According to international services monitoring GNSS interference, the most severe issues are presently occurring in northern and central Poland, the Baltic states, and Scandinavia, Euro-Tach reports. Experts suggest the disruptions may stem from several causes, including solar activity, ongoing NATO military exercises, and the operation of Russian electronic warfare (EW) systems in the Baltic Sea region and the Kaliningrad Oblast.
“We are seeing a growing number of reports about GNSS position signal issues. Just last Friday, many drivers reported that their tachographs had lost position tracking, which may affect the recording of their activities. Given the current geopolitical climate – particularly in regions affected by military operations, such issues are not uncommon. It is crucial that drivers are not unfairly penalised by enforcement authorities for faults beyond their control,” stresses Michał Cieślak, tachograph and telematics expert and CMO at Euro-Tach.
What should hauliers and drivers do?
Euro-Tach provides the following guidance in the event of GNSS disruptions:
- If a GNSS error occurs, drivers must immediately produce a printout from the tachograph.
- Clearly describe the issue on the printout, e.g. “No GNSS signal – probable local interference.”
- Keep the printout – it may be required during a roadside inspection as evidence that the issue was outside the driver’s control.
- Use an external GNSS antenna approved by the tachograph manufacturer. In many cases, placing the antenna on the windscreen or cabin roof can significantly improve signal quality.
- If the problem persists, inform your technical department or service provider – this will allow for verification of the telematics system’s installation and configuration, ensuring it is compatible with the tachograph.
