Tachographs introduced in installments

The installation of so-called smart tachographs is a result of the introduction of Mobility Package I. "Verifying the authenticity of navigation messages gives inspectors a guarantee that data on kilometers traveled, speed, and vehicle position (e.g., loading and unloading) comes from an authenticated source," explains Cieślak.

Meanwhile, the latest analysis by Inelo and Eurowag, using data from over 10,000 tachographs in vehicles engaged in international transport, shows that three-quarters of vehicles have already been equipped with the new G2V2 tachographs. "Our data shows that some companies have postponed the decision to replace them until the last minute, which is a very risky move. Still, 25% of vehicles have not yet met the requirements, and this is the group that should take the necessary steps now if they intend to continue operating internationally. Polish carriers have become accustomed to this approach. Similar situations occurred with the introduction of the e-TOLL road toll system and with the previous replacement of the oldest G1 tachographs by the end of 2024," recalls Mateusz Włoch, development and training expert at Inelo from the Eurowag Group.

Fines up to several thousand euros

He suspects that some transport companies may be deliberately forgoing the exchange because they plan to sell vehicles or intend to limit their operations solely to the domestic market , where the obligation to exchange tachographs does not apply. "We also need to consider the small margin of error in the statistics and cases of drivers mistakenly entering a country other than Poland in domestic transport, but such incidents are sporadic and do not significantly impact the overall picture," adds Włochy.

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The last day on which transport can still be carried out outside Poland with the existing tachograph is August 18, 2025. Failure to replace the tachograph exposes carriers to penalties, which can range up to PLN 12,000 in Poland in the event of a roadside inspection, and abroad can range from several hundred to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the country. The transport manager and the truck driver may also receive a fine. In addition to financial penalties, there is also the risk of losing contracts and having to temporarily withdraw the vehicle from service. Most importantly, failure to update the required tachograph may result in the initiation of a review of the carrier's good repute, and ultimately, even suspension of the transport license. These are real financial and image losses, warns the Italian.

The Ministry of Infrastructure assures that a program to reimburse part of the costs of replacing tachographs will be launched in the autumn.