A Brief History of the "Smart" Revolution

Tachograph technology has moved quickly over the last few years. The first generation of Smart Tachographs (Version 1) was introduced on 15 June 2019, making GNSS (satellite) tracking mandatory for the first time in new vehicles.

However, the more advanced Smart Tachograph Version 2 - the one we use today for international border recognition - was only introduced on 21 August 2023. Since then, a phased "retrofit" programme has been in place. As of August 2025, almost all HGVs involved in international transport must have these Version 2 units fitted, with the final deadline for light commercial vehicles (over 2.5 tonnes) coming on 1 July 2026.
 

What is Ferry Mode?

Ferry Mode (officially labelled Ferry/Train in the tachograph menu) is a specific setting that allows a driver to interrupt a Regular Daily Rest (11 hours) or a Regular Weekly Rest (45 hours) to embark or disembark from a vessel. Normally, any vehicle movement during a rest period would "break" the rest and restart the clock. Ferry Mode provides a legal "shield," allowing you to move the HGV without voiding your entire rest period, provided you follow the strict timing rules.

The "60-Minute" Rule

The most critical thing to remember is the one-hour limit. Under UK and EU rules, you are permitted a maximum of two interruptions (one to drive onto the ferry and one to drive off) with a combined total duration of no more than 60 minutes. During these moves, the tachograph will record "Driving" or "Work," but as long as the total time is under one hour and you have a bunk or couchette available on the ship, your 11-hour rest remains valid.

How to activate it on new Smart Tachographs

While the Smart 2 tachograph now automatically records border crossings via GNSS, it cannot "guess" when you are on a boat - you must still select it manually.

Here are a couple of example devices:

On the VDO DTCO 4.1: Navigate to the Main Menu, select Vehicle Entry, and scroll to Ferry/Train.
Watch tutorial video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a_-zZTYDsk 

On the Stoneridge SE5000 Smart 2: Go to Places and select Ferry/Train.

Manual here: https://stoneridgeelectronics.com/files/SE5000-Smart-2/Manuals/9000-103765P_01_07_Drivers_and_Company_Manual.pdf 

You must activate this before you start the engine to move onto the ramp. Once parked on the deck, ensure you manually switch the unit back to the "Rest" (Bed) symbol immediately.

The latest Smart 2 units make life easier by automatically stamping your location when Ferry Mode is activated. This provides clear evidence to enforcement officers that your vehicle movement occurred at a port or terminal. However, the responsibility remains with the driver: if you forget to toggle the mode or exceed the 60-minute movement limit, the tachograph will flag a rest period violation that remote DSRC sensors can detect even while you are driving down the motorway later that day.