The smart tachograph, introduced in June 2019, is an advanced iteration of the digital tachograph required in every bus or truck. It utilizes satellite systems for automatic location data storage, facilitating easier detection of violations.
Employing Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) technology, authorities can access various tachograph data during vehicle operation.
While mandatory for new vehicles, existing ones can retain older tachograph models. Accompanying the smart tachograph are updated driver cards, company cards, workshop cards, and inspection cards, although the first-generation cards can still be used with the new system.
Official GOV.UK release see:
Approved tachograph centre special notice 01-23
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Published 11 January 2024
Smart Tachograph 2 – Key dates and replacement rules for UK
Regulation (EU) 165/2014 as it has effect in the UK (the “Regulation”), was amended by the Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs, International Road Haulage and Licensing of Operators (Amendment) Regulations 2022 to specify the implementation dates for the smart tachograph 2.
However, due to an element of the smart tachograph 2 (relating to authentication of positions recorded by the tachograph) not being available by 21 August 2023, which is the implementation date for newly registered vehicles being used internationally, the Regulation was further amended by the Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs (Amendment) Regulations 2023 to allow for a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 to be used.
1.1 Dates for fitting smart tachograph 2
In accordance with Article 3 of the Regulation, the implementation dates for the fitment of the smart tachograph 2, including a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 are:
1. On or after 21 August 2023
On or after 21 August 2023, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be fitted into newly registered in-scope vehicles (goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles with 10 or more seats) undertaking international journeys.
If the vehicle is operating only within the UK, then a smart tachograph 1 can continue to be fitted, if still available.
2. On or after 31 December 2024
On or after 31 December 2024, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be retrofitted into in-scope vehicles with an analogue or digital tachograph undertaking international journeys.
If the vehicle is operating only within the UK, then the vehicle can still use the original digital or analogue tachograph that has been fitted.
3. On or after 19 August 2025
On or after 19 August 2025, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be retrofitted into in-scope vehicles currently fitted with a smart tachograph 1 that are undertaking international journeys.
If the vehicle is operating only within the UK, then the vehicle can still use the smart tachograph 1 that has originally been fitted.
4. On or after 21 February 2024
On or after 21 February 2024, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be fitted into all newly registered in-scope vehicles regardless of journey types.
5. On or after 1 July 2026
On or after 1 July 2026, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be fitted into newly registered goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes, undertaking international journeys for hire and reward.
If the vehicle is undertaking an international journey for the driver or company’s own account and driving does not constitute the main activity of the driver, there is no requirement to fit a tachograph.
In addition, if the vehicle weighs over 2.5 tonnes and less than 3.5 tonnes and is operating only within the UK, then there continues to be no requirement to fit a tachograph into the vehicle.
1.2 Rules for replacing a broken or defective smart tachograph 1
6. For vehicles undertaking international journeys
For vehicles undertaking international journeys, it is recommended that a faulty smart tachograph 1 be replaced with a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 from 21 August 2023.
7. For vehicles being operated only within the UK
For vehicles being operated only within the UK, the tachograph currently installed can be replaced on a like for like basis. Where this is not possible, for example due to supply shortfalls, then the vehicle may be fitted with a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2.
8. ‘Transitional’ Smart Tachograph 2
There is no legal requirement for a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 to be upgraded to a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 later. Therefore a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 can remain in service unchanged.
9. Smart 2 workshop cards
Approved Tachograph Centres should by now have received their new Smart 2 workshop cards which must now be used from 21 August 2023. Workshop cards currently being used up to that date must be securely retained in the safe by the Approved Tachograph Centre in case they are required for examination by DVSA examiners undertaking Approved Tachograph Centre visits.
