2026 Retrofitting Calendar
Critical Deadlines for International Freight and Passenger Transport
The Mobility Package I has established an unprecedented technological replacement schedule in European logistics. Knowing the retrofitting deadlines is not just a matter of compliance; it is the difference between maintaining international operations or facing fleet immobilization in 2026.
Chapter 1: The Origin of Deadlines: Regulation (EU) 2020/1054
To understand the replacement calendar, we must analyze the legislative pillar behind it. The European Union determined that the coexistence of multiple control systems prevented effective enforcement of cabotage laws and rest periods. Consequently, a phased deployment plan was designed, culminating in 2026.
This plan aims for all vehicles engaged in international freight transport over 2.5 tonnes to be equipped with the Second Generation Smart Tachograph Version 2 (G2V2) by July 1, 2026.
1.1. What is "Retrofitting"?
Unlike other regulations that only affect new vehicles, retrofitting requires intervention on vehicles already in circulation. This involves massive workshop logistics affecting millions of trucks across Europe. Companies must understand that the Smart Tachograph V2 cannot be installed via a software update; it requires new hardware, protected motion sensors, and certified GNSS antennas.
Chapter 2: Phase 1 - Analogue and G1 Digital Tachographs
This phase was the first major test for the sector. The objective was to eliminate devices most vulnerable to manipulation.
2.1. Deadline: December 31, 2024
Since the first day of 2025, it has been illegal to perform international transport with analogue (disc) or non-smart digital tachographs (versions prior to 2019). If your company still operates this equipment outside its home country, you are at extreme risk. Transport inspections at European borders (such as France and Germany) have intensified DSRC remote checks to detect this obsolete equipment.
Chapter 3: Phase 2 - First Generation Smart Tachographs (G2V1)
This is the critical phase we are currently in. It affects all vehicles registered between June 2019 and August 2023.
3.1. Deadline: August 18, 2025
This date is "D-Day" for the vast majority of modern fleets. Trucks that already have a smart tachograph (but Version 1) must replace it with the V2. Although these devices already had basic GPS, they lack Galileo signal authentication (OSNMA) and the automatic border crossing registration capability now required.
G2V2 Mandatory Replacement Schedule
| Current Device Type | Vehicle Usage | Deadline | Consequence of Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analogue / Old Digital | International | Completed (31/12/2024) | Immediate Fine + Immobilization |
| Smart Version 1 (G2V1) | International | August 18, 2025 | Ban on International Transit |
| Light Vehicles (2.5t to 3.5t) | International | July 1, 2026 | Mandatory Inclusion in Regulation |
Chapter 4: Phase 3 - Light Vehicles (The Great 2026 Shift)
Historically, vans under 3.5 tonnes were exempt from using a tachograph. This allowed for labor flexibility that the EU has decided to regulate to prevent unfair competition and excessive fatigue in express courier services.
4.1. Deadline: July 1, 2026
From this date, any van or light vehicle with a Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM) exceeding 2,500 kg performing international transport (including cabotage) must have a Smart Tachograph V2 installed. This represents a seismic shift for self-employed drivers and small transport agencies, who must now begin the legal custody of their .DDD files.
Chapter 5: Planning Strategy for Transport Companies
Do not wait until the last month. The experience of 2024 showed that lack of device stock and the saturation of official workshops can leave trucks grounded for weeks.
5.1. Synchronization with Biennial Inspections
The best financial strategy is to plan the retrofitting to coincide with the periodic tachograph inspection (every 2 years). This way, you save on the costs of a double visit to the technical center and take advantage of the same sealing process. If your inspection is due in April 2025, it is the ideal time to make the jump to V2 before the August deadline.
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Chapter 6: Sanctions for Non-Compliance
International transport laws in 2026 are relentless regarding deadlines. Lacking the mandatory tachograph or carrying one from a previous generation is classified as a "Very Serious" infringement.
6.1. Fine Amounts and Fleet Rating
Economic sanctions vary by country but often range from €2,000 to over €4,000. However, the true danger is the loss of "good repute" (honorability). A single vehicle operating past the deadline can trigger a spike in your company's risk rating, blocking transport license renewals and public tender participation. Additionally, the omission of border records due to using old equipment adds an extra layer of fines.
Frequently Asked Questions on the V2 Calendar
Technical Conclusion: The Importance of Proactivity
The 2026 Retrofitting Calendar is a roadmap toward transparency. Meeting the deadlines is not just about avoiding fines; it ensures your analysis software, like TachoTools, receives high-quality data to protect your business. Plan, budget, and act before the deadlines compromise your service capacity.