In the EU Member States, in accordance with Regulations 2014/165, 2016/799 and Amendment 2018/502, a requirement is introduced for the mandatory installation of new second generation digital tachographs for commercial vehicles registered after 15 June 2019. the so-called smart tachographs meeting the requirements of Regulation № 2016/799 EU.

However, there is no requirement to install a smart tachograph in the European Agreement concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles engaged in International Carriage (AETR) of 1970. The possibility of amending the AETR is currently being considered at the level of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. At the same time, there are no obstacles to the international transport of vehicles equipped with first-generation digital tachographs and analogue tachographs throughout the European Union.

Second-generation digital tachographs allow connection to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), the geographical location is recorded every three hours, including when the vehicle is stopped.

What are smart tachographs?

Smart tachographs are the new generation of mandatory digital on-board recorders that enforce EU legislation on professional drivers and rest periods (social regulation). The new features are fully utilized by modern digital technologies such as satellite positioning, short-distance communication for travel agents and interconnection with other telematics applications (such as smart parking or application management payment) through a harmonized smart transport system interface. It will allow automatic recording of the start and end location of journeys and will allow remote access to some tachograph data by wireless transmission of data to control bodies.

Notices of interoperability activities (Test request, new manufacturer codes…) should be sent to: jrc-iot@ec.europa.eu

Communications on the new ERCA policy and the review of national policies (request to sign certificates, test keys) should be sent to: jrc -erca@ec.europa.eu or by writing to:

Digital tachograph certification body
Head of the Civil and Civil Security Department
Space Security and Migration Directorate
Joint Research Center (TP 361)
European Commission
Via Enrico Fermi, 2749
I-21027 Ispra, Virginia