Transport companies must have their internationally operating trucks with a first-generation smart tachograph converted to the second generation (Gen2v2) by 19 August 2025. The coming months are crucial, as workshops are already running at full capacity. Entrepreneurs who wait too long risk long delays and fines.
Current situation: crowded workshops and tighter controls
Transport companies are now aware of the mandatory retrofits, and the main thing now is to implement them on time. Workshops have become increasingly efficient in execution, making conversions faster. Among other things, VDO manages a database that tracks whether a truck has already undergone a retrofit. This enables workshops to work faster and more effectively.
The European Union had a two-month grace period for the first ‘wave’ of tachographs to be retrofitted, due to the backlog of retrofits in some countries. This grace period ended on 28 February. Since 1 March last, the Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) has been carrying out strict checks. Special devices allow the ILT to read tachographs remotely, making it easy to carry out checks. Where checks were previously announced by e-mail or post, they now take place directly along public roads.
Upcoming months: new retrofit phase in August
The workshops will remain busy in the coming months. No later than 19 August 2025, trucks with a first-generation smart tachograph must switch to the second generation. Some transport companies have already worked ahead and had their vehicles converted last year, but for many this step is still ahead.
VDO’s message is clear: don’t wait any longer and get your vehicles converted before August. Those who are late risk fines. Fines of thousands of euros can be a financial blow especially for the smaller entrepreneur.
Act now to avoid problems
The final warning has been issued: those who have not yet updated their tachographs should arrange to do so immediately. The ILT has intensified its inspections since 1 March, carrying out regular checks along public roads. For the next round of retrofit in August, it is also important to act now. Hauliers should have their vehicles converted on time to avoid fines and operational problems.
Look at the LCV tachograph: what does it mean for vans?
From July 2026, it will also be the turn of vans to get tachographs. While there has been much attention on trucks, there is still little information available on the tachograph requirement for LCV. It is also unclear exactly how many vans in the Netherlands will be covered by the new rules. Thus, there is an exception for companies operating within 100 km of the border. Some transport companies will have to make a choice whether to invest in a tachograph, rent a van with tachograph when needed or outsource their transport to another company for occasional cross-border transports.
The tachograph requirement for LCV is a logical next step in the EU’s drive to improve working conditions for drivers. There are still entrepreneurs who use vans with, for example, Eastern European drivers who are underpaid and have to spend the night in car parks in poor conditions. With the tachograph obligation, the EU wants to achieve fairer pay and better working conditions.
Once there is more clarity on the implementation and exact regulations, – as with trucks – there will be wide communication on how companies should prepare.
