In Spain, critical issues have been reported with digital tachograph cards issued before August 2023, according to Diario de Transporte. These problems, which affect international transport operations, stem from incompatibility with the new second-generation smart tachographs. The main concerns include incorrect logging of rest periods and the inability to automatically record border crossings, leading to operational disruptions and the risk of fines for drivers.
As highlighted by the article, the most serious issue involves incorrectly recording rest periods, resulting in excessive driving times and reduced rest hours. This flaw is recorded on the tachograph card but not on the tachograph device itself, creating discrepancies that could expose drivers to regulatory penalties.
Additionally, the cards fail to support the automatic border-crossing registration feature introduced in the new tachographs. This functionality, which becomes mandatory for international transport from January 1, 2025, requires cards issued after August 2023. Without updated cards, drivers must manually record border crossings, adding extra administrative challenges.
The Federación Regional de Organizaciones y Empresas de Transporte de Murcia (FROET), as reported by Diario de Transporte, recommends that Spanish drivers and operators using pre-August 2023 tachograph cards replace them promptly. The updated cards, which are compatible with the new system, can be identified by the e9-07 code printed on the reverse side.
FROET specifically urges replacement if drivers have experienced issues with rest period logs or border-crossing data, or if there is any doubt regarding a card’s compatibility. Ensuring compliance is crucial for operators engaged in international transport to avoid disruptions and fines.
As noted by Diario de Transporte, these compatibility issues, while occurring sporadically, have already caused significant challenges for Spanish transport operators, particularly in international operations. The transition to second-generation smart tachographs underscores the need for updated equipment and strict adherence to evolving regulations.
Drivers and transport companies in Spain are encouraged to heed the advice of Diario de Transporte and FROET, replacing outdated tachograph cards to mitigate potential risks and maintain seamless operations.