From January 1, 2024, the regulations of the Mobility Package The European Union has introduced important changes in the road transport sector, directly affecting the use and storage of data in tachographs. Although these measures aim to strengthen control over driving and rest times, some drivers and transporters face adaptation problems due to the inadequacy of first-generation tachograph cards to record the mandatory 56 days.

Changes to the EU Mobility Package

The Mobility Package, approved in 2020, establishes measures to combat the social dumping and reduce the irregular relocation of companies. Highlights include:

• Extension of the tachograph activity record to 56 days.
• The obligation to equip second generation smart tachographs in vehicles dedicated to international transport.

These regulations were not implemented simultaneously, allowing a transition period for the sector to adapt.

The new tachograph regulations and their application in 2024

From January, drivers must submit records for the last 56 days, which is a significant change from the previous requirement of 28 days. This applies to both analogue and digital tachographs:

• Analogue tachograph: Drivers must show log sheets for the current day and the previous 56 days, along with any manual records or printed documents.
• Digital tachograph: The driver card and manual or printed records for the last 56 days must be presented.

In the case of international transport, vehicles must also be equipped with the new second generation smart tachograph, although the imposition of sanctions for non-compliance will not apply until March 1.

Problems with first generation tachograph cards

One of the current challenges is the capacity of first generation tachograph cards to store the extended data. According to FENADISMER, these cards may not be sufficient due to the increased volume of data generated by the new tachographs.

Recommendations for drivers:

1. Check whether the current tachograph card has capacity for the 56 days of recording.
2. Request a second generation card if necessary.
3. Manually record data using tickets while updating the card.

Recommendations for transporters and drivers

It is crucial that foreign drivers operating in Spain check their tachograph cards issued in other EU countries. According to the Ministry of Transport, cards issued in Spain by the National Currency and Stamp Factory They meet the necessary capacity to record the mandatory 56 days.

Source: Information based on the FENADISMER article. Read the full news here.