The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is reminding hauliers of new measures coming into force on 21 February 2024, when all newly registered HGVs, regardless of the type of journey they make, will have to be fitted with either a 'full’ or 'transitional’ smart tachograph 2.
The amended rules now allow the use of a 'transitional’ smart tachograph 2, which addresses the issue of unavailability. The key dates for the implementation and replacement of the Smart Tachograph 2 are set out in the Regulation to ensure a smooth transition to the updated technology.
The move follows amendments to Regulation (EU) 165/2014, which applies in the UK under the Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs, International Road Haulage and Licensing of Operators (Amendment) Regulations 2022. In particular, these amendments were made to set out the implementation dates for Smart Tachograph 2. However, as a particular element of the smart tachograph 2 will not be available by 21 August 2023, the initial implementation date for newly registered vehicles used internationally, the regulations were further amended in 2023.
According to Article 3 of the Regulation, from 21 August 2023, all newly registered heavy goods vehicles engaged in international transport must be fitted with a 'full’ or 'transitional’ smart tachograph 2. However, if the vehicle operates solely within the UK, a smart tachograph 1 can continue to be fitted.
In addition, by 31 December 2024, all in-scope vehicles with an analogue or digital tachograph that undertake international journeys must be retrofitted with a 'full’ smart tachograph 2 or a 'transitional’ smart tachograph 2. For vehicles operating exclusively within the UK, the original digital or analogue tachograph can still be used.