What is a smart tachograph?

Are you curious about what a smart tachograph is? We'll walk you through all the ins and outs.

Want to learn more? Take our free tachograph course on the Roadsoft Academy.

The smart tachograph

Since June 15, 2019, the smart tachograph has been the new standard. The 'smart' tachograph introduces the second generation of tachographs with innovative features: GNSS, DSRC, and ITS. Under EU Regulations 164/2014 and 799/2016, the European Commission requires every newly registered vehicle to be equipped with this device. There are now 2 versions: smart tacho 1 and smart tacho 2.

New features

The three mandatory features are:

• GNSS module
• DSRC interface
• ITS interface

GNSS module (Global Navigation Satellite System)

The GNSS module works via GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou — usually a combination of GPS + GLONASS. This enables the tachograph to work faster and more accurately with location data and speed data. The location data shows how much work time was spent in a particular country, which reduces unfair competition.

DSRC interface (Dedicated Short Range Communication)

Via the DSRC module, control authorities can read data (limited) over short distances to detect fraud. It serves purely as a selection tool — you cannot be directly fined based on this quick analysis. The EU is deferring direct fining; physical inspection remains necessary. Non-suspicious data is deleted after 3 hours for privacy reasons.

ITS interface (Intelligent Transport Systems)

Via the ITS module, you can easily share vehicle data or other data with other systems such as download software, on-board computers, and mobile apps.

Efficient roadside checks

The new features make roadside checks easier, faster, and more efficient. At the beginning and end of the workday, the tachograph automatically records the location, and every 3 hours the position is recorded — this cannot be reset. Inspectors can detect contradictory movement data based on GPS locations and immediately see whether a driver is driving with a driver card. Compared to traditional checks, many more vehicles can be checked in the same timeframe.