The smart tachograph version 2 – who needs it?
Since 19 August 2025, all heavy goods vehicles in international transport must have a smart tachograph version 2. Since 1 July 2026, this also applies to light commercial vehicles above 2.5 tonnes.
This translation was made automatically and has not been reviewed yet. If in doubt, the Dutch text and the official legal text prevail.
What is the smart tachograph version 2?
The smart tachograph version 2 (often called G2V2 or SMT2) uses satellite positioning to automatically record where you are, when you cross a border and where you load and unload. Control authorities can read out certain data remotely, so they can target their roadside checks more precisely.
Timeline
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| 21 August 2023 | All newly registered heavy vehicles get a smart tachograph version 2 |
| 31 December 2024 | Vehicles in international transport with an analogue or standard digital tachograph had to be replaced |
| 18 August 2025 | Vehicles in international transport with a smart tachograph version 1 had to be replaced |
| 1 July 2026 | Light commercial vehicles above 2.5 tonnes that are registered in the EU and operate in international transport or cabotage must have a smart tachograph version 2 |
Since 19 August 2025, all heavy goods vehicles that are registered in the EU and drive in another Member State must therefore be equipped with version 2.
What does this mean for you as a driver?
- If you drive internationally in a vehicle without the required tachograph, it is mainly the employer who risks a fine, but the vehicle can also be stopped from continuing its journey. If you are unsure whether your vehicle is compliant, ask your employer in writing.
- When you cross a border, version 2 records this automatically. With older devices, you had to enter the country symbol manually at the first possible stopping place after the border.
- If you drive domestically with an older vehicle, replacement is not (yet) mandatory.