Smart tachographs are now standard in new goods vehicles, and for international work they are compulsory whatever the age of the vehicle. Yet many operators are still unsure which vehicles need one, when it had to be fitted and what is actually different from the older units already in their fleet.
This article explains who needs a smart tachograph, the key installation dates, the difference between the first and second versions and what the change means for day-to-day compliance.
A quick history of tachograph types
There are four generations of tachograph still in use on UK roads:
- analogue tachographs—record activity on paper charts and are found in older vehicles registered before May 2006;
- digital tachographs—introduced for vehicles registered from 1 May 2006, using driver cards and storing data in the vehicle unit;
- smart tachograph version 1—required in newly registered in-scope vehicles from 15 June 2019, adding satellite positioning and remote roadside communication; and
- smart tachograph version 2—the current generation, introduced under the EU Mobility Package and now required in all newly registered in-scope vehicles.
The smart tachograph version 2 itself comes in two forms. A transitional unit works in the same way as the full unit but without the Galileo satellite authentication feature, which was not available when the units first went on sale. A full unit includes that authentication.
Who needs a tachograph at all?
A tachograph is generally required in goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes that fall within the assimilated (formerly EU) or AETR drivers’ hours rules, and in passenger vehicles with more than 9 seats including the driver. Vehicles driven only under the GB domestic drivers’ hours rules do not need one. Some vehicles and types of work are exempt, so check the DVSA tachograph rules for goods vehicles if you are unsure whether your operation is in scope.
Since 1 July 2026, the requirement also applies to goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes, including vans, used for international hire-or-reward journeys. These vehicles must be fitted with a smart tachograph version 2. Vans between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used only in the UK still do not need a tachograph. Our article on vans in Europe and the July 2026 rules explains this change in detail, including the Operator Licence implications.
When should a smart tachograph be installed?
The installation dates depend on when the vehicle was first registered and whether it is used on international journeys.
New vehicles
- From 15 June 2019: newly registered in-scope vehicles had to be fitted with a smart tachograph.
- From 21 August 2023: newly registered in-scope vehicles used on international journeys needed a full or transitional smart tachograph version 2.
- From 21 February 2024: all newly registered in-scope vehicles needed a full or transitional smart tachograph version 2, whatever type of journey they make.
- From 24 December 2025: newly registered in-scope vehicles must have a full smart tachograph version 2. Transitional units can no longer be fitted to new registrations.
Vehicles registered before 24 December 2025 with a transitional unit do not need upgrading. The transitional unit can stay in service.
Existing vehicles used internationally
Older vehicles used on international journeys have had to be retrofitted:
- by 31 December 2024: in-scope vehicles with an analogue or digital (non-smart) tachograph; and
- by 19 August 2025: in-scope vehicles with a smart tachograph version 1.
Both deadlines have now passed. Any vehicle crossing into the EU, even occasionally, must now have a smart tachograph version 2. A vehicle found at the roadside on an international journey with an older unit is not compliant.
Vehicles used only in the UK
There is no retrofit requirement for vehicles that stay within the UK. They can continue to use the analogue, digital or smart version 1 tachograph originally fitted.
However, if a smart tachograph version 1 becomes faulty and needs replacing, DVSA guidance says the replacement must be a smart tachograph version 2. It is also worth thinking ahead: a vehicle that might be needed for European work in future will need upgrading before its first international journey.
How do smart tachographs differ from older tachographs?
For drivers, the basic routine is similar to a digital tachograph. Drivers still insert their card, record their activities and make manual entries where needed. The main differences are in what the unit records automatically and how enforcement officers can use the data.
Smart tachograph version 1
- Satellite positioning: the unit records the vehicle’s location automatically at the start and end of the working day and after every three hours of accumulated driving.
- Remote early detection: enforcement officers can read limited data from a passing vehicle at the roadside, such as signs of tampering or certain faults, and use it to decide which vehicles to stop.
- Improved security: stronger protection against manipulation and fraud than earlier digital units.
- Connection to other systems: a standard interface that allows data to be shared with approved fleet management and telematics systems.
Smart tachograph version 2
Version 2 keeps the version 1 features and adds:
- automatic border crossing records—the unit records when the vehicle crosses a national border, which supports enforcement of cabotage and posting of workers rules;
- loading and unloading records—drivers can record loading and unloading operations, and the unit logs the position;
- authenticated location data—a full unit uses Galileo authentication to make location data much harder to falsify; and
- greater storage—the unit and the latest driver cards can hold more data, supporting the requirement for drivers on international journeys to produce records for the current day and the previous 56 days, rather than 28.
What this means for operators
A smart tachograph does not change the drivers’ hours rules themselves, but it gives enforcement officers much better information. The roadside detection system means non-compliant vehicles are more likely to be stopped, and the location and border crossing records make it far easier to check where and when work took place.
Operators should:
- check which tachograph type is fitted to each vehicle and keep a record of it;
- make sure no vehicle with an older unit is used on international work;
- keep calibrations up to date, with the two-yearly inspection booked well before it is due;
- brief drivers on manual entries, border crossings and loading and unloading records;
- continue downloading driver cards at least every 28 days and vehicle units at least every 90 days; and
- analyse the data, act on infringements and keep records of the action taken.
A Transport Manager should be keeping track of all of this. If you need help reviewing your tachograph arrangements, our transport compliance support and remote transport compliance audits can identify gaps before DVSA does.
Need help with tachograph compliance?
Whether you are adding vans for European work, checking your fleet before an international contract or tightening up your tachograph analysis, HGV Consult can help.
Request a call back to discuss your vehicles, the work you do and the support you need.