NTS Tacho solution

Operating in accordance with the law of working time drivers and crew in road transport and tachographs without incurring additional costs is not an easy task for transport companies. The traditional method of manual data reading and retrieval means that the vehicle periodically comes to a certain location where the data reading is performed. As a result of empty miles and idle time during data retrieval, additional transport costs are incurred.

From August 21, 2023, transporters are also faced with the obligation to install second-generation smart tachographs in all newly registered commercial vehicles with a maximum allowed weight of 3.5 tons or more on the EU market.

The innovation brought by second-generation smart tachographs is the automatic recording of border crossings within EU countries, the time and location of cargo loading and unloading, and any changes in the vehicle’s axle load. Supervisory authorities will be able to read all this data, as well as any violations of the maximum driving time, using the DSRC system at control points located along traffic routes, near large parking lots, and even while the vehicle is in motion.

How can NTS solutions help?

With the implementation of NTS Taho solutions, the process of reading and downloading tachograph data becomes fully automated. Our device connects to the digital tachograph and remotely sends all data from the tachograph’s memory and the driver’s card, displaying it in the appropriate format via the NTS application. This automation enables fast, simple, and secure data transfer regardless of the vehicle’s current location and without interrupting ongoing transport activities.

What does the NTS Tacho solution involve?

 

Remote downloading of driver's tacho files and cards

The NTS Tacho solution enables a remote download of the Tacho file wherever the vehicles are located, without the need to arrive at a specific location and interrupt the started transport activities. The only thing necessary for downloading is that the vehicles are included in the NTS Fleet Management System and that the contact is switched on at the moment of downloading the files.

 

Tachograph data analysis

The data downloaded from the tachograph are transformed into relevant information, based on which, logistics and transport managers can make decisions quickly and efficiently. "DDD" files are stored in the NTS application, and their analysis and reporting comply with all prescribed legal norms.

 

Reminder to download the tachograph data

Reminders about the deadline for the upcoming download are available within the NTS application. Reminders are set for each driver in accordance with the law which requires downloading data at least once in 28 days from the driver card and once in 90 days from the tachograph.

 

Real time tachograph data

The driver's working time and other driving parameters, recorded by the tachograph, are available in the NTS application in real time. The dispatcher is enabled to monitor how much time drivers spend driving, resting, and working. They are also provided with insight into other driving parameters provided by the tachograph.

 

Advantages of the NTS Tacho solution

1.      Operating following the law of working time drivers and crew in road transport and tachographs,

2.      Reduction of time required for data processing and analysis,

3.      Secure data transfer,

4.      Control of drivers and vehicles,

5.      Reducing the cost of “physical” data downloading.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the smart tachograph 2?

The smart tachograph 2 are innovative devices that automatically recognize and record border crossings, allowing drivers to enter data more quickly and easily.

Is a smart tachograph 2 mandatory for transporters in EU?

A smart tachograph 2 is required for transporters in the EU whose vehicles were first registered after August 21, 2023. This includes all new trucks over 3.5 tons (N2, N3) and buses (M2, M3). All old analogue and digital tachographs, along with first-generation smart tachographs, must be replaced by the specified deadlines. Transporters are encouraged to view these changes positively and see the installation of smart tachographs as an opportunity to enhance their business.

Who must have new tachographs?

From July 2026, second-generation smart tachographs will be mandatory for all commercial vehicles in international transport weighing more than 2.5 tons. All old tachographs must be replaced by specific deadlines.

What are the deadlines for replacing old tachographs?

• From August 21, 2023, all newly registered trucks of category N2 (over 3.5t) and N3 (over 16t) and all new buses of categories M2 and M3, operating in international traffic, must have smart tachograph 2.
• By December 31, 2024, all old analogue or digital tachographs must be replaced, except for first-generation smart tachographs, which transporters can replace by August 2025.
• From June 1, 2026, the smart tachograph 2 will also be mandatory for all N1 category freight vehicles in international transport, with a maximum permitted mass of 2.5t to 3.5t, such as Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, and Volkswagen Crafter. For them, these tachographs will be mandatory, along with everything else in compliance with the law on drivers' working hours (driver cards, organization, and recording of working hours and rest periods).

When are tachograph data read?

Tachograph data must be read according to legal requirements, at least once every 28 days from the driver card and at least once every 90 days from the tachograph. This ensures transporters can avoid significant financial penalties.

How is tachograph data read?

Tachograph data is traditionally read by physically accessing the vehicles, which can cause empty trips and additional costs. However, the NTS Taho solution enables a fully automated process of reading and downloading data via a device that connects to the tachograph and remotely sends information to the dispatcher, allowing fast, simple, and secure data transfer without interrupting transport activities and storing them in an application for access and analysis.

What are the fines for not downloading tachograph data?

Financial penalties for transporters who do not download data at least once every 28 days from the driver card and at least once every 90 days from the tachograph can be up to 200,000 RSD.

How to avoid forgetting to download tachograph data?

To avoid forgetting to download tachograph data, reminders are available within the NTS application, which you can set for each driver every 28 days. Additionally, you can set reminders for the expiration date of the tachograph card to complete all legal obligations on time and avoid large financial penalties.