Tachograph – when to replace it to avoid a fine in the EU?

The year 2025 will bring significant changes to transport regulations, which will largely affect carriers operating in international transport. The requirements introduced in stages by the European Union mean that existing on-board devices in vehicles will have to be replaced with second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2). Another important deadline in this regard is approaching in August, and failure to meet it may result in fines of up to several thousand euros and compulsory vehicle downtime.

In this article, we explain who needs to replace their tachograph, what are the key deadlines for purchasing a newer version, how much the replacement costs and what are the consequences of failing to comply with this obligation.

What is a tachograph?

A tachograph is an on-board unit (OBU – On-Board Unit) that records, among other things, driving time, speed and selected data on the driver’s work. Its role is to monitor compliance with working time regulations and to support safety in the road transport sector.

A tachograph is mandatory in vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of over 3.5 tonnes and in buses designed to carry more than nine people (including the driver) used in international and domestic transport. From 1 July 2026, this requirement will also apply to lighter commercial vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, but only in international transport.

Tachographs are available in analogue and digital versions, but analogue models are currently being replaced by digital devices, which enable more accurate recording and easier data control.

Modern digital tachographs record, among other things:

• driving time,
• rest periods and duty periods,
• speed and distance travelled,
• GPS location (including when crossing Member State borders),
• information on loading and unloading,
• attempts to tamper with the device.

Thanks to this data, control authorities can efficiently verify whether the driver and the company comply with the applicable legal standards. The tachograph is therefore not only a device that records journey details, but also a tool used to ensure that the driver’s work complies with national and EU regulations.

Would you like to learn more about digital tachographs? Read: Digital tachograph – what is it and how does it work? >>>

Second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2)

Second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2) are the latest type of device introduced in the European Union as part of the Mobility Package. They are an evolution of the technology known from the first version of smart tachographs (G2V1) and offer a number of improved features that are crucial for carriers in international road transport.

Compared to earlier models, they provide, among other things:

• extended automatic recording of border crossings using GNSS – they record more location points along the route, not just the moment of entry into or exit from another country,
• the ability to enter loading and unloading data directly into the device, which supports the control of drivers’ working time and the flow of cargo,
• remote data reading by control authorities without the need to stop the vehicle,
• increased tachograph memory capacity and longer data storage period,
• better tamper protection and remote software update capability,
• additional reporting options that facilitate fleet management and avoid the risk of non-compliance.

With these solutions, G2V2 not only complies with applicable EU standards, but also simplifies the work of drivers and transport companies. At the same time, it standardises requirements for carriers across the EU and improves safety in the transport industry.

In summary, the tachograph is an electronic ‘guardian of drivers’ time and work’, and its second-generation smart version is now required in an increasing number of vehicles operating in the EU.

Tachograph replacement obligation – deadline

The obligation to replace tachographs with second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2) – introduced by the Mobility Package – applies primarily to vehicles used in international transport within the EU. The changes are being introduced in stages, and the replacement deadlines depend on the type of device currently installed in the vehicle and its date of first registration.

Deadlines for mandatory replacement of tachographs in the EU

The Mobility Package introduces a replacement schedule to gradually phase out older generations of tachographs and improve the effectiveness of driver working time checks across the EU. In 2025, the most important date to note is 18 August (replacement of first-generation smart tachographs, i.e. G2V1), and in 2026 – 1 July, when the obligation will also apply to smaller vehicles in international transport.

Who needs to replace their tachograph with a new one?

The obligation to replace tachographs with second-generation smart models (G2V2) applies to owners of vehicles used in international transport within the European Union with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes – from 1 July 2026, 2.5 tonnes.

Importantly, these regulations also apply in Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom, to the extent that these countries have adopted the EU regulations. However, they do not apply to vehicles used exclusively for domestic transport or in relation to countries outside the EU and the areas mentioned above, e.g. Ukraine.

Remember! If a vehicle that has previously only been driven domestically is to travel abroad even once, a G2V2 tachograph must be installed in advance to avoid penalties and vehicle immobilisation during checks.

How much does it cost to replace a tachograph?

The average cost of replacing a tachograph with a smart G2V2 in 2025 is between £750 and £1,300 net per vehicle. The price includes the purchase of the device, installation, calibration and replacement of the motion sensor.

The cost is influenced by, among other things:

• the brand and model of the tachograph,
• the rates of an authorised service centre,
• any additional work (e.g. installation of a DSRC antenna).

For larger fleets, it is worth planning the replacement in advance to avoid queues and price increases before the mandatory deadlines.

How long does it take to replace a tachograph?

Replacing a tachograph at an authorised service centre takes on average about 3 hours. The process includes removing the old device, installing the new G2V2 tachograph, connecting and replacing the motion sensor, and calibration.

Many carriers decide to combine the replacement with periodic tachograph calibration, which is mandatory after installing a new device. Scheduling the work during technical inspections or longer fleet downtime avoids delays in order fulfilment.

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Failure to replace the tachograph – consequences

Failure to replace the tachograph with a second-generation smart model (G2V2) within the required time limit may lead to serious financial, legal and reputational consequences. Once the key dates specified in the Mobility Package regulations have passed, traffic enforcement authorities in EU Member States may immediately impose heavy fines and vehicles may be immobilised.

The main consequences include:

• Financial penalties – the amount of the penalty varies from country to country. It is important to note that in most EU Member States, not only high fines are imposed, but also additional sanctions, such as a driving ban or vehicle impoundment. In EU countries, fines can reach tens of thousands of euros.
• Prohibition of continuing transport – a vehicle without the required tachograph may be stopped at the border or during a roadside check, resulting in forced downtime and additional logistics costs.
• Risk of losing your licence – failure to comply with the requirements is considered a serious violation of the law, which may result in the loss of your international transport licence.
• Reputational damage – a serious violation recorded in the registers may undermine the trust of contractors, affect the company’s credibility in tenders and increase the frequency of inspections.

In most EU countries, the financial penalties for not having a G2V2 tachograph are so high that they exceed the cost of replacing the device itself, and additional sanctions (e.g. loss of licence, driving ban) can cause serious operational and reputational losses. Replacing the tachograph on time is therefore not only a legal obligation, but also an investment in the safety of your business and your company’s reputation. For these reasons, we recommend replacing the equipment without undue delay.

Summary

The obligation to replace tachographs in international road transport is crucial for compliance with the EU Mobility Package. Older devices must be replaced with second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2), which enable, among other things, remote reading of tachographs.

Vehicles with a first-generation smart tachograph (G2V1) should replace their devices by 18 August 2025 to avoid the risk of financial penalties and unplanned downtime. After 1 July 2026, this obligation will also apply to vehicles with a GVW between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes. Many years of experience of technical services allow for efficient and quick installation of modern tachographs, but planning the replacement well in advance minimises the risk of disruptions in international transport. Carriers who have exceeded the required deadline should replace their devices immediately to avoid further consequences.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

When is the mandatory replacement of tachographs?

The mandatory replacement of tachographs in international road transport depends on the date of first registration of the vehicle and the type of device. The nearest deadline applies to first-generation smart tachographs (G2V1) – 18 August 2025, and the next one will cover lighter vehicles, such as buses, with a maximum permissible weight of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes – 1 July 2026.

Which vehicles will need to have their tachographs replaced in 2025?

Replacement in 2025 is mandatory in vehicles with a GVW of over 3.5 tonnes and buses used in international transport that have a first-generation smart tachograph (G2V1) installed, registered between 15 June 2019 and 21 August 2023. This requirement does not apply to vehicles used exclusively for domestic transport.

Will new tachographs be mandatory in 2025?

Yes, in 2025, the obligation to have new second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2) in international road transport will apply to vehicles equipped with first-generation smart tachographs (G2V1). The deadline for their replacement is 18 August 2025, and after that date, failure to replace them will result in an immediate financial penalty.

How does a digital tachograph differ from an analogue tachograph?

A digital tachograph stores data in the device’s memory and on the driver card, and modern models allow remote reading of tachographs by control authorities. An analogue tachograph records data on paper discs and is less resistant to possible manipulation.

According to the new Mobility Package regulations, 31 December 2024 was the deadline for the mandatory replacement of analogue tachographs in vehicles performing international transport within the European Union.