Smart Tachograph 2 Retrofit Requirements

16 April 2024

The CPT have recently sent this circular to remind operators:

A reminder to all members who operate vehicles internationally that many vehicles come in to scope of Smart Tachograph 2 from the end of 2024.

Vehicles used internationally, with older tachographs (analogue and digital), first registered before 25th June 2019 need to be retro-fitted with Smart Tachograph 2 systems by 31st December 2024.

Vehicles with Smart Tacho 1 (fitted from June 2019 to 20th August 2023, and some during the transitional period to the end of 2023) must be retro fitted with Smart Tacho 2 from 19th August 2025.

Members are also reminded to check that the correct equipment is installed when purchasing vehicles, particularly after the key dates above.

Vehicles used within the UK only are not affected by the retro-fitment requirements.

A recent IRU blog provided by Continental provided that:

“There are enough DTCO 4.1 smart tachograph version 2 devices available on the market. The workshop network is ready to support fleets by retrofitting commercial vehicles engaged in international transport with the smart tachograph 2.

What we have not seen so far are fleets using their mandatory periodical inspections to exchange their old tachographs for new ones, such as the VDO DTCO 4.1. We strongly recommend doing so. Otherwise, we may end up in a situation whereby workshops are overloaded.

A lack of reliable information and rumours circulating in the industry are a challenge for companies. We recommend that operators use their regular tachograph inspections to retrofit vehicles used in international transport.”

For support in relation to this matter, contact operations@cpt-uk.org

Back Academy also run a number of live on-line sessions on tahcographs and the rules applying to them, which you can find here.