The European Union (EU) introduced the Mobility Package, a series of regulations aimed at improving road safety, enhancing working conditions, and ensuring fair competition within the transport industry. As a transport company operating within the EU, staying compliant with these new rules is crucial for avoiding fines, disruptions, and ensuring that your operations continue smoothly. 

One of the central aspects of this package is the mandatory upgrade to the new second-generation Smart 2 tachographs, designed to streamline data management and ensure compliance with the latest safety standards.

Understanding the EU Mobility Package

The EU Mobility Package introduces several regulatory measures aimed at addressing long-standing issues in the transport industry, such as road safety, drivers’ working hours, and ensuring fair competition. The introduction of Smart 2 tachographs is one of the most significant changes, especially for companies operating vehicles over 3.5 tons in international transport.

Smart 2 tachographs provide advanced features, including automatic country code registration, tamper-proof data, and real-time monitoring, making it easier for road authorities to detect violations and ensure that vehicles comply with the latest EU regulations.

Key deadlines for Mobility Package compliance

As part of the Mobility Package, specific deadlines have been set for upgrading tachographs across different types of vehicles:

• August 21, 2023: All newly registered vehicles over 3.5 tons must be equipped with a second-generation Smart 2 tachograph.
• End of 2024: Mandatory retrofit of all analogue and 1B tachographs in vehicles used for international transport.
• August 19, 2025: Mandatory retrofit for first-generation Smart 1 tachographs for vehicles in international transport.
• July 1, 2026: All vehicles above 2.5 tons used for international transport must be equipped with Smart 2 tachographs.

It’s essential to plan and act promptly to avoid the risk of non-compliance. Failure to upgrade within the specified deadlines could result in your vehicles being taken off the road until the necessary equipment is installed.

Why Upgrade to Smart 2 Tachographs?

Smart 2 tachographs represent the next generation of digital tachographs, designed to meet the latest EU regulations. They offer several key advantages that improve fleet management and compliance:

• Automatic Country Code Registration: This feature automatically registers country changes, reducing the need for drivers to stop at borders, which saves time and reduces transit hazards.
• Enhanced Compliance: Smart 2 tachographs adhere to the latest rules, such as the ship rule during weekly rest periods and managing two consecutive shortened weekly rest periods, helping drivers and fleet managers stay compliant with ease.
• Tamper-Proof Data: The new tachographs offer enhanced protection against tampering and manipulation, ensuring that the data collected is accurate and reliable.

As of now, the prices for Smart 2 tachographs remain stable. However, as the deadlines approach, demand will increase, potentially driving up costs. Upgrading now allows your company to secure the best prices and avoid a significant financial burden as the deadline nears. By January 1, 2025, all international transport vehicles must be equipped with Smart 2 tachographs. Non-compliance could result in vehicles being taken off the road and hefty fines — penalties could reach up to €20,000 in Germany and 10,000 zloty in Poland.

Cost-Effective solutions for tachograph readers

In addition to upgrading your tachographs, you might be wondering whether you’ll need to replace your tachograph reader. Fortunately, with the TachoSafe G2V2 software update, there is no need to purchase new devices. This update ensures that your existing TachoSafe devices remain fully compatible with Smart 2 tachographs and the latest driver cards.

For just €69 per device (with the possibility of obtaining additional discounts using reseller promo codes), the G2V2 update offers a cost-effective solution to maintain compatibility with the latest technology. By opting for this update, you can avoid the cost of purchasing new devices while reducing electronic waste. Additionally, the update process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes using a PC or laptop and a USB cable. If your devices meet certain criteria (such as having a serial number greater than 274000 or updates purchased after January 1, 2023), you may even be eligible for a free update.

Steps to update your TachoSafe devices

To ensure that your devices are compatible with the new Smart 2 tachographs, follow these simple steps:

1. Download the Update: Visit the TachoSafe website to download the G2V2 software update.
2. Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your TachoSafe device to a PC or laptop.
3. Run the Update: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

This quick and simple update process ensures that your fleet remains compliant without the need for costly new equipment.

Avoid fines and disruptions by upgrading now

Upgrading your tachographs and ensuring that your TachoSafe equipment is up to date is not just about compliance — it’s about avoiding costly fines, minimizing downtime, and ensuring operational efficiency. As the deadlines approach, workshops will become crowded, and prices for upgrades could rise significantly. Acting now ensures that your fleet stays on the road, and you avoid potential financial penalties.

 

In summary, compliance with the EU Mobility Package is essential for any transport company operating within Europe. By upgrading to Smart 2 tachographs and ensuring your TachoSafe devices are updated with the G2V2 software, you’ll not only meet regulatory requirements but also improve the efficiency of your fleet. Don’t wait until the last minute — take action now to ensure compliance, avoid increased costs, and keep your business running smoothly. 

For more information or to schedule your update, contact TachoSafe today!