The transport industry never stands still, and neither does the legislation on driving and rest times. Since the introduction of the European ‘Mobility Package’, the second generation of the smart tachograph, the Smart Tacho 2 (G2V2), has become the new standard.
Do you drive internationally? Then this will inevitably affect you. In this article, we explain what is changing, which deadlines you need to meet, and why you shouldn’t wait too long to have it installed.
The new standard on the road
The Smart Tacho 2 is more than just a minor update; it is an essential tool for the European Union to ensure fair competition and improve road safety. While the first generation of ‘smart tacho’ already helped with remote checks, the Smart Tacho 2 goes a step further by automating registrations.
What’s new? The key features
The Smart Tacho 2 makes a number of things much easier for drivers, but it also means stricter checks on compliance with cabotage rules.
Automatic border crossing
Perhaps the biggest improvement. You no longer have to stop at the first safe parking area after crossing the border to enter the country symbol manually. The tachograph now does this automatically via satellite connection (GNSS).
Recording loading and unloading
The new software has specific features to indicate when and where you load or unload.
Type of transport
It records whether the transport involves goods or passengers.
Additional security
The system is better protected against fraud and signal tampering.
When do you need to have switched over?
This is the most important point for transport operators. Strict deadlines apply for replacing old tachographs in vehicles used for international transport (within the EU).
| Tachograph type | Replacement deadline |
| Analogue & digital (non-smart) tachographs | 31 December 2024 |
| Smart Tacho 1 (vehicles registered after June 2019) | 18 August 2025 |
| Light commercial vehicles (2.5 to 3.5 tonnes) | 1 July 2026 |
Please note: These deadlines only apply to vehicles engaged in cross-border transport. If you only operate within the Netherlands, replacement is not yet mandatory (for now) for existing vehicles.
Why not postpone the switch?
It may seem a long way off, but experience shows that pressure on workshops increases enormously as a deadline approaches.
- Heavy fines: Enforcement across Europe is strict. If you drive internationally after the deadline without a Smart Tacho 2, you risk fines that can run into the thousands of euros.
- Avoid downtime: If workshops are fully booked and your tachograph has not been replaced in time, you will no longer be allowed to cross the border. This means your fleet will be out of action and you will lose income.
- Combine it with maintenance: Plan the retrofit during a regular service or the vehicle inspection to avoid extra trips to the garage.
Do you need a new driver card?
Good news: your current driver card will continue to work with the Smart Tacho 2. However, a new generation of cards is available to make the most of all the new features (such as the increased storage capacity for additional data). When your current card expires, you will automatically receive the latest version, which is fully compatible with the G2V2.
Ready for the future
The Smart Tacho 2 is here to stay. Although it requires an investment, it also means fewer administrative tasks on the road and a fairer playing field throughout Europe. Check today which vehicles in your fleet are due for an upgrade, and schedule an appointment at the garage in good time.
Frequently asked questions about the Smart Tacho 2
Is the Smart Tacho 2 mandatory if I only drive in the Netherlands?
No. The requirement (retrofit) currently only applies to vehicles that cross the border. If you only operate within the Netherlands, you can continue using your current tachograph.
What is the fine if I miss the deadline?
Driving without the correct tachograph for international transport is considered a very serious offence. Expect fines of thousands of euros and the risk of your vehicle being pulled off the road immediately.
How can I identify a Smart Tacho 2 in my cab?
Check the type approval number on the tachograph or the printer tray. On the latest models (G2V2), this usually starts with e1 402 (Stoneridge) or e1 222 (VDO). You’ll also see the new ‘Loading/Unloading’ option in the menu.
Does this also apply to electric trucks?
Yes. The rules are based on the vehicle’s weight and type of transport, not its fuel. So the Smart Tacho 2 is also mandatory for international transport with an electric truck.
How much does it cost to replace a tachograph?
On average, the cost is between € 1.300,- and € 1.700,-. This includes the hardware, installation and the mandatory calibration at the workshop.
