The Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor, a vital axis of 4,858km in length, crosses strategic regions from Finland to Italy, linking important urban centers and ports in Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, and Italy. However, the implementation of Regulation 1054/2014 has generated a series of requirements and penalties for transport companies operating in these countries, especially regarding the installation of the V2 second-generation smart tachograph.

The Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor is of great importance for the European economy. Crossing the Baltic Sea from Finland to Sweden and passing through Germany, the Alps and Italy. As you can see, this corridor links the major urban centers and ports of Scandinavia and northern Germany, to continue through the centers of high industrialized production in southern Germany, Austria and northern Italy to Italian ports and Valletta.

All transport companies that carry out international transport must be aware of Regulation 1054/2014 which establishes that from 21st August 2023, vehicles must have a V2 second generation smart tachograph installed.

This device has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology that improves safety and promotes transparency in international transport operations through its new functionalities, including:

  • Automatic registration of border crossings.
  • Recording of positions in loading and unloading operations.
  • New incidents or data to be exchanged with the supervisory authority through the Early Remote Sensing system of possible manipulation or misuse.
  • Interface with intelligent transport systems.

The V2 second-generation smart tachograph in international transport operations is a priority for Europe. However, given the possible lack of stock to meet all the demand for vehicle registrations for professional use, it opened the door to applying flexibility in terms of inspection. The European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) suggested that the replacement of the V1 smart tachograph with a V2 tachograph in vehicles registered between 21st August 2023 and 31st December 2023 could be extended until 18th August 2025.

This extension of the transition period was intended to facilitate the gradual installation of the new device and ensure that transport operators had sufficient time to comply with European regulations.

However, the countries of the European Union have already taken measures and published the penalties for not driving on their roads with the approved tachograph. Here's a summary of them:

Sweden

During the period from 21st August 2023 to 18th August 2025, the Swedish Transport Agency and the Swedish Police Authority will not charge penalties or fines if you use a vehicle registered before 31st December 2023 and equipped with a version 1 smart tachograph, despite the demand for a version 2 smart tachograph.

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.

Austria

Vehicles registered for the first time, from 21st August 2023, used only in domestic traffic, may be equipped with a second-generation tachograph first version until 31st May 2024.

In addition, when selling such vehicles, the purchaser must be informed in writing of the obligation to retrofit the tachograph.

In Austria, it is expressly stated that this exemption is only applicable in the country, and in international transport, a second-generation V2 tachograph must be installed and used. The penalty for not using an approved tachograph ranges from €400 to €5,000.

Malta

In Malta, failure to comply with tachograph rules is punishable by a fine of €58.23.

When the offence or non-compliance with the rules relating to the tachograph device results, or may be the possible cause of, an offence prosecutable by the Magistrates' Court (Malta) or (Gozo) in its criminal jurisdiction or by the Criminal Court, the fine will be a civil debt collectible by the Authority at the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

 

The implementation of Regulation 1054/2014 has led to significant changes in international transport, especially in the countries that make up the Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor. The penalties for non-compliance with smart tachograph regulations are severe and can affect both the operations and reputation of transport companies. It is crucial to be aware of country-specific deadlines, conditions, and requirements to ensure compliance and avoid adverse legal consequences.

International transport/shipping companies need to make sure they comply with the new European regulations on the V2 smart tachograph and avoid penalties.

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