Be aware: since 1st March 2025, the authorities in Spain and Italy have begun to impose economic and administrative sanctions on vehicles that carry out international transport and that do not have the approved second-generation intelligent tachograph (2GV2) fitted, such as VDO's DTCO 4.1 (the first to receive this approval in Europe).

Fines for not using the smart tachograph version 2:

If your fleet carries out international transport, it is essential that you read this information to avoid fines, vehicle immobilisations and the loss of good repute of your company.

The ‘educational period’ is over: sanctions are now already in place.

The 1st March 2025 marked the end of the educational period established by the European Commission for the installation of the 2GV2 smart tachograph on heavy-duty vehicles over 3.5 tons carrying out international transport.

This period, which began on 1st January 2025, allowed hauliers to adapt to the European Mobility Package regulations without receiving immediate penalties. During those two months, the roadside controls focused on informing and raising awareness about the obligation to install the 2GV2 tachograph.

However, since 1st March 2025, the authorities have begun to apply sanctions. In Spain and Italy, the first fines have already been issued for trucks that do not comply with the regulations. The figures are overwhelming and the consequences serious.

Spain: fines of up to €2,001

In Spain, the penalties for not complying with the regulations of the 2GV2 smart tachograph are severe. Vehicles that carry out international transport without an approved tachograph may face:

  • Administrative fine of up to 2,001 euros.
  • Immobilisation of the vehicle.
  • Loss of good repute for the transport company.

One of the first sanctions was imposed on 10th March 2025 in Funes (Navarra) on a Romanian carrier that carried out operations between Spain and France without the 2GV2 smart tachograph.

Italy: fines of up to €3,464 and withdrawal of driving licence

In Italy, the penalties are even more severe. According to Trans.Info, on 1st March 2025, the Polizia Locale de Bari stopped a Bulgarian truck that didn’t have the approved tachograph fitted. As a result, the driver was fined 866 euros and had his driver's license temporarily withdrawn. The judicial authorities will decide the duration of the driving ban, which could reach up to three months.

More sanctions in Italy are possible:

According to our guide "European sanctions for not incorporating the right tachograph", the following consequences could apply:

  • Administrative fines of 866 to 3,464 euros.
  • Suspension of the driving license between 15 days and 3 months.
  • Additional penalty for the owner of the vehicle or transport authorisation, from 831 to 3,328 euros.
  • Obligation to regularize the equipment within a maximum period of 10 days.
  • Deduction of 10 points from the Driver's Qualification Certificate (CQC).

The penalties are set out in Article 179 of the Italian Highway Code.

Comply with regulations and avoid penalties

VDO recommend that you act immediately to avoid penalties and legal problems.

  • Check your vehicles: Make sure that all vehicles in your fleet that carry out international transport have the approved 2GV2 smart tachograph, such as VDO’s DTCO 4.1.
  • Plan the replacement: If your vehicles still do not comply with the regulations, schedule the installation of the appropriate tachograph.
  • Train your drivers: Inform your drivers about the importance of adhering to driving and rest times, and how the smart tachograph helps them ensure their safety and that of other users.
  • Stay informed: Follow our posts and sign up to the VDO customer portal (MyVDO) to receive the latest VDO news and regulatory changes.

The time to act is now

The penalties are already in place, and the consequences of not complying with the 2GV2 smart tachograph regulations can be serious for your company:

  • High fines.
  • Immobilisation of vehicles.
  • Loss of good repute.

At VDO, we not only inform you about these changes, but we also help you in the digitalisation process of your company with updated information and practical solutions.

Don't wait for the fines to arrive at your office. Check, plan and train your team to comply with the European Mobility Package 1.

 

For more information on the EU Mobility Package 1 and smart tachograph version 2, sign up to MyVDO - https://my.vdo.com/