The Rhine-Alpes Corridor, a key route for freight transport in Europe, crosses Switzerland, Germany and Italy, covering more than 1300 km. In order to comply with the strict regulations of international transport, vehicles driving on this route must be equipped with a V2 second-generation smart tachograph, as established in Regulation 1054/2014. Although its implementation is a priority, the penalties for non-compliance vary in each country, highlighting fines of up to €1,500 in Germany and €3,464 in Italy.

The Rhine-Alps Corridor is one of the most widely used freight routes in Europe. It connects the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp on the North Sea with the Mediterranean basin in Genoa, passing through Switzerland and some of the major economic centres located in the Rhine-Ruhr and Rhine-Main-Neckar regions, as well as in Milan in northern Italy.

When driving through this Corridor, in the field of international transport, it is imperative to comply with rigorous regulations. One of these is Regulation 1054/2014, which amends Regulation 165/2014 and requires vehicles to be fitted with a V2 second-generation smart tachograph, from 21st August 2023.

This modern device has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology, improving safety, and promoting transparency in international transport operations. New features include automatic logging of border crossings, monitoring positions during loading and unloading operations, early detection of potential tampering or misuse, and integration with intelligent transport systems.

Although the implementation of the second-generation V2 smart tachograph is a priority for European Union (EU) countries, the possible shortage of stock to meet the demand for vehicles for professional use has led to the application of flexibility in inspections. The European Commission's DG MOVE suggested extending the period of replacement of the V1 tachograph with the V2 until 18th August 2025, thus facilitating the transition and giving transport operators time to comply with the regulations.

However, the penalties for not equipping the approved tachograph vary in each European country, with each country along the Rhine-Alpes Corridor establishing their own specific penalties for operators who fail to comply with Regulation 1054/2020.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, the second-generation smart tachograph version 2 is being introduced at the same rate as in the EU.

Therefore, from 21st August 2023, new vehicles on the road for the first time must already be equipped with the smart device.

Vehicles used in domestic traffic will not be subject to the equipment requirement initially. However, vehicles registered between 21st August 2023 and 31st May 2024 and equipped with a second-generation version 1 smart tachograph must replace it with a second-generation version 2 smart tachograph within 24 months at the latest.

Germany

In Germany, vehicles with second-generation tachograph version 1 were allowed to be registered from 21st August 2023 until 31st December 2023, upon request and on the condition that they retrofit the G2 V2 within 24 months.

This circumstance must be included in the registration certificate (24 months from the date of approval), upon presentation of proof by the vehicle manufacturer that the installation of a G2 V2 tachograph was objectively impossible.

Once the 24-month period has elapsed, the authorities must verify compliance with the requirement by asking the owner.

In Germany, failure to have the tachograph installed in accordance with Regulation 1054/2020 is an administrative offence of €1,500.

Italy

In Italy, driving a vehicle without an approved tachograph will result in an administrative penalty ranging from €866 to €3,464. In addition, it is associated with a suspension of the driving license from fifteen days to three months.

Likewise, the owner of the vehicle or transport authorization can also be sanctioned with a fine ranging from 831 to 3,328 euros and will have to regularize the equipment within 10 days.

 

Compliance with international transport regulations is essential to ensure safety and transparency in logistics operations along the Rhine-Alpes Corridor. The obligation to equip vehicles with the V2 second-generation smart tachograph, in accordance with Regulation 1054/2014, is a crucial measure to improve efficiency and control in the transport of goods on this important European route.

To avoid penalties and comply with regulations, be sure to equip your vehicles with the second-generation V2 smart tachograph.

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