The Eastern Mediterranean Corridor is a vital route for transport in Europe, but the penalties for non-compliance with Regulation 1054/2014 related to the installation of the second-generation V2 smart tachograph represent a significant challenge for those working in the freight transport industry.

The East Mediterranean Corridor links the maritime interfaces of the North Sea, the Baltic, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean, optimizing the use of the corresponding ports and motorways. This improves the many connections between northern Germany, the Czech Republic, the Pannonian region, and south-eastern Europe, and extends by sea to Cyprus.

The European Union's Regulation 1054/2014 requires the installation of a second-generation V2 smart tachograph in vehicles from 21st August 2023. This control device has been designed to improve safety and transparency in international transport operations. Equipped with new functionalities, such as the automatic registration of border crossings, the monitoring of positions in loading and unloading operations, and the ability to exchange data with the control authority through the Early Remote Sensing system.

Yet, the concern over the lack of stock to meet the demand for professional vehicle registrations has posed certain difficulties. Faced with this situation, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) proposed a solution: extending the transition period for the replacement of the V1 smart tachograph with the V2. This extension up to 18th August 2025, seeks to facilitate the transition and ensure compliance with European regulations.

However, European Union countries have already started applying penalties for not equipping the second-generation V2 smart tachograph. Below are a list of the penalties transport operators can face if driving along the East-Mediterranean Corridor without an approved 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.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, driving with an unapproved tachograph carries a penalty of up to 350,000 Czech crowns (CZK). This would work out to approximately 13,829 euros.

Greece

In Greece, the classification and licensing of new vehicles for the transport of goods (categories N2 and N3) with a second-generation smart tachograph version 2 and/or the transitional smart tachograph is allowed, if they have a Vehicle Registration Certificate issued up to 18th August 2023.

To be granted a circulation permit, the following documents must be submitted to the country's Regional Transport and Communications Service:

  1. Application from the person in whose name the vehicle registration certificate was issued. In the case of an incomplete vehicle, the application is also submitted by the person to whom it has been transferred in accordance with the provisions of n.a. 1146/1972 (A64).
  2. Vehicle Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
  3. Responsible Statement.
  4. original letter from the manufacturer of the complete, complete or incomplete vehicle, with official translation thereof, stating that the vehicle in question was equipped with an intelligent tachograph that does not belong to the second generation V2 category or a transitional intelligent tachograph. The letter should contain the details of the factory-installed smart tachograph.
  5. Vehicle Registration Certificate issued until 18-08-2023.
  6. Brochure on Changes of Possession and Ownership, completed in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The administrative penalty for not equipping the tachograph required by European regulations for the vehicle amounts to 3,000 euros. In addition, the control authorities may immobilize your vehicle until the violation is eliminated.

Hungary

In Hungary, failure to have a version 2 smart tachograph installed within the specified timeframes can result in a significant fine. According to the regulations, the penalty for this infringement is HUF 800,000, which, at the current exchange rate, in euros, represents approximately 2,057.01 euros.

Serbia

In Serbia, failure to install the approved tachograph is punishable by a fine of 200,000 dinars for the owner or user of the vehicle, an amount that in euros reaches 1,703.02 euros. 

Austria

Vehicles registered for the first time, from 21st August 2023, used only in domestic traffic, may be equipped with a second-generation tachograph version 1 until 31st May 2024. In addition, when selling such vehicles, the purchaser must be informed in writing of the obligation to retrofit the tachograph.

Also, 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.

Slovakia

If driving in the Slovak Republic, and a roadside check reveals that the vehicle is not equipped with the appropriate version of the tachograph, road haulers may be subject to penalties for non-compliance with the legislation.

In Slovakia, the date of 21st August 2023 was unchanged, and this date applies to vehicles carrying out both domestic and international transport.

In the Slovak Republic if a vehicle that must be equipped with a control device does not have one, the vehicle is installed with a control device that has not been approved by the EC, the vehicle control device has not been subjected to a regular inspection, the vehicle is used with an inoperative or damaged control device fitted, or that the tachograph presents a fault - administrative penalties ranging from €1,659 to €16,596 could apply.

In addition, the control authorities are authorized to retain the registration certificate and the license plate, which will be returned to the transport company when the problem is resolved.

 

Financial penalties for not complying with European regulations regarding the second-generation V2 smart tachograph in the East Mediterranean Corridor should be a constant concern for drivers and businesses. These fines can represent a financial burden, negatively impacting the profitability and financial stability of everyone working in the freight industry. As such, it is essential to understand penalties and take steps to avoid costly penalties.

Make sure you strictly comply with all international transport regulations, and protect your business and avoid unnecessary fines.

For the full article and more information, sign up to MyVDO - https://my.vdo.com/