From 15 June, 2019, Smart tachographs are to be made mandatory for all new vehicles throughout Europe. The new ‘Annex 1C’ compliant tacho aims to reduce administrative processes and digital tachograph tampering. Existing tachos are unaffected.

The ‘smart tachos’ will use a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to record the start and end location of the drivers work and record every three hours of driving time. For operators to use the 1C tachos, they will need to update download tools and analysis software. Stopping vehicles to check the tachograph will no longer be necessary with enforcement officers being able to use short range devices to check tachos up to 190m away. Information recorded by the tachograph such as the most recent security breach attempt, whether the driver has a valid card and motion data errors will be transmitted. Drivers’ hours and break times will also be included to measure if the driver has exceeded daily driving limits.

The introduction of the new smart tachographs is also seen as a way to enforce cabotage and minimum wage rules throughout Europe.

Based on information supplied courtesy of Backhouse Jones solicitors.