25/08/2025 (Agence Europe) – The compulsory installation of smart tachographs, provided for in Regulation 2020/1054 included in the European Union’s first ‘mobility’ package (see EUROPE 13497/20), came into force on Tuesday 19 August. From now on, all heavy-duty vehicles registered in the EU and operating in Member States other than the one in which they are registered must be fitted with smart tachographs. The aim is to protect drivers’ rights, ensure fair competition and promote road safety. These tachographs automatically record border crossings, loading and/or unloading operations, software updates and greater anti-tampering resistance. They also enable the relevant authorities to better target vehicles on the road, thanks to data transmitted remotely by the vehicle. Light commercial vehicles weighing more than 2.5 tonnes will have to be equipped from 1 July 2026. (AD)