipment and other matters arising from its use.

What are the penalties for not having a second-generation tachograph?

Replacing older tachographs with the latest second-generation smart devices is an obligation for carriers. For failing to comply, the inspecting authorities can impose severe penalties. A vehicle travelling without the appropriate recording device carries the risk of, among other things:

a fine for the driver of up to PLN 2,000,
a penalty for the transport manager of up to PLN 2,000,
a penalty of up to PLN 10,000 for the carrier.

It is worth adding that financial penalties for this type of infringement differ from country to country and can reach really high amounts.

Second-generation smart tachographs: a step towards automation and more effective inspection

The introduction of second-generation smart tachographs under the EU Mobility Package has increased the inspection capabilities of services such as the Road Transport Inspectorate and the police. The new devices enable remote data reading, allowing faster and less invasive checks without the need to stop vehicles. Automatic recording of border crossings and the ability to record loading data make it easier to monitor compliance with international transport rules. In addition, extending the data retention period from 28 to 56 days and advanced anti-tampering safeguards increase the effectiveness of detecting infringements.

Modern second-generation smart tachographs can make life easier not only for the inspection services, but also for carriers, fleet managers and drivers. Especially when they work with a modern system such as Navifleet, which makes fleet management in a transport company much more convenient. The Navifleet system offers many useful features, including remote download of driver cards and tachograph memory, which allows automated data download according to a set schedule and without having to bring the vehicle back to base, and driver working time control, which lets you monitor many parameters on an ongoing basis, including, for example, how much longer a given driver can still drive on a given day without committing an infringement.

Interested in tachographs and want to learn more about these devices? We encourage you to read the other articles about them on our blog, including:

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FAQ

Who is exempt from the mandatory tachograph replacement?

The mandatory tachograph replacement in 2025 does not apply to trucks and vans that:

are used exclusively in domestic transport,
or are used for international transport that does not require crossing the borders of other European Union member states; an example would be transport between Poland and Ukraine.

If, on the other hand, the vehicle is to be used for other types of international road transport, replacement of the tachograph with a latest-generation (G2V2) solution should be planned.

By when does the tachograph have to be replaced with a G2V2 smart device?

It is worth asking an important question about the process of mandatory replacement of tachographs with G2V2 digital smart devices: by when must it be completed? To answer it, several important dates need to be recalled.

By 28 February 2025 (originally: by the end of 2024): replacement of tachographs with latest-generation digital smart devices (G2V2 tachographs) is mandatory for road hauliers carrying out international transport within the EU with trucks with a GVW above 3.5 tonnes registered before 15 June 2019.
By 18 August 2025: this deadline applies to trucks intended for international transport within the EU that were registered between 15 June 2019 and 21 August 2023 and have first-generation smart tachographs (G2V1). Before it expires, their G2V1 digital tachograph should be replaced with a modern G2V2 smart tachograph.
1 July 2026: by this date the analogue or digital tachograph should be replaced with a second-generation smart device in every vehicle with a GVW above 2.5 tonnes used within the EU for international transport.

As you can see, the answer to the question of by when tachographs must be replaced with latest-generation devices depends on which vehicle is involved.

From when will tachographs in vans become mandatory?

Tachographs in vans: changes in 2026: this topic is attracting considerable interest in the transport industry. Many people working in it wonder from when tachographs in vans will become mandatory. Under the regulations, from 1 July 2026 every vehicle with a GVW above 2.5 tonnes used within the European Union for international transport must be fitted with a latest-generation smart tachograph (G2V2).

This means that vans with a GVW of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes used for international goods transport or cabotage operations must be fitted with a G2V2 tachograph from 1 July 2026. Importantly, this obligation covers both new and used vehicles.

In the context of tachographs in vans and the changes in 2026, are there any exemptions? It turns out there are! Those who need not worry about when replacing tachographs with smart ones becomes necessary, or from when tachographs in vans will be mandatory, are people who:

plan to carry out domestic transport only,
want to use vans with a GVW of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes for own-account transport.

In the latter case, however, remember that the van transport in question must be own-account carriage, meaning, among other things, that it is not for hire or reward.

What are the consequences of not replacing the tachograph in 2025?

Tachograph replacement is mandatory for transport companies that use their trucks to provide international transport services taking place in at least two EU member states. Failure to comply has severe consequences.

Ignoring the deadline for replacing analogue and G1 digital tachographs, or G2V1 smart tachographs, with second-generation G2V2 smart tachographs carries the risk of financial penalties imposed by the competent authorities, such as the Road Transport Inspectorate. They are really severe and can amount to as much as:

PLN 2,000 for the transport manager,,
PLN 10,000 for the transport company.

Understandably, failing to replace the tachographs means that the carrier will no longer be able to provide international road transport.

Does replacing the tachograph give a carrier engaged in international transport any benefits?

By introducing a series of measures such as mandatory tachograph replacement, the Mobility Package aims, among other things, to help improve road safety and drivers' working conditions. These are, of course, benefits that carriers may also feel in the longer term. But replacing the tachographs in their vehicles may initially seem to them an action whose only tangible benefit is avoiding potential penalties. Will investing in second-generation smart devices (G2V2) prove useful to them for other reasons too?

Replacing tachographs with G2V2 solutions can give the company benefits arising from the new functions introduced in the second generation of devices. For example, the implementation of DSRC in the latest tachographs allows inspectors to check a vehicle from a greater distance. This saves drivers the time they would lose on random stops.

It is worth adding that the Navifleet fleet management system offers a helpful feature in the form of remote download of driver cards and tachograph memory (including G2V2 tachographs). It allows you to significantly simplify the monthly settlement of drivers while securing the necessary data in case of an inspection. And that is just one of the many ways the Navifleet system can streamline fleet management in a transport company.

How much does replacing a tachograph cost in 2026?

Carriers planning to replace their tachographs with latest-generation devices should expect an outlay of several thousand PLN (around PLN 5,000 on average) per vehicle. The price that has to be paid for replacing a tachograph is, however, not that high a cost compared with the potential penalties for failing to modernise in this area.

Where can a tachograph be replaced with a new-generation device?

Tachograph replacement should be carried out at an authorised service centre that holds the appropriate approval to install and calibrate second-generation smart devices (G2V2).

Is replacing the tachograph card necessary?

No, replacing the tachograph card is not necessary if it has not expired and meets the applicable legal requirements.

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Agata Świerczek E-marketing Specialist As a UX/UI design specialist I combine creativity with precise communication. I design intuitive interfaces and engaging digital content, and I write product copy and blog articles that hold attention and support business goals.

A new era of second-generation smart tachographs: replacement, key deadlines and the most important changes