Starting August 1, fines for tachograph violations in Sweden will increase, and officials will be granted greater authority during inspections to search both the vehicle and its driver.
The most significant change is that tachograph violations may result not only in a fine but also in imprisonment. Once the new laws take effect, particularly high fines or imprisonment for up to one year will be imposed for the following violations:
- Altering, deleting, or modifying tachograph data in such a way that it cannot be read.
- Blocking, altering, or deleting data from a digital tachograph or driver card.
- Driving a vehicle equipped with a system designed to alter tachograph data.
- Developing, manufacturing, distributing, selling, or possessing systems designed to alter tachograph data.
Administrative fines imposed on transport companies that use driver cards containing false information or forged documents will also be increased. In such cases, the fine will range from 8,000 SEK (~725€) to 20,000 SEK (~1,810€).
If, during an inspection, officers have serious reason to suspect a violation of the law, they will be able to search the vehicle and verify that no devices are being used to falsify tachograph data. Police officers will also have the right to search the driver and their belongings to verify that devices belonging to other individuals or counterfeit devices are not being used.
