Jul 29, 2024

Retrofitting Smart Tachographs Version 2: Key Deadlines and Considerations

Q: What's the difference between version 1 and 2 smart tachograph units?

Smart Tachograph Version 1 Since 15 June 2019, Smart Tachograph Version 1 units have been installed in newly registered trucks and buses. These tachographs feature the same functionalities as previous generations of the digital tachograph, complemented with additional communication tools, such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning and transmission of real-time information to enforcement authorities by means of a dedicated short-range communication channel (DSRC) * . They also incorporate enhanced anti-tampering measures over previous tachograph versions. Smart Tachograph Version 2 Mobility Package I introduced a new version of the Smart Tachograph (Version 2) which incorporates new functionalities for the purpose of enforcement of the EU legislation on cabotage and posting of drivers, such as the automatic recording of border crossings or the detection of the position of the vehicle when a load/unload operation is being carried out. These tachographs facilitate additional information related to the activity of the driver being transmitted to enforcement authorities through the DSRC. Smart Tachograph Version 2 enhances the anti-tampering resistance over all previous tachographs by means of new features, such as its capacity to authenticate satellite signals. * A dedicated short-range communication channel (DSRC) is a technology that allows enforcement authorities to read infringement related information from passing vehicles by using remote early detection equipment. It serves only as a pre-filter to select vehicles for a more thorough inspection, allowing compliant drivers to continue their journey uninterrupted, saving time and resources.

Retrofitting Smart Tachographs Version 2: Key Deadlines and Considerations

As part of the Mobility Package I, it is mandatory for commercial vehicles operating internationally to be retrofitted with Smart Tachographs Version 2 starting from 31 December 2024.

Retrofitting Deadlines

Here are the key deadlines for retrofitting Smart Tachograph Version 2 units to various categories of vehicles:

Category of Tachograph or Vehicle	Date of First Registration	Retrofitting Deadline
Vehicles with analogue or digital non-smart tachographs	Prior to 14 June 2019	31 December 2024
Vehicles with Smart Tachograph Version 1 units	Between 15 June 2019 and 20 August 2023	18 August 2025
Light commercial vehicles and vans with a gross vehicle weight over 2.5 tons	N/A	1 July 2026

Vehicles operating internationally, including those traveling to, through, or from the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), must comply with these installation requirements from the specified dates.

Avoiding Long Waiting Times

Many vehicles in Ireland will need to be retrofitted with a Smart Tachograph Version 2 unit. To avoid potential long waiting times, it's crucial for operators to schedule their vehicles for retrofitting as soon as possible. The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) website provides a list of Approved Tachograph Workshops that can perform the installation and necessary calibration.

If a significant number of operators delay until close to the deadline, it may result in extended waiting times, potentially causing vehicles to be non-compliant in time. Any vehicle involved in cross-border transport logistics without a Smart Tachograph Version 2 after the specified dates risks penalties or fines.

In summary, ensuring timely compliance with the Smart Tachograph Version 2 retrofitting requirements is essential to avoid disruptions and potential legal issues in international transport operations. Plan ahead and book your retrofitting appointments early to stay ahead of the deadlines.

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FAQs

Smart Tachograph Version 1

Since 15 June 2019, Smart Tachograph Version 1 units have been installed in newly registered trucks and buses. These tachographs feature the same functionalities as previous generations of the digital tachograph, complemented with additional communication tools, such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning and transmission of real-time information to enforcement authorities by means of a dedicated short-range communication channel (DSRC)*. They also incorporate enhanced anti-tampering measures over previous tachograph versions.

Smart Tachograph Version 2

Mobility Package I introduced a new version of the Smart Tachograph (Version 2) which incorporates new functionalities for the purpose of enforcement of the EU legislation on cabotage and posting of drivers, such as the automatic recording of border crossings or the detection of the position of the vehicle when a load/unload operation is being carried out. These tachographs facilitate additional information related to the activity of the driver being transmitted to enforcement authorities through the DSRC. Smart Tachograph Version 2 enhances the anti-tampering resistance over all previous tachographs by means of new features, such as its capacity to authenticate satellite signals.

*A dedicated short-range communication channel (DSRC) is a technology that allows enforcement authorities to read infringement related information from passing vehicles by using remote early detection equipment. It serves only as a pre-filter to select vehicles for a more thorough inspection, allowing compliant drivers to continue their journey uninterrupted, saving time and resources.

Mobility Package I requires Smart Tachograph Version 2 units to be fitted to new vehicles first registered since August 2023 regardless of whether they are used for international or national journeys. However, the tachograph retrofit requirements do not apply to vehicles that are exclusively used for national journeys only (noting however that travel through Northern Ireland constitutes an international journey).

Yes. Vehicles operating internationally include those travelling to, through or from the United Kingdom and are (unless qualifying for an existing exemption) required to comply with the retrofit requirements from the specified dates.

Retrofitting Smart Tachographs Version 2: Key Deadlines and Considerations

Retrofitting Deadlines

Avoiding Long Waiting Times

FAQs

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