Driving is the most dangerous work activity most people do, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Employers must ensure professional drivers are not at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, which is one reason why a smart tachograph is so important.

Smart 2 tachographs have been mandatory in all new vehicles since 21 August 2023. From 31 December 2024, all international road transport vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more must switch to the latest smart tachograph version 2 for improved tracking and safer roads.

Because of expected heavy demand, there are concerns in the sector about capacity among workshop installers as the deadline approaches. Businesses could take a more proactive approach by booking in over the next few months to avoid the rush at the end of the year.

Skillray Transport Services UK, which supplies tachograph hardware from manufacturers including Stoneridge and Continental, has already voiced its concerns about potential supply chain issues with parts during busy periods, as well as workshop availability.

“New developments in Smart tachograph legislation will impact on how transport and leisure fleet customers manage compliance relating to drivers’ hours,” says Richard Hill, our Head of Mobility & Logistics.

“Tachographs, more commonly known as Tachos, have been around for decades, initially as analogue systems and latterly digital ‘smart’ tachos.

“We’re keen to support the signposting of the impending changes to ensure businesses are aware of the changes and are prepared in the lead up to the deadline.”

A tachograph is a device that records driving times and rest periods as well as periods of other work and availability taken by the driver and co-driver of a heavy vehicle. The purpose of the tachograph is to prevent driver’s fatigue and to guarantee fair competition and road safety.

Once a vehicle is turned on, the tachograph is activated and will use the latest intelligent transport technology to record and store various aspects of a driver’s work including:

• Driving times
• Mileage and speed
• Rest periods and non-working hours
• Border crossing and entry into an EU member state
• Load/unload operations and precise location

Tachographs have been used for decades but recent developments in EU legislation have led to the latest version of smart tachograph, called Smart 2 (SMT2). Even though the UK has left the EU, you may still need to follow EU rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs.

The SMT2 is a key tool for monitoring compliance with EU driving and rest time rules and as of August 2023, SMT2 have been mandatory in new vehicles:

• Weighing more than 3.5 tonnes when they are intended for the transport of goods
• New vehicles carrying more than nine persons including the driver
• When they are intended for the transport of passengers

December 2024

From 31 December 2024, all international road transport vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more must switch to the latest smart tachograph version 2 for improved tracking and safer roads. This also includes vehicles equipped with an analogue or digital non-smart tachograph.

August 2025

By 18 August 2025 the vehicles equipped with a smart tachograph version 1 will need to replace and install the second generation of this smart technology.

July 2026

By 1 July 2026, all new vehicles above 2.5 tonnes in international road transport or cabotage operations will be equipped with a smart tachograph version 2 (second generation smart tachograph).

Follow us on social media for more on the latest rules and regulations affecting your business. To learn more about how to adapt to the latest legislation, speak with your NatWest representative.