The next key date set out by the European Union Mobility Package 1 is upon us, with the month of August containing the deadline date where vehicles need to ensure they are fitted with the right tachograph for International journeys. As stated in previous communications, failure to comply with this and therefore having an incorrect tachograph installed can result in a fine of up to €30,000 and 12-months imprisonment for drivers stopped in Europe, plus their vehicle being immobilised until the problem is rectified.
On the 19th August 2025, the smart tachograph version 1 (VDO’s DTCO 4.0) will need to be replaced by the smart tachograph version 2 (VDO’s DTCO 4.1) for in scope vehicles travelling Internationally.
Fine already being issued
After the first wave of retrofits where analogue and first-generation digital tachographs (VDO’s DTCO 1.x – 3.x) needed replacing by the smart tachograph version 2 for those in scope vehicles travelling Internationally, fines were being issued to those that had not complied with the rules.
One of the first sanctions was imposed on 10th March 2025 in Spain (where fines can reach up to €2,001 and result in the vehicle being immobilised), when in Funes (Navarra), a Romanian carrier that was carrying out operations between Spain and France was stopped without the smart tachograph version 2 fitted.
In Italy, the penalties are even more severe where fines can reach up to €3,464, and driving licences can be withdrawn. According to Trans.Info, on 1st March 2025, the Polizia Locale de Bari stopped a Bulgarian truck that didn’t have the approved tachograph fitted. As a result, the driver was fined 866 euros and had his driver's license temporarily withdrawn. The judicial authorities will decide the duration of the driving ban, which could reach up to three months.
As with the first wave of retrofits, VDO have been advising both fleets and workshops over the past few months through various communication channels to consider retrofitting the smart tachograph version 2 on those vehicles which will be affected by the new rules, on their next calibration date rather than waiting until August 2025 (if their next calibration date is due before 19th August 2025).
Are you affected?
Do you do International Transport and have a smart tachograph version 1 fitted (VDO's DTCO 4.0)?
If the answer is yes then you need to take action.
If you are not sure what tachograph version you have, check on a technical printout - on the tachograph when looking at the main screen, press OK > Print > Vehicle > Technical Printout > confirm with OK
All versions of DTCO 4.0 that show V40 on the technical printout should be replaced with a DTCO 4.1. which shows V41 on a technical printout:
VDO continue to offer the support needed
To further help the industry with key topics, especially for those international operators – VDO have developed a number of small eLearning courses such as tachograph manual entries and Ferry/Train crossings, to help with understanding and how to perform these tasks on the latest tachograph.
Check out the eLearning courses at Trainings and driving school products | VDO Onlineshop United Kingdom
VDO have recently released a new plug and play remote downloader, the first of its kind, which enables vehicle and driver data to be downloaded remotely without the need for hardwired installation and the related vehicle downtime. This is a cost effective solution to support Fleets but especially those operating Internationally in order to remain compliant and up to date with their vehicles and drivers.
For more information on the VDO Link, please visit VDO Link.
If VDO’s remote downloaders are coupled with VDO Fleets tachograph analysis software (the Number 1 Tachograph software across Europe), Fleets can also add live features like driver availability and MAPS (track and trace), to aide route planning among other operations and logistic tasks. All of this can then be viewed and managed using a mobile phone with the newly released free VDO Fleet app. It is currently available on Android Play Store and Apple App Store.
The VDO Fleet app has further features being introduced, which are aimed at the driver. These features should be able to help them complete and upload manual entries from the app on their phone, as well as using the VDO counter to give an indication of remaining rest, break and driving times. The driver features are free to use with or without a VDO Fleet analysis account so long as you have the correct version of VDO smart tachograph version 2 installed, giving drivers a potentially more well-known and user-friendly device to make certain key tasks and checks easier.
For more information on the new VDO App, please visit the new VDO App
To find your local VDO tachograph workshop, who can support with the tachograph retrofit topic, please go to the PartnerFinder.
