Road freight transport has introduced two major updates this summer: the second-generation smart tachograph and the amend of the Vehicle Regulation, which increases the maximum authorized mass (MAM) from 40 to 44 tons. In line with the European Union Mobility Package, approved in 2020, as of August 19, 2025, vehicles engaged in international transport must be equipped with a second-generation smart tachograph, affecting more than one million trucks in Europe. Regarding the amendment to the General Vehicle Regulation, it is part of the goal of improving the sustainability of road freight transport and the efficiency of the logistics chain.
Which vehicles must install the second-generation smart tachograph?
As part of the strategy to improve the monitoring of driving and rest times, increase transparency in travel, and strengthen road safety in freight transport, the EU requires the installation of second-generation smart tachographs in all vehicles engaged in international transport. Specifically, the measure applies to:
- Vehicles registered from June 2019, equipped with a first-generation smart tachograph.
- Vehicles still using analog or non-smart digital tachographs, which had to replace them with the second-generation version before March 2025 to continue operating internationally.
- From July 2026, light commercial vehicles (with a MAM between 2.5 and 3.5 tons) engaged in international transport must also comply with the regulation.
Penalties for non-compliance vary depending on the country but are significant: in France, for example, fines can reach up to €30,000, vehicle immobilization, and even up to one year in prison for the driver.
Spain increases the MAM to 44 tons in freight transport
With the publication on July 23 in the Official State Gazette (BOE) of the amendment to the General Vehicle Regulation, the maximum authorized mass is increased from 40 to 44 tons for vehicle combinations with five or more axles and road trains made up of a three-axle motor vehicle with a two- or three-axle trailer. In the case of intermodal transport operations, the limit is extended to 46 tons.
Another important development is the simplification of the use and authorization of European Modular Systems (vehicle combinations with more than six axle lines), including Eco Combi trucks (32 meters long and with a capacity of 72 tons) and duo-trailers (vehicles with more than six axle lines with two semi-trailers, 31.7 meters long and a capacity of 48 tons), which no longer require a specific authorization, provided they comply with the traffic restrictions established by the Central Traffic Headquarters.
At Startrans, we manage your road freight shipments. We stay up to date with regulatory changes and can advise you on the best shipping method depending on your cargo. Contact us.