The 4,600 km long Baltic-Adriatic Corridor is a vital artery for European transport, connecting the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic through key industrial areas. In this axis, the implementation of the second-generation V2 smart tachograph has become a crucial requirement for transport operators, ensuring the integrity of operations and road safety.

The Baltic-Adriatic Corridor is one of the most important trans-European road axes. It connects the Baltic Sea with the Adriatic through Southern Poland (Upper Silesia), Vienna, Bratislava, the eastern Alpine region, and Northern Italy.

Since 21st August 2023, Regulation 1054/2014 stipulates that first-registration vehicles on the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor must be equipped with a second-generation V2 smart tachograph.

The new device has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and its new functionalities are worthy of attention:

  • Automatic Border Crossing Registration:
  • Recording Positions in Loading and Unloading Operations
  • Early Remote Sensing
  • Interface with Intelligent Conveyor Systems

Flexibility and deadlines

For Europe, the installation of the second-generation V2 smart tachograph is of vital importance. However, stakeholders were aware of the logistical challenges that could come with a lack of stock of these devices. As a result, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) suggested that the replacement of the V1 smart tachograph with a V2 smart tachograph could be extended until 18 August 2025. This extension sought to facilitate gradual installation and ensure operators have sufficient time to comply with regulations.

Penalties

The countries of the European Union are not waiting, and have already established penalties for those vehicles that do not operate with the approved tachograph. Road safety and the integrity of operations are at stake. So, drivers and transport companies, should consider equipping vehicles with the second-generation V2 smart tachograph as a priority.

What penalties will you face in the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor if you don't equip a second-generation V2 smart tachograph?

Detailed below are what penalties will be imposed in each of the countries that the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor crosses:

Poland

In Poland, no extraordinary measures have been taken. As a result, newly registered vehicles must be driven with a second-generation V2 smart tachograph since last August 2023.

If a vehicle carrying out road transport is not equipped with the required tachograph and with an approval certificate, faces an administrative penalty of 2,278 Euros.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, driving with an unapproved tachograph carries a penalty of up to 350,000 Czech crowns (CZK).

Slovakia

If driving in the Slovak Republic, and a roadside check reveals that the vehicle is not equipped with the appropriate version of the tachograph, road haulers may be subject to penalties for non-compliance with the legislation.

It is very important to bear in mind that in the Slovak Republic:

  • if a vehicle that requires to be equipped with a control device does not have one, or
  • installs a control device that has not been approved by the EC, or
  • that has not been subjected to a regular inspection, or
  • that uses the vehicle with an inoperative or damaged control device, or
  • that the tachograph presents a fault

All of these circumstances will face administrative penalties ranging from €1,659 to €16,596.

In addition, the control authorities are authorized to retain the registration certificate and the license plate, which will be returned to the transport company when the problem is solved.

Austria

Vehicles registered for the first time, from 21st August 2023, used only in domestic traffic, may be equipped with a second-generation tachograph first version until 31st May 2024. In addition, when selling such vehicles, the purchaser must be informed in writing of the obligation to retrofit the tachograph.

Please note that in Austria, it is expressly stated that this exemption is only applicable in the country. In international transport, a second-generation V2 tachograph must be installed and used.

The penalty for not using an approved tachograph ranges from €400 to €5,000.

Italy

In Italy, driving a vehicle without an approved tachograph will result in an administrative penalty ranging from €866 to €3,464. In addition, it is associated with a suspension of the driving license from fifteen days to three months.

Likewise, the owner of the vehicle or transport authorization can also be sanctioned with a fine ranging from €831 to €3,328 and will have to fit the correct the equipment within 10 days.

 

Summary

Every kilometer driven without the second-generation V2 smart tachograph in the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor increases the chances of high penalties. Don't jeopardize your transportation operations. It's time to act proactively and equip your vehicles with the technology needed to comply with European regulations.

We understand the challenges faced by transport operators in an ever-evolving regulatory environment. That's why we offer effective solutions to ensure regulatory compliance and protect your route.

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