In Europe, the Rhine-Danube Corridor, is one of the main road arteries connecting regions from Strasbourg to Eastern Europe, covering 2,137 kilometers. The implementation of Regulation 1054/2014 requires vehicles carrying out international transport along this corridor to be equipped with V2 second-generation smart tachographs, and this has generated a series of sanctions in countries such as Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, changing the rules of international transport in this key space. In this post, the penalties Fleets and drivers may face if driving along the Rhine-Danube Corridor without an approved tachograph are discussed.

Europe, with its intricate network of roads and river connections, is home to a vital axis that stretches for 2,137 kilometers: the Rhine-Danube Corridor. This corridor, whose backbone is the waterways of the Main and Danube, connects the central regions from Strasbourg to Frankfurt, through southern Germany, with key destinations in Central and Eastern Europe. Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest are crucial nodes on this route. An important branch stretches from Munich to Prague, via Zilina and Kosice. This connection strengthens the ties between Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The second-generation Smart Tachograph V2

For international transport, the application of Regulation 1054/2014 which establishes that vehicles registered from 21st August 2023, must be fitted with a V2 second-generation smart tachograph. This device, equipped with advanced technology, improves security and transparency in operations. Its features include:

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

Europe is prioritising the implementation of V2, although the possible lack of stock has opened the door to flexibilities 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 21 August 2023 and 31 December 2023 could be extended to the 18 August 2025. This extension aims to facilitate the gradual installation of the new device and ensure that transport operators have sufficient time to comply with European regulations.

However, the countries of the European Union have already taken measures and published the penalties for driving on their roads with the non-approved tachograph. Here's a summary of them:

Germany

In Germany, vehicles with second-generation tachograph version 1 were allowed to be registered from 21 August 2023 until 31 December 2023, upon request and on the condition that the second-generation smart tachograph version 2 was retrofitted 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.

Austria

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

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

You should also note that 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.

In Austria, the penalty for not using an approved tachograph ranges from €400 to €5,000.

Slovakia

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

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

It is very important that you bear in mind that: in the Slovak Republic a vehicle that must be equipped with a control device and does not have one, that installs one that has not been approved by the EC, or that has not been subjected to a regular inspection, or that uses the vehicle with an inoperative or damaged control device, or that the tachograph presents a fault, will face administrative penalties ranging from €1,659 to €16,596.

Also, remember that: 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.

Hungary

Failure to have a version 2 second-generation smart tachograph installed within the specified timeframes can result in a significant fine in Hungary. According to the regulations, the penalty for this infringement is HUF 800,000, which is approximately 2,057.01 euros. It is important to comply with these regulations in order to avoid potential financial penalties and ensure legal compliance in road transport in Hungary.

Romania

There are no exemptions to the regulations relating to the mandatory installation of second-generation version 2 smart tachographs in vehicles registered as of 21.08.2023.

The use of a vehicle without an approved tachograph installed, or the use of a vehicle equipped with a tachograph that has not been installed in accordance with the legal requirements is punishable by fines ranging from €1,800 to €2,400.

 

As you can see, the Rhine-Danube Corridor represents a vital connecting network in Europe, but the implementation of Regulation 1054/2014 on the second generation smart tachograph V2 has posed significant challenges for international transport in the area. Different regulations and penalties in countries such as Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania demand meticulous attention to ensure legal compliance and operational efficiency.

Are you ready to comply with regulations before deadlines end? Don't wait any longer. Ensure the continuity of your international transport operations by switching your tachographs to the smart tachograph V2 before the transition period expires.

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