The European commercial vehicle workshops are still very busy. While they are still fitting the latest smart tachographs of the second version to the last holdouts of last year's first retrofitting wave, the next wave is already rolling in: by August 19, 2025, at the latest, the first version smart devices must also have been completely replaced. This makes it all the more important for logistics fleets to arrange a retrofitting appointment as quickly as possible for their remaining vehicles as well.
As stipulated in the EU Mobility Package I, the introduction of the new smart tachograph (2nd version) for vehicles over 3.5 tons used in cross-border traffic has been implemented in three phases starting in 2023: At the start in August 2023, only newly registered vehicles had to be equipped with the DTCO 4.1 ex works. By the end of 2024, a large proportion of the existing fleet in Europe had to visit a workshop to have their older analog or digital tachographs of the first generation replaced with a new device. Now, the industry is focusing on the last batch of vehicles to be converted – namely those that are currently still on the road with the first version of the smart tachograph, for example the DTCO 4.0 or 4.0e.
However, last year’s experience has shown that many fleet operators like to leave it until shortly before the deadline – and then have difficulties in getting an appointment at the workshop for their vehicles in time. But forward planning can save not only time but also money.
Delay does not protect you from penalties!
There is no point in hesitating and procrastinating! The authorities are not resting and will fine any vehicle found without the new smart tachograph of the second version with severe penalties when the deadline of August 19, 2025, expires. That means: up to 1,500 euros in Germany or even up to 4,400 euros in the Netherlands – for each individual violation. In some countries, there is even the threat of vehicle impoundment or even imprisonment. And because the DSRC RP technology makes it particularly easy for the authorities to check vehicles, the probability of detecting a refitting failure via remote testing is significantly higher.
Particularly efficient: retrofitting during the periodic tachograph inspection
With this knowledge, you can now schedule an appointment with the workshop. And if you know your fleet well, you can save money in the process. The tachograph retrofit is particularly efficient when combined with the mandatory inspection required under § 57b of the German Road Traffic Act (StVZO). But for everyone else, it's best to make an appointment at the workshop as soon as possible and be sure that you will be able to travel across borders even after the deadline has passed.
Ask our VDO partner workshops about available capacities and take care of the mandatory retrofitting to the second-version smart tachograph DTCO 4.1, now. Find a workshop near you here!
