Keeping up to date with the new 2025 tachograph rules is crucial for HGV drivers. With 2025 fast approaching, HGV drivers in the European Union (EU) are facing significant changes related to the use of tachographs, essential devices for monitoring driving and rest times. These new rules, which are part of the EU Mobility Package, aim to improve road safety and ensure fair working conditions for drivers. Understanding these changes will be crucial to avoiding fines and maintaining compliance.
In this article, we will explore the main changes that HGV drivers need to be aware of, as well as the practical impact of these changes on their day-to-day lives.
Introduction to the New 2025 Tachograph Rules
With the imminent implementation of new tachograph rules in 2025 , the European Union is introducing significant changes that will affect the way truck drivers and transport companies manage their working and rest times. The new rules, part of the Mobility Package, aim to increase road safety and ensure better working conditions for drivers.
These changes include the mandatory use of 2nd generation smart tachographs, which will enable more effective monitoring of driving times and the ability to carry out inspections remotely. With technology advancing and the need for greater compliance, it is essential that drivers are fully informed about what will change in 2025.
Why Are Tachographs Crucial?
Tachographs are mandatory devices in heavy-duty vehicles and are essential for recording driving times, rest periods and related activities. Their main purpose is to ensure that drivers do not exceed the driving limits set by European legislation, thus promoting road safety and improving working conditions.
Furthermore, tachographs play a crucial role in ensuring drivers’ biological recovery , ensuring they have adequate rest breaks, while helping companies monitor the efficiency and compliance of their transport operations.
Summary of the EU Mobility Package
The EU Mobility Package is a set of legislative measures that aims to modernise the transport sector, promoting safety, fairness and sustainability. One of its main areas of focus is updating the rules related to tachographs and driving times.
Among the most notable changes, the following stand out:
– Mandatory use of 2nd generation smart tachographs;
– Stricter rules on rest time for heavy goods vehicle drivers;
– Better monitoring and enforcement of rules through remote systems;
– Extension of the period for monitoring road registrations to 56 days instead of 28 days.
These changes aim, among other objectives, to reduce unfair competition between carriers and improve working conditions for drivers.
Mandatory use of 2nd generation smart tachographs
The mandatory installation of 2nd generation smart tachographs is transforming fleet management and road transport in the European Union. According to the European regulation, by 31 December 2024, all vehicles used in international transport weighing 3.5 tonnes or more must replace their digital and analogue tachographs with 2nd generation smart tachographs. These new tachographs bring significant improvements, such as automatic border detection and real-time data transmission to authorities, aiming at greater safety and compliance .
Furthermore, the second generation of tachographs is designed to combat fraud and switching errors more effectively, incorporating features such as accurate vehicle position recording and remote information sharing with regulatory authorities. The replacement of first generation tachographs will be mandatory from August 2025, and in 2026 the requirement will be extended to vehicles weighing more than 2.5 tonnes. Companies that fail to comply with these requirements will be subject to significant fines in several European countries .
Stricter rules on rest time for HGV drivers
The European Union rules on driving and rest times for HGV drivers were recently updated with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2024/1258, which amends Regulation (EC) No 561/2006, applying to the transport of passengers carrying out single occasional services.
These changes aim not only to improve drivers’ working conditions, but also to ensure road safety and efficiency in the transport sector. The new regulations recognise the specificities of occasional passenger transport and the need for specific adaptations, always aiming to protect workers’ rights and promote a safer working environment. The implementation of these rules will be strictly monitored, and companies must ensure that drivers are properly informed and trained to comply with the new obligations.
For more details, see our article on Driving and Rest Times .
Better monitoring and enforcement of rules through remote systems
Monitoring and enforcement of driving and rest rules in the European Union is evolving with the implementation of remote systems such as 2nd generation smart tachographs. These devices allow real-time monitoring of drivers’ activities, including driving times, breaks and rest periods, ensuring greater transparency and compliance with legal standards. With the ability to transmit data directly to the competent authorities, these systems help prevent fraud and improve enforcement efficiency.
Furthermore, the use of advanced communication technology allows fleet managers and regulators to access crucial information about driver performance and vehicle usage. This not only ensures that drivers comply with legal requirements, but also promotes a culture of responsibility and safety in road transport. EU regulations have emphasised the importance of this modernisation as it contributes to road safety and the protection of workers’ rights.
Extension of the period for monitoring road registrations to 56 days instead of 28 days.
According to the Official Journal of the European Union of 2.5.2024:
“ In order to facilitate implementation in practice, drivers should carry on board the vehicle, throughout the journey, a ‘journey form’ containing essential information about the journey. Such a journey form is already used for international occasional passenger services under Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009. In line with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 7 ) regarding the keeping of manual records, drivers should also carry on board paper or electronic copies of the journey forms covering occasional passenger services performed in the previous 28 days and, from 31 December 2024, in the previous 56 days.”
How to keep the record of the previous 56 days always up to date, correct and reliable?
If it was already difficult to keep an updated and correct record when 28 days were required, imagine doing it with 56 days, starting from December 31, 2024?
However, to make it easier not only to register, but also to always have them at hand when requested and to take advantage of other benefits, such as calculations of driving and rest times, for example, subscribing to the 1tacho app , combined with the use of the driver’s card reader, is the ideal solution.
New Technical Requirements for Tachographs in 2025
Tachographs used from 2025 onwards will have to meet a series of new technical requirements, including:
– Automatic recording of locations during the trip, including moments when the driver crosses a border.
– Compatibility with remote monitoring systems to facilitate inspections without stopping vehicles.
– Interoperability with different control systems in the EU.
These new requirements will help improve the effectiveness of inspections while reducing downtime for drivers.
2nd Generation Smart Tachographs
2nd generation smart tachographs will be a key part of the 2025 changes. These advanced devices include technologies such as:
– GPS for automatic recording of the vehicle’s position.
– Remote monitoring that allows authorities to check tachograph data remotely.
– Ability to record when the vehicle crosses a border, making it easier to comply with cabotage rules and mandatory rest periods.
For drivers, this will mean fewer disruptions to journeys, while authorities will be able to ensure greater compliance with the rules.
FAQs about the New Tachograph Rules in 2025
What are the main changes to tachograph rules in 2025?
Key changes include the introduction of 2nd generation smart tachographs, remote monitoring and new requirements on driving and rest times.
Will all heavy vehicles need to use tachographs?
Yes, from July 2026, the mandatory use of tachographs will be extended to more vehicles, including some that were previously exempt.
What are 2nd generation smart tachographs?
These are devices that use GPS and allow remote monitoring to ensure greater compliance with driving and rest time rules.
How should drivers prepare for these changes?
Drivers should familiarise themselves with new technologies such as smart tachographs and ensure they are complying with new driving and rest time requirements.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with the new rules?
Penalties can range from heavy fines to suspension of driving licenses for drivers and companies.
Do transport companies also need to adapt?
Yes, companies need to update their systems and ensure their drivers are properly instructed to use the new tachographs and comply with the 2025 rules.
Conclusion
The new tachograph rules in 2025 represent a significant change for HGV drivers in the European Union. With the introduction of 2nd generation smart tachographs and increased remote monitoring, compliance will be easier to ensure, but penalties for non-compliance will also be more severe. To ensure they are prepared, both drivers and transport companies should start adapting to the new requirements as early as possible.
