The 3,200-kilometre North Sea-Baltic Corridor is not only a physical route linking ports, but also a crucial network for trade and mobility in Europe. To ensure transparency, safety and security in International transport, Regulation 1054/2014 requires the installation of second-generation V2 smart tachographs in new vehicles from 21st August 2023. European Union countries have established rigorous penalties for those who do not comply with these regulations. From Poland to the Netherlands, fines can reach up to €4,400.

 

In Europe, a vitally important corridor stretches for 3,200 kilometers: the North Sea-Baltic Corridor. It links the ports on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea with the ports of the North Sea, and crosses a number of European nations, creating a network of mobility and trade.

Regulation 1054/2014 establishes that from 21st August 2023, vehicles must be fitted with a V2 second-generation smart tachograph. This device, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, offers functionalities such as:

  • Automatic registration of border crossings.
  • Recording of positions in loading and unloading operations.
  • Exchange of data with the supervisory authority through the Early Remote Sensing system.
  • Interface with intelligent transport systems.

With this regulation, Europe prioritized the implementation of the second-generation V2 smart tachograph. Yet, a possible lack of stock opened the door to inspection flexibilities.

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) suggested that the replacement of the V1 smart tachograph with a V2 in vehicles registered between 21st August 2023 and 31st December 2023 could be extended until 18th August 2025. This extension aims to facilitate the gradual installation of the new device and ensure that transport operators have sufficient time to comply with the regulations.

The sanctions at stake

Despite this flexibility, the countries of the European Union did not wait, and instead, established penalties for those who do not drive with an approved tachograph. Drivers and trucking companies should be aware of these regulations and ensure that they comply with the requirements.

Poland

Poland has not taken any extraordinary measures. Therefore, newly registered vehicles must be fitted with a second-generation V2 smart tachograph since August 2023.

Carrying out road transport in a professional vehicle not equipped with the required tachograph entails 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 you are driving in the Slovak Republic, and a roadside check reveals that the vehicle is not equipped with the appropriate version of the tachograph, road hauliers may be subject to penalties for non-compliance with the legislation.

In Slovakia, the date of 21st August 2023 was unchanged and this date applies to vehicles carrying out both domestic and international transport.

It is very important that you bear in mind that: in the Slovak Republic a vehicle that must be equipped with a control device and does not have one, that installs one that has not been approved by the EC, that has a device fitted which has not been subjected to a regular inspection, that uses the vehicle with an inoperative or damaged control device, or that the tachograph presents a fault, will face administrative penalties ranging from €1,659 to €16,596.

Also, remember that 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 resolved.

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.

In Austria, it is expressly stated that this exemption is only applicable in the country, and 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.

Germany

In Germany, vehicles with second-generation tachograph version 1 were allowed to be registered from 21st August 2023 until 31st December 2023, upon request and on the condition that they retrofit the G2 V2 within 24 months.

This circumstance must be included in the registration certificate (24 months from the date of approval), upon presentation of proof by the vehicle manufacturer that the installation of a G2 V2 tachograph was objectively impossible.

Once the 24-month period has elapsed, the authorities must verify compliance with the requirement by asking the owner.

In Germany, failure to have the tachograph installed in accordance with Regulation 1054/2020 is an administrative offence of €1,500.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, failure to have a second-generation version 2 smart tachograph installed within the specified timeframes could result in an administrative penalty of €4,400.

 

Compliance with international transport regulations is critical to ensure safety and efficiency along the North Sea-Baltic Corridor in Europe. The obligation to equip vehicles with second-generation V2 smart tachographs, according to Regulation 1054/2014, is a crucial measure to promote transparency and control in logistics operations. To avoid penalties and ensure regulatory compliance, it is necessary for drivers and transport companies to equip their vehicles with these advanced devices.

Make sure you comply with International transport regulations by equipping your vehicles with second-generation V2 smart tachographs. Ensure safety and avoid penalties!

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