The 2025 Regulation: The New Era of the Smart Tachograph

As of October 1, 2025, the new standard UNE 66102:2025 comes into force in Spain, establishing the requirements for Tachograph Technical Centres.

This update is crucial, as it adapts the procedures of these authorised workshops to the technology of the new second-generation smart tachographs, ensuring that installations, verifications, and repairs are carried out with maximum precision and rigour.

Compliance with this standard is based on a stricter and more detailed regulatory framework. UNE 66102:2025 significantly reinforces the training requirements for technical staff, who must be qualified to work with the complex systems of smart tachographs.

It also demands digitised and much more rigorous traceability of all interventions performed on tachographs, from calibration to repair, and updates the technical action report model to be more comprehensive.

An important new feature is the obligation for technical centre certificates to be published in the international CERTSEARCH database, guaranteeing transparency and accessibility of information for the authorities.

For drivers and transport companies, the most significant update is not directly the UNE standard, but the obligation for their vehicles to be equipped with the second-generation smart tachograph by the established deadlines.

If a vehicle dedicated to international transport has an analogue or non-smart digital tachograph, the obligation to replace it with the new model was from December 31, 2024, although the European Union established an awareness period without penalties until February 28, 2025.

For those international transport vehicles that already had a first-generation smart tachograph, the deadline for replacement was extended until August 21, 2025.

Non-compliance with these obligations entails severe financial penalties. For example, lacking the mandatory installed smart digital tachograph can lead to a fine of 2,001 euros, in addition to the immediate immobilisation of the vehicle.

Likewise, not carrying on board the driver card or the activity records (in printed format or on a record sheet) for the last 56 days, when it is mandatory, is penalised with a 1,001 euro fine. These infractions can also lead to the loss of good repute for public transport companies.

In conclusion, the regulation being implemented in 2025 represents a decisive step towards a safer, more transparent, and technologically advanced road transport sector. Both the adaptation of technical centres to the new UNE 66102:2025 standard and the renewal of tachographs in fleets are essential to comply with European legislation, avoid costly penalties, and, most importantly, continue protecting the integrity of drivers and other road users.