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New EU regulations require all newly registered vehicles weighing 3.5 tons or more to have second-generation smart tachographs by 31 August.
Second generation smart tachographs are a significant upgrade from their predecessors. They come with advanced features, including satellite positioning and enhanced data recording capabilities. These advances not only simplify the monitoring of driving and rest times, but also provide a higher level of accuracy and transparency, ensuring that drivers adhere to the set working hours and thus reducing the risks of fatigue and over-driving.
This is really a big step towards improving road safety and driver well-being, and it benefits us all, says Per Simonsen, Divisional Director of Fleet and Asset Tracking at GSGroup.
Impacts and benefits
The new EU regulations mark a paradigm shift towards prioritizing driver safety, road safety and overall operational integrity in the transport industry. The benefits are many:
Reducing fatigue-related accidents: By ensuring that drivers get enough rest, the regulations aim to reduce fatigue-related accidents, protecting both drivers and everyone else on the road.
Improved road safety: The regulations contribute to safer roads by minimizing the risk of accidents caused by exhausted or sleepy drivers.
Fair competition: These rules promote fair competition between transport companies by setting uniform standards for driving and resting times, preventing companies from gaining a competitive advantage at the expense of driver safety.
Efficiency and transparency: The use of digital tachographs streamlines accounting, ensuring accurate and transparent monitoring of driver activities. This facilitates compliance monitoring and reduces administration.
The updated EU regulations on driving and resting times represent a significant step towards safer roads, healthier drivers and a more responsible and efficient transport industry. By prioritizing driver welfare and road safety without compromising operational efficiency, these regulations underline the EU’s commitment to promoting a balanced and safe transport system. Because these regulations are adopted and implemented in all Member States.
“We hope that these regulations will significantly improve road safety, which in turn will make European roads safer for everyone,” said Simonsen.
Key provisions and upcoming regulations
Maximum driving hours: The maximum daily driving time for professional drivers has been set at 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice a week. The weekly driving limit is limited to 56 hours. In a two-week period, drivers may not exceed 90 hours of driving.
Rest period: To reduce fatigue and improve driver attention, a mandatory 45-minute break is required after every 4.5 hours of driving. This break can be split into a 15-minute break followed by a 30-minute break, ensuring that drivers can rest at appropriate intervals.
Weekly rest: Drivers must take a regular weekly rest of at least 45 hours. This rest period can be reduced to 24 hours but must be compensated by an equivalent rest period before the end of the third week.
Two-week rest: At least two regular weekly rests or one regular and one reduced rest are mandatory within a two-week run.
Digital tachographs: The regulations force the use of digital tachographs, electronic devices that record driving, resting time and other relevant data. These advanced tools provide accurate and tamper-proof records, making it easier for authorities to monitor compliance.
