The European Union (EU) has mandated a switch to new, second-generation intelligent tachographs by the end of 2024 for some vehicles and by August 2025 for all. However, according to the Spanish transport federation Fenadismer, only around 10% of the estimated 130,000 trucks and 10,000 buses requiring replacements have undergone the process so far.
This low uptake is raising concerns about a mass scramble to replace tachographs later this year, potentially leading to delays and a shortage of workshops able to handle the workload. Fenadismer warns that such a scenario could result in vehicle paralysis, with companies unable to operate on international routes due to non-compliant tachographs.
Adding to the pressure, Fenadismer reports that only 15% of a €110 million government fund set aside to help transport companies with digitisation, including tachograph replacement, has been applied for so far. This under-utilisation suggests that some companies may be unaware of the impending deadline or are struggling to navigate the application process.
The situation echoes warnings from the European Commission (EC), which has urged carriers to replace tachographs during routine bi-annual inspections to avoid year-end bottlenecks. Fenadismer echoes this advice and recommends companies begin planning immediately to avoid delays due to component shortages or workshop overload.
Tachograph manufacturer Stoneridge has also issued a plea to companies, fearing a surge in replacement requests towards the end of the year could overwhelm service centres.
Fenadismer highlights the potential consequences of non-compliance. Vehicles without the required tachographs could be immobilised and fined, causing significant disruption to international transport.