Dates for fitting smart tachograph 2

In accordance with Article 3 of the Regulation, the implementation dates for the fitment of the smart tachograph 2, including a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 are:

1. On or after 21 August 2023

On or after 21 August 2023, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be fitted into newly registered in-scope vehicles (goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles with 10 or more seats) undertaking international journeys.

If the vehicle is operating only within the UK, then a smart tachograph 1 can continue to be fitted, if still available.

2. On or after 31 December 2024

On or after 31 December 2024, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be retrofitted into in-scope vehicles with an analogue or digital tachograph undertaking international journeys.

If the vehicle is operating only within the UK, then the vehicle can still use the original digital or analogue tachograph that has been fitted.

3. On or after 19 August 2025

On or after 19 August 2025, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be retrofitted into in-scope vehicles currently fitted with a smart tachograph 1 that are undertaking international journeys.

If the vehicle is operating only within the UK, then the vehicle can still use the smart tachograph 1 that has originally been fitted.

4. On or after 21 February 2024

On or after 21 February 2024, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be fitted into all newly registered in-scope vehicles regardless of journey types.

5. On or after 1 July 2026

On or after 1 July 2026, a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 must be fitted into newly registered goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes, undertaking international journeys for hire and reward.

If the vehicle is undertaking an international journey for the driver or company’s own account and driving does not constitute the main activity of the driver, there is no requirement to fit a tachograph.

In addition, if the vehicle weighs over 2.5 tonnes and less than 3.5 tonnes and is operating only within the UK, then there continues to be no requirement to fit a tachograph into the vehicle.

Rules for replacing a broken or defective smart tachograph 1

6. For vehicles undertaking international journeys

For vehicles undertaking international journeys, it is recommended that a faulty smart tachograph 1 be replaced with a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 from 21 August 2023.

7. For vehicles being operated only within the UK

For vehicles being operated only within the UK, the tachograph currently installed can be replaced on a like for like basis. Where this is not possible, for example due to supply shortfalls, then the vehicle may be fitted with a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 or ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2.

8. ‘Transitional’ Smart Tachograph 2

There is no legal requirement for a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 to be upgraded to a ‘full’ smart tachograph 2 later. Therefore a ‘transitional’ smart tachograph 2 can remain in service unchanged.

9. Smart 2 workshop cards

Approved Tachograph Centres should by now have received their new Smart 2 workshop cards which must now be used from 21 August 2023. Workshop cards currently being used up to that date must be securely retained in the safe by the Approved Tachograph Centre in case they are required for examination by DVSA examiners undertaking Approved Tachograph Centre visits.

Continental Automotive Trading - approved 1C seals

Continental Automotive Trading UK Limited are now authorised to supply Bednorz SMART seals in addition to Royal Pack SMART seals.

Mandatory quality control (QC) checks by external bodies

Only those who have passed a full initial calibration training course and hold a current valid pass certificate are allowed to undertake QC duties for Approved Tachograph Centres. Untrained personnel are not permitted to undertake this function, unless they deliver the initial training course themselves.

Each individual QC check must be done on a different vehicle for the following reasons. (1B) Tachographs only record the last calibration on the printout. (1C) record first and last on that day. For example, if there were QC checks on 4 technicians on the same vehicle then QC checks 1,2 and 3 would not appear on the technical printout after the 4th QC was completed (1B).

QC checks need to be completed on multiple vehicles (1x technician = 1 vehicle).

DVSA do not want to read data (through software) at roadside seeing multiple calibrations on the same vehicle in the same day.

Source: DVSA Publication