EU tachograph updates impose new costs on transport companies

Transport companies operating internationally within the European Union are facing new mandatory costs due to required software updates for Smart Tacho 2 intelligent tachographs. These second-generation devices, used to monitor working time, must now be updated to meet new cybersecurity guidelines issued by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Manufacturers such as VDO and Stoneridge are charging for these updates, which must be performed by authorized workshops. The process is expected to cost carriers several hundred PLN per vehicle and must be completed by the next scheduled legalization.

National transport organizations, including TLP and ZMPD, have expressed strong opposition to these additional expenses. Some groups have threatened protests, arguing that the costs of complying with new Brussels-mandated standards should be covered by authorities or manufacturers rather than the transport industry.