The European Union has made it mandatory to replace tachographs with second-generation of smart tachographs (G2V2), which applies to carriers carrying out international road transport within EU member states. This change is due to the need to adapt drivers’ time recording systems to the new regulations, increasing safety and transport efficiency. In this article, we outline who is affected by this obligation and the timetable for replacing the equipment.
Who is affected by the obligation to replace tachographs?
The obligation to replace tachographs applies to vehicles used in international transport, those that cross the borders of European Union member states. The replacement of tachographs also covers the countries of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, which, despite leaving the European Union, is still subject to certain regulations on international transport.
This obligation does not apply to carriers carrying out exclusively domestic transport, nor to international transport to countries that are not members of the EU, such as Switzerland, Ukraine or Belarus.
Tachograph replacement schedule
The European Union has set a detailed tachograph replacement schedule, which is described in Regulation (EU) No. 165/2014, updated by the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2020/1054. This is a key element of the so-called Mobility Package I, which aims to modernize road transport in Europe.
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- By December 31, 2024 – obligation to replace the oldest tachographs, including analog tachographs and first-generation (G1) tachographs. These devices were installed in new vehicles until June 15, 2019.
- Until August 18, 2025 – The obligation to replace tachographs (G2V1). These were installed in vehicles registered from June 15, 2019 to August 20, 2023.
Why is it necessary to replace tachographs?
The new tachographs (G2V2) introduce a number of technological improvements that make it easier to control drivers’ working hours and ensure greater safety on the roads. Thanks to smart solutions, it is possible to automatically record the location of the vehicle at specific intervals, which allows better monitoring and elimination of possible violations of working time regulations.