In a crucial update for the transport industry, it was announced in mid-December 2024 that a grace period has been granted for the installation of Smart2 Tachographs in vehicles operating in Member States other than their country of registration. 

This decision, made by the Committee on Road Transport, allows for a two-month educational period, meaning that enforcement for non-compliance will be postponed until February 28, 2025.

 

What Does This Mean for Transport Operators?

As of January 1, 2025, all vehicles currently equipped with analogue or digital non-smart tachographs that operate across borders within the EU are required to be fitted with the smart tachograph version 2, in line with EU Regulation (EU) No 165/2014. This regulation mandates that vehicles must be retrofitted with the upgraded tachograph to comply with the latest standards.

However, acknowledging the challenges faced by many operators, particularly due to supply chain issues and the complexity of the retrofit process, the European Commission has granted this temporary reprieve. This means that, from January 2025 until the end of February, enforcement agencies will focus primarily on raising awareness about the new requirements, rather than issuing penalties for non-compliance. The key takeaway here is that businesses still have some time to complete the necessary upgrades without facing fines, as long as they are actively working towards meeting the deadline.

 

Why Was the Grace Period Introduced?

The grace period is a response to the logistical hurdles that transport companies are encountering in meeting the retrofit requirement. The shift to smart tachographs involves not only the installation of the devices but also the integration of software updates and driver training. These changes can be time-consuming and costly, especially for businesses with large fleets or those relying on older vehicle models. The decision to delay penalties allows companies a bit more breathing room to complete the required installations and ensures that they are not unduly penalized for delays outside of their control.

Additionally, disruptions in the global supply chain have affected the availability of smart tachographs and the necessary equipment for retrofitting vehicles. With this in mind, the EU has decided to extend the compliance period, prioritizing education and awareness over enforcement during the first two months of 2025.

 

What Happens After the Grace Period?

While the grace period provides valuable leeway, after February 28, 2025, authorities will begin strict enforcement of the new regulations, which means penalties for non-compliance will be applied.

Transport operators who fail to meet the deadline will face the risk of fines and other sanctions during roadside inspections. These penalties can disrupt operations, causing delays and additional costs. Therefore, it is crucial for companies to use this grace period effectively, ensuring that all necessary retrofits and paperwork are completed before enforcement begins.

 

Steps to Take Now

1. Order smart tachographs: If your fleet has not yet made the switch, now is the time to order and schedule the installation of smart tachographs. Ensure that the necessary devices are in stock and ready for installation.
2. Plan installation and training: Transport operators should ensure that their vehicles are retrofitted as soon as possible. Driver training should also be prioritized to ensure that all personnel are familiar with the new systems.
3. Monitor progress and stay informed: Use this grace period to stay updated on any further changes or announcements regarding the smart tachograph requirements. It’s important to ensure full compliance well before the enforcement period begins.
4. Use TachoSafe solutions: TachoSafe offers seamless tachograph solutions that help businesses manage data, monitor compliance, and simplify the transition to smart tachographs. Our advanced tachograph readers and data management services ensure that you’re always prepared for inspections and regulatory changes, while our Smart2 Update helps you stay compliant without having to change your download equipment, as it makes older tachograph readers, like our Tacho2Safe, compatible with Smart2 tachographs.

 

The decision to introduce a grace period until February 2025 for the enforcement of smart tachograph compliance is a positive development for the transport industry. This extended timeline offers companies more time to retrofit their vehicles and make the necessary adjustments to stay compliant with the EU’s new regulations. However, businesses should not delay – the final deadline is fast approaching, and once the grace period ends, strict enforcement will begin.

At TachoSafe, we understand the importance of staying ahead of regulatory changes. Our solutions are designed to help transport companies manage tachograph compliance with ease, ensuring that businesses are always prepared for inspections and regulatory deadlines. 

Now is the time to act – make sure your fleet is ready for the future of transport data management.