2025 – The Year of Retrofit
A reminder to all international transport operators:
The deadline to replace first-generation SMART tachographs (SMART 1) with the second-generation version (SMART 2) is fast approaching.
All vehicles equipped with a SMART 1 tachograph that operate in international transport must upgrade to SMART 2 by August 20, 2025.
The deadline for replacing analogue and digital (non-smart) tachographs in vehicles used for international transport has already passed – December 31, 2024.
What is smart tachograph (V2)?
SMART tachograph v2 is part of the EU Mobility Package and represents the latest standard in tachograph technology. It’s designed to improve driver monitoring, road safety, and operational efficiency.
Since August 21, 2023, all newly registered vehicles in the EU must be equipped with a SMART 2 tachograph.
Beware of the 2025 deadline
31.12.2024 – All analogue and digital tachographs in international transport must be replaced.
20.08.2025 – All SMART 1 tachographs in international transport must be upgraded.
01.06.2026 – Light commercial vehicles (2.5–3.5 t) used in international transport must also be equipped with a SMART 2 tachograph.
Non-compliance can be costly!
According to Stoneridge, fines for tachograph violations across the EU can reach up to €30,000. Check the fines by country here: stoneridge-tachographs.com/fines-map
SMART 2 – Main Features:
Automatic border crossing detection – The tachograph automatically logs EU border crossings – no action required from the driver.
Galileo satellite system integration – Enhanced accuracy and data security using Europe’s Galileo GNSS.
DSRC communication- Enables remote data checks by authorities while the vehicle is moving – no stopping required.
Load/unload event recording – A new feature that tracks the start and end of loading/unloading operations.
56-day activity storage – New-generation driver cards automatically store up to 56 days of activity, in line with updated EU regulations.
Our Recommendation:
When upgrading to SMART 2, we strongly recommend enabling remote tachograph data download.
This allows you to:
- Alerts for driving without a card
- Live Tacho data in real time
- Complete overview of driver working time in real-time
