Experts are warning drivers that they could face hefty fines and road issues when travelling next month as new motoring regulations are rolled out.
New European Union rules mean certain vehicles need to be fitted with features to record driving hours, otherwise, motorists could be slapped with fines.
Tachographs are used in vehicles to record driving time, speed, distance and rest periods for commercial motorists who are restricted to the amount they can be on the road.
All commercial vehicles registered after May 1, 2006, are required to have a digital tachograph, while older models can use an analogue tachograph.
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Drivers are being warned of new law changes being introduced next month
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However, new measures outlined in the Drivers' Hours, Tachographs, International Road Haulage and Licensing of Operators (Amendment) Regulations 2022, specify when the smart tachograph 2 must be installed.
On or after August 19, 2025, drivers must have a "full" smart tachograph 2 or a "transitional" smart tachograph 2 retrofitted in their vehicles.
This applies to "in-scope" vehicles currently fitted with a smart tachograph 1, which undertake international journeys.
So-called "in-scope" vehicles are defined as those which exceed a certain weight or passenger capacity, especially for commercial purposes.
Motorists are required to record their hours on a tachograph, with drivers fined for failing to follow the rules | GETTYThe Government outlines that any vehicles operating only within the UK can still use the smart tachograph 1 that has been originally fitted.
Experts are now warning that motorists must act within the next three weeks or face huge consequences.
Cherie Carter, director of Indigo Car Hire, said: "This isn't just red tape, it's a make-or-break issue for drivers heading into Europe.
"If you miss the upgrade deadline, you could face hefty fines, refused entry at ports, or even legal trouble.
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"We're urging all HGV and van drivers to check their tachographs now and take action before it's too late."
Failure to install or use a tachograph can lead to a "Level 5" fine, which can see drivers and businesses hit with a fine worth up to £5,000.
Similarly, failing to observe driving time, break or rest period rules will result in a Level 4 fine worth up to £2,500.
Carter called on drivers to know their deadline based on their current tachograph to ensure they avoid fines in the coming months.
Most vehicles now have digital tachographs | GETTYShe warned that drivers ignoring the update could jeopardise delivery contracts and find themselves "grounded at customs checkpoints" across the European Union.
Further changes will be introduced next July that will require all newly registered goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes to have a "full" or "transitional" smart tachograph 2 installed.
Vehicles which undertake international journeys for "hire and reward" will need to abide by the changes.
The new rules will not apply to vehicles that weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes if they only operate in the UK, with no requirement to fit a tachograph.