This is the last chance to replace your old-generation tachograph with a new, required model. Research shows that up to one in four carriers carrying out international transport has an outdated device installed in their vehicle. Meanwhile, after August 18th, companies without new tachographs will not be able to legally carry out international transport within the European Union.
Transport companies are running out of time to comply with tachograph replacement regulations. Research shows that many are still delaying this obligation. The latest analysis by Inelo and Eurowag, which collected data from over 10,000 tachographs in vehicles engaged in international transport, indicates that approximately 75% of these vehicles have already been equipped with the new G2V2 tachographs. This represents a significant improvement compared to the end of 2024, when approximately 34% of companies declared they would be replacing them with the latest devices. However, the survey results indicate that one in four carriers has still not complied with the new regulations. It should be noted that companies that fail to install the new devices will be barred from operating within the EU after August 18th.
Some companies have postponed the decision to replace their vehicles until the last minute, which is a very risky move. Still, 25% of their vehicles have not yet met the requirements, and this group should take the necessary steps now if they intend to continue operating internationally,” says Mateusz Włoch, a development and training expert at Inelo.
“Polish carriers have become accustomed to this approach. Similar situations occurred with the introduction of the e-TOLL road toll system or with the previous replacement of the oldest G1 tachographs by the end of 2024 – a noticeably large group is delaying this until the very end, which later creates additional problems for them and exposes them to penalties or the inability to carry out transport,” adds Mateusz Włoch.
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Why they don't replace devices
Why are transport companies still delaying the mandatory tachograph replacement? According to the expert, the reasons for the delays may stem from both business calculations and incorrect assumptions made by carriers. Some may be hoping that, as before, another transition period or extension of the deadline will be introduced. However, the European Commission announced in April that it is not planning another transition period.
– Other key factors include the fact that some transport companies may consciously refrain from replacing vehicles because they plan to sell them or limit their operations to the domestic market, which is not subject to the obligation to replace tachographs – says Mateusz Włoch.
Discrepancy in deadlines
Some carriers may incorrectly assume that they have until August 21st to exchange. Why this deadline?
“It's worth monitoring official EU announcements regarding the industry. The discrepancy in dates results from the need to estimate transition periods based on regulations, as the initial provisions of the Mobility Package did not yet have precisely defined deadlines. For a long time, it was assumed that the final date for the introduction of G2V2 smart tachographs was August 21st, but after the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2021/1228 , there is no longer any doubt – August 19th is the date on which a carrier without the mentioned recording equipment can be fined abroad,” warns Mateusz Włoch.
How much does it cost to replace a tachograph?
Replacing a tachograph costs around 5,000 PLN, but that's not the only expense associated with switching to G2V2 devices. Additionally, you'll need to pay for updating the devices and systems for downloading data from driver cards and tachographs. Driver training is also required.
“ Most transport companies registered in Poland have several vehicles, not a dozen or dozens, and the replacement costs can be spread over time. However, this doesn't change the fact that replacing a tachograph is still a burden on the tight budgets of transport companies. Therefore, it's not surprising that in 2024, carriers applied to the government for funding to replace the devices—unsuccessfully. Waiting for subsidies influenced the decision to postpone replacement until the last minute, which naturally made it more difficult to meet the obligation to replace the devices on time,” notes Jarosław Roślicki, Corporate Sales Director at Transcash.eu.
Beware of severe penalties
What consequences will carriers face if they fail to comply with the new regulations? Primarily, they will lose the ability to operate international transport services. Additionally, they may face significant financial penalties.
“ For failing to replace a tachograph, a carrier faces penalties of up to 12,000 PLN in Poland in the event of a roadside inspection , and abroad, they can range from several hundred to several hundred thousand euros, depending on the country. The transport manager and the truck driver may also receive a fine. Besides financial penalties, there's also the risk of losing contracts and having to temporarily withdraw the vehicle from service. Most importantly, failing to install the required tachograph may result in a review of the carrier's good reputation, and ultimately, even suspension of the carrier's transport license. These represent real financial and reputational losses ,” emphasizes Mateusz Włoch.
