New tachographs - what, how and when?

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What are tachographs?

Tachographs are vehicle-mounted devices that are used to record a driver's working time and information on distances travelled and speed. They are intended to ensure compliance with regulations on drivers' working and rest times, which is important for road safety.

Why new tachographs?

The introduction of the new tachographs is due to the need to adapt the regulations to changing conditions in road transport. The current tachographs often no longer meet the technological requirements and are susceptible to manipulation. The new equipment is expected to be more technologically advanced, allowing for better control and more accurate monitoring of drivers' working time.

What changes do the new tachographs introduce?

The new tachographs have many tasks to perform. Here are some of the key tasks that will be carried out by these new devices:

• Recording the driver's working time: the tachographs will continue to record the driver's working time, which is important for monitoring and complying with working and rest time regulations.
• Vehicle location monitoring: The new tachographs will track the location of the vehicle using GNSS technology, making it possible to determine exactly where the vehicle is at any given time.
• Speed and speeding control: The tachographs will monitor the speed of the vehicle and record any speeding in order to promote safe driving.
• Recording of emergency events: The new tachographs will be able to record sudden events, such as sudden braking or bumps, to analyse the situation and improve road safety.
• Transmission of data to control authorities: Data from the tachographs will be sent directly to the relevant control authorities, facilitating the supervision of compliance and allowing a rapid response in the event of irregularities.
• Recording of border crossings: The new tachographs will automatically record border crossings within the European Union using GNSS locations, making it easier for roadside inspectors to check compliance with the rules.
• Remote control and communication with external systems: Thanks to DSRC antennas and an ITS interface, the new tachographs will enable remote control, including monitoring of maximum driving time, and will also communicate with other transport systems via Bluetooth.
• Software updates: the new tachographs will have the possibility of software updates to adapt to possible changes in legislation and technological improvements.

The implementation of these tasks by the new tachographs is intended to facilitate the work of drivers, improve road safety and make compliance with regulations more effective for inspection services.

How to prepare for the introduction of the new tachographs?

Transport operators should prepare for the introduction of the new tachographs. First of all, they should familiarise themselves with the new regulations and technical requirements for tachographs. It is also important to remember to train the drivers who will be using the new equipment. It is also important to provide adequate technical support and adapt company procedures to the new requirements.

The introduction of the new tachographs is taking place in stages. Here is the current plan:

From 21 August 2023, it will be necessary to install the new tachographs in new vehicles and in older vehicles used for international transport. 

The first phase of replacement takes place until 31 December 2024. From 1 January 2025, all old analogue and digital tachographs that were manufactured before June 2019 and installed in vehicles used for international transport must be replaced by new smart tachographs, either in the first or second version.

On 19 August 2025, the second phase of equipment replacement ends. From then on, trucks used in international transport will have to be fitted with new tachographs of the second version.

From 1 July 2026, a second-generation tachograph will be mandatory for all vehicles over 2.5 tonnes in international road transport.

The introduction of the new tachographs from August 2023 aims to improve safety and fairness in road transport. The new devices will be more technologically advanced and will enable better control of drivers' working time. Entrepreneurs and drivers should prepare for these changes in order to meet the new requirements and comply with current legislation.

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