Motorists risk new 'fines and disruption' soon as driving law changes launch within months

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Similarly, if an international journey is for the driver or the company's own account, and driving does not constitute the main activity, they also do not need a tachograph.These rule changes follow new laws launched on December 24, 2025, which require all newly registered goods vehicles to have a full smart 2 tachograph fitted.Guidance states that transitional smart 2 tachographs do not need to be retrofitted in vehicles registered before Christmas Eve 2025.The main difference between a full and transitional smart 2 tachograph is that it does not have the location verification technology, known as Galileo.Experts have also highlighted how the smart 2 technology is designed to improve accuracy and prevent tampering.Matt Candish, head of compliance information at Logistics UK, urged all fleet operators to ensure the new rules are followed properly.This includes a review of journeys, vehicles and drivers to ensure they are up-to-date with the new regulations on international trips.He continued, saying: This also includes operators in Northern Ireland with vehicles over 2.5 tonnes entering the Republic of Ireland, as they will also need to have an ST2 installed.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSLabour refuses to 'confirm or deny' emergency meetings amid fears of 'mass purchasing of fuel'Driving law changes could see 20mph roads axed and fuel prices cut under new Tory plansElectric car owners paying less to charge in public than petrol and diesel drivers for first timeIt is important to check operations now, and delaying any further could mean long waiting times to get devices fitted and risk not being compliant with the potential for fines and disruption.The expert also stressed the importance of ensuring drivers know how to properly use a tachograph, especially if they are unfamiliar with the updated technology.He noted that roadside inspections can be stressful when technical irregularities are spotted.In an instance where technical errors are clocked, they will not be the fault of the driver, although they can cause additional distress.Mr Candish added: This is why it is essential that drivers receive appropriate training on how to operate the tachograph, understand the current legislation and know what to do if there are technical problems, such as security breach error codes.This will mean that drivers can produce all the necessary records correctly at the time of inspection, so it goes as smoothly as possible, and they can return to their journey with minimal inconvenience. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter