The tachograph is today one of the key elements of safety in road transport. Looking back over the past decades, we can say that it has evolved from a simple device that recorded driving time into an advanced digital system capable of monitoring nearly all parameters related to the driver’s activity and vehicle operation. For this reason, the latest regulatory changes — both in the EU and in Serbia — have a significant impact on everyone involved in domestic and international transport.
The changes that have come into effect in recent years are part of a broader European Union strategy aimed at increasing safety, reducing irregularities, and preventing abuse in the transport sector. Serbia, as a country with substantial trade exchange with the EU and a large number of carriers operating on international routes, must align its national regulations with European directives. For this reason, new obligations related to the latest generation of smart tachographs have also been introduced in Serbia.
The most significant change is the introduction of the so-called Smart Tachograph V2, the second generation of smart tachographs. This device is designed to “communicate” with satellites, border checkpoints, and inspection authorities. In practice, this means that drivers are no longer required to manually enter border crossings — the device automatically records when the vehicle leaves one country and enters another. This greatly reduces the possibility of human error, speeds up inspections, and prevents various forms of manipulation that were previously possible.
The smart tachograph also records the vehicle’s location at specific intervals — typically at the start and end of the driver’s working period, as well as every three hours of driving. This provides a more detailed overview of the vehicle’s movements, which is important not only during inspections but also for the internal operations of transport companies that wish to monitor their drivers and optimize their routes.
Another important feature of the new system is the ability to perform remote checks. Police and inspection authorities can carry out an initial assessment even without stopping the vehicle, determining whether there are signs of tachograph manipulation or violations of working time rules. If anything appears suspicious during this remote screening, the vehicle will then be stopped for a full inspection. This mechanism significantly reduces road congestion but also increases the likelihood of detecting irregularities — meaning that transport operators must take all compliance obligations very seriously.
The deadlines for tachograph replacement are particularly important and often a source of confusion. According to EU regulations, all new vehicles registered after August 21, 2023 must be equipped with a second-generation smart tachograph. However, what is often overlooked is that obligations also apply to older vehicles. All analogue tachographs must be replaced by 2025 if the vehicle is entering the EU, while first-generation digital tachographs must be replaced by 2026. In other words, anyone planning to operate international transport to EU countries must be prepared for these changes — without exception.
Penalties have also become stricter. Tachograph manipulation is considered a serious offense both in the EU and in Serbia. Fines can be substantial, and thanks to new technology, inspections are now far more effective at detecting irregularities than in the past. In addition to financial penalties, which can be significant, transport companies risk having their vehicles stopped, being prohibited from continuing the journey, or even losing their operating licenses in the case of repeated violations.
Because of all this, it is extremely important for transport companies to stay up to date with regulations, regularly calibrate their tachographs, train their drivers, and ensure that all cards and devices are fully functional. Compliance is not just about avoiding fines — it brings greater safety, reduces risks on the road, and raises the overall professionalism of the business.
When everything is taken into account, it becomes clear that the tachograph is no longer just a device on the dashboard. It has evolved into a system that connects the driver, the vehicle, the transport company, and the inspection authorities. In 2025, its role is more significant than ever before, and successful transport operations have become almost impossible without strict adherence to all regulations associated with it.
