Smart tachograph: What changes and what are the rules?

The new tachograph regulations officially come into force from August 2025. Dutch companies engaged in international transport must now equip vehicles with a second-generation smart tachograph, also known as Tacho 2.0 or Smart Tacho Type 2. This legislation stems from the EU Mobility Package, which aims to promote fair competition, improved enforcement, and enhanced road safety.

In this blog you’ll find everything about the changes, exceptions, risks of non-compliance, and how your company can easily comply.

Read on:

• The basics: What is a tachograph and why is it mandatory?
• What changed as of August 2025?
• Key differences compared to the old rules
• What exemptions remain?
• Specific to campers: Tachograph required for commercial or rental Use
• Tachograph requirement in light commercial vehicles?
• ILT questionnaire: Do I need a tachograph?
• Risks of non‑compliance
• The solution: Automatic tachograph reading with Tacho Download
• Frequently asked questions about the tachograph and new regulations

Starting August 2025, all internationally operating vehicles must be equipped with Smart Tachograph Version 2 (G2V2). This version introduces several new functionalities, including:

• Automatic border crossing recording via GNSS satellite signals (e.g. GPS)
• Loading/unloading information, with precise time and location
• Digital support for cabotage rules and posting of workers
• Faster and more efficient enforcement controls by inspection authorities

The new-generation tachograph enables quicker, more reliable, and remote verification of compliance with EU rules

If you still have vehicles with a digital tachograph or Smart Tachograph v1 and engage in cross-border transport, you are now obligated to switch to the G2V2 tachograph version.

The introduction of smart tachograph version 2 brings a number of significant changes compared to earlier tachograph versions. Whereas drivers previously had to manually indicate when they crossed a national border, this now happens automatically via a GNSS satellite signal. As a result, inspection authorities such as the ILT can monitor border crossings and routes much more effectively, without relying on human input.

A second major change is that the loading and unloading of goods must now also be registered, including exact times and locations. This makes it easier to check cabotage rules and posting obligations. Previously, this information was often not recorded or only partially maintained in documents or manually entered data.

In addition, the new tachograph version ensures that enforcement is faster and more efficient. Thanks to the ability to read certain data remotely, inspectors can more quickly determine whether a vehicle complies with the regulations. That means fewer delays on the road and fewer physical checks, but stricter digital enforcement.

Finally, as of August 2025, it is mandatory to use smart tachograph version 2 in vehicles operating internationally. Where vehicles with a digital tachograph or a first-generation smart tachograph previously still met the requirements, that equipment is no longer sufficient for cross-border transport. This means that many transport companies must upgrade their systems to remain compliant.

In short: the new rules lead to more transparency, less room for interpretation, and a greater role for technology in monitoring driving and rest times and transport activities.

Not every vehicle falls under the tachograph requirement. There are — even after August 2025 — several important exemptions:

• Vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of less than 3.5 tonnes, as long as they are not engaged in cross-border commercial transport
• Agricultural and forestry vehicles operating within a 100-kilometre radius of their base
• Emergency services, such as fire brigade and ambulance
• Certain own-account transport activities within a 100-kilometre radius

Note: the exemptions do not always apply. In the case of cross-border transport or commercial use, many exceptions automatically lapse. Always check the current conditions.

There are also exemptions from the tachograph requirement for campers, but these depend on how the vehicle is used. According to Campingtrend, a tachograph is not required if the camper:

Is used exclusively for private purposes

Is not used for commercial activities

Does not transport goods or passengers for payment

However, as soon as a camper is rented out, used for promotional purposes, or used for business trips across borders, the tachograph requirement does apply. And in 2025, that also means: the camper must be equipped with Smart Tachograph Version 2.

This requirement applies regardless of whether the vehicle is registered as a ‘camper’. What matters is how the vehicle is actually used. See the explanation on the Rijksoverheid website.

A tachograph is also mandatory in commercial vans in categories N1 or M1 (derived from passenger cars) if the vehicle with trailer or load exceeds 3,500 kg permitted mass. From 1 July 2026, smaller vans over 2,500 kg will also require Smart Tachograph Type 2—about a year later than heavier vehicles.

Companies and drivers who ignore the rules face serious risks. The ILT actively conducts inspections, both on the road and at company premises. Possible consequences include:

• Fines that can amount to thousands of euros per violation
• Suspension of vehicles in cases of serious deficiencies
• Issues with licensing and insurance
• Reputational damage with clients and customers

Additionally, companies are required to retain tachograph data for up to 12 months and be able to provide it upon request. Correct and timely data retrieval is therefore essential.

The new tachograph regulations are no longer just an announcement — they are reality. Smart Tachograph Version 2 is mandatory for international transport, and the penalties for non-compliance are substantial. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to stay compliant at all times: Tacho Download. It automates the data retrieval process and reduces the risks for your organization.

Need help or advice with the transition? Our team is ready to assist you..

In addition to Tacho Download, Moving Intelligence offers various packages for trip logging and fleet management: the basic MiRed package, the comprehensive MiGreen package with various reporting options including CO₂ emissions, CarFleet for fleet management without hardware installation, and a wide range of custom solutions. Curious about what Moving Intelligence can do for your fleet?