In 2026, a number of rules stemming from the Mobility Package will make the use of a new-generation intelligent tachograph compulsory for a growing proportion of vehicles used in road transport, in France as in the rest of the European Union. This development will have a direct impact on transport companies, who will have to identify which vehicles in their fleet are concerned, for what purposes and when.
The reform also introduces new requirements for roadside checks, driver monitoring and international transport. For hauliers, the challenge is less technical than it might seem: it's above all a question of understanding the scope of the obligations and anticipating the points that may have an impact on day-to-day organization.
The Smart Tachy 2 reform is the result of changes to the European tachograph regulation and measures introduced by the Mobility Package. By 2026, several categories of vehicles used in road transport, including some LCVs engaged in international transport, will have to be fitted with a second-generation smart tachograph.
The aim of this reform is to harmonize rules between Member States, enhance road safety and improve the monitoring of international transport operations, particularly for companies engaged in cabotage or cross-border assignments. Smart Tachy 2 introduces a new version of the on-board device: a device capable of automatically recording certain information required for checks, within a framework defined by the regulations.
The reform also introduces a key deadline: the vehicles concerned must be equipped with the smart tachograph by certain dates defined by the regulation. These obligations apply to new vehicles as well as to part of the fleet already in circulation, with replacement arrangements depending on vehicle type, total weight and use.
For transporters, the priority is to identify the vehicles subject to the obligation and to understand what the reform implies in terms of compliance, without limiting themselves to the material aspect of the equipment.
The Smart Tachy 2 reform does not only affect heavy goods vehicles.
Of course, the latter are already familiar with the use of the tachograph in international transport, but the next stage broadens the scope of application. Vehicles registered in the European Union will gradually have to switch to the second generation of the system, whether they are new vehicles or models already in circulation. Obligations vary according to the date of registration and the type of missions performed, particularly for vehicles carrying out cross-border operations.
The major new feature concerns light commercial vehicles (LCVs) over 2.5 tonnes engaged in international freight transport or certain cabotage operations. These vehicles, often used by small and medium-sized businesses, will be covered by the intelligent tachograph for the first time. They will have to be fitted with the device by the deadlines set out in the European regulation, which creates an organizational challenge for mixed fleets made up of both HGVs and LCVs.
For hauliers, the challenge is not simply to comply with a new rule: it's to identify which vehicles will be affected, and how this evolution will affect fleet management, driver operations and trip preparation.
The Smart Tachy 2 marks the arrival of a new generation of tachographs designed to make the information used during checks more reliable. The main evolution concerns theautomatic recording of certain key events, such as border crossings for international journeys, enabling more consistent application of European rules.
The system also improves the quality of data relating to driving and rest periods, limiting errors and facilitating analysis during checks. Finally, certain information can be exchanged more quickly with the authorities, changing the way vehicles are selected for inspection.
These developments do not change the day-to-day business, but they do reinforce the need for reliable data and monitoring adapted to the requirements of 2026.
The Smart Tachy 2 reform has a direct impact on fleet organization, planning and the management of driver-related information. The switch to a second-generation smart tachograph increases the quantity and accuracy of data to be tracked, requiring greater vigilance during checks.
The Smart Tachy 2 produces more and more precise information than a conventional tachograph. This data covers not only driving and rest times, but also traffic data, routes taken and regulatory events such as border crossings.
For carriers, this means an additional management burden: checking data consistency, keeping the necessary documentation, tracking alerts and anticipating compliance points before they become a problem during an inspection.
Fleets combining HGVs and LCVs will be particularly affected by the differences in deadlines and obligations. This means assigning the right vehicles to the right missions, and checking that each category complies with the European framework.
Cross-border journeys, assignments subject to strict social rules and the preparation of tours will require enhanced coordination. Vehicle upgrades and the replacement of old equipment must be anticipated to avoid business interruptions.
As the reform introduces different deadlines, it requires coordination between operations, management, drivers and approved installation partners. This is not just a technical issue: the aim is to prevent vehicles from being unable to carry out certain missions due to a lack of compliant equipment or poor anticipation.
For hauliers, the reform means reviewing certain internal processes to guarantee business continuity, limit the risk of non-compliance and keep operations running smoothly.
Controlled preparation is based on identifying the vehicles concerned, planning installations and ensuring that the organization is adapted to the new obligations.
Not all vehicles will be affected at the same time. Identifying those subject to the obligation, those requiring an upgrade, and those involved in international missions, enables us to anticipate installations before workshop saturation periods.
The closer the deadline approaches, the more likely it is that approved workshops will be faced with an influx of requests, particularly for vehicles involved in international transport. Planning the installation or replacement of the tachograph in advance limits business interruptions, and enables you to choose the right moment to immobilize a vehicle. This step also avoids supply difficulties that could arise when the majority of carriers seek to comply at the same time.
Valid cards and consistent data facilitate the transition to Smart Tachy 2, and reduce the risk of checks.
The reform may influence the way vehicles are assigned to missions. An unequipped vehicle will not be able to carry out certain cross-border operations, or complete a route requiring a second-generation tachograph. By adjusting routes, we can maintain the right combination of vehicle and mission, without disrupting planning or imposing costly detours at the last minute.
Smart Tachy 2 generates more data than previous versions. Even without going into technical detail, it's a good idea to prepare :
This effort avoids accumulating incomplete files or anomalies that would complicate an inspection.
The Smart Tachy 2 reform introduces new rules for vehicles used in international transport, but above all it affects the way carriers manage their fleets and operations. Identifying the vehicles concerned, anticipating installations and organizing data recovery will help avoid bottlenecks and keep business running smoothly, even when controls become stricter.
The challenge is not to adopt a complex technology, but to anticipate the key points: the deadlines, the uses concerned and the compliance requirements. By preparing for these stages, companies can avoid mission disruption and secure their operations for the transition to 2026.