The road transport industry has seen numerous technological advancements aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations.
One of the most significant innovations in recent years is the introduction of smart tachographs. As of August 2023, the European Union has mandated the use of Smart Tachograph Version 2 (ST2) for all new commercial vehicles. This article explains:
- Smart Tachograph Version 2.
- The key features.
- Its main benefits.
- Important deadlines.
- How Cubo can help.
1. What is a Smart Tachograph?
A tachograph is a device fitted to commercial vehicles to record the driving time, speed, and distance. Its primary purpose is to ensure drivers comply with the European Union’s drivers’ hours regulations, which are designed to improve road safety and prevent driver fatigue. Smart tachographs are the latest evolution of this technology, integrating digital advancements to enhance accuracy and functionality. They incorporate features like GPS tracking, remote data access, and improved security measures, making them a vital tool for modern fleet management and regulatory compliance.
Evolution to Version 2:
Smart Tachograph Version 1 (ST1), introduced in 2019, marked a significant leap from the earlier digital tachographs by incorporating features like GPS tracking and remote communication capabilities. However, the European Union identified areas for improvement, leading to the development of Version 2.
2. Key features of Smart Tachograph Version 2
- Enhanced GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Accuracy: ST2 devices use improved GNSS modules to provide more accurate and reliable location data. This ensures better tracking of vehicle movements and more precise data for compliance checks.
- Remote Download Capabilities: Authorities can remotely access tachograph data without stopping the vehicle, using DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communication) technology. This reduces administrative burdens and minimizes disruptions to transport operations.
- Security Enhancements: ST2 introduces advanced security features, including encrypted communication channels and tamper-evident seals, to protect against fraud and data manipulation.
- Automatic Recording of Border Crossings: The new version automatically records when a vehicle crosses national borders within the EU. This helps in monitoring compliance with cabotage rules and provides more accurate data for regulatory purposes.
- Integration with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): ST2 is designed to be compatible with various ITS applications, facilitating smoother integration with fleet management systems and other digital tools used by transport operators.
- Recording of vehicle position when loading/ unloading: ST2 has the facility for the driver to input manually through the tachograph menu one of three options when carrying out loading/unloading activities (Loading operation/Unloading operation/ Simultaneous loading/unloading operation). The entry of loading/unloading Information must be entered before the vehicle leaves the location where the loading/ unloading operation took place and requires a manual action by the driver to record this.
3. Main benefits of Smart Tachograph Version 2
- Improved Road Safety: By ensuring stricter compliance with driving hours regulations, ST2 helps in reducing driver fatigue, a significant factor in road accidents. The enhanced accuracy of data recording also means better monitoring and enforcement of safe driving practices.
- Increased Efficiency: Remote data downloads and automatic border crossing records streamline administrative processes for transport companies. This leads to reduced downtime and more efficient use of resources, ultimately saving costs.
- Enhanced Security: With robust security measures in place, ST2 mitigates the risks of tampering and data fraud. This ensures that the recorded data is reliable and trustworthy, fostering a fairer competitive environment in the transport industry.
- Better Compliance Monitoring: The automatic recording of border crossings and improved GNSS accuracy aid in better monitoring of compliance with EU regulations. Authorities can quickly identify and address violations, ensuring that all operators adhere to the rules.
4. Important Deadlines
As part of the EU Mobility Package 1, the new Smart Tachograph Version 2 is required to be retrofitted to vehicles operating internationally from:
| Category of tachograph or vehicle | Date of first registration | Deadline |
| Vehicles equipped with an analogue or digital non-smart tachograph | Prior to 14 June 2019 | 31 December 2024 |
| Vehicles equipped with a Smart Tachograph Version 1 unit | Between 15 June 2019 and 20 August 2023 | 18 August 2025 |
| Light commercial vehicles and vans with a gross vehicle weight of more than 2.5 tons. | 1 July 2026 |
5. How Cubo can help
Tacho Smart from Cubo is fully compatible with Smart Tachograph Version 2 and is used to schedule automatic remote downloads tachograph data of vehicles and driver cards, providing real-time analysis and compliance support.
Get in touch with your Account Manager at Cubo to find out more.
