In the world of commercial road transport, safety, compliance, and proper rest periods are critical. Tachographs play a central role in ensuring these standards are met by recording driving times, breaks, rest periods, and other work activities of professional drivers. Whether you’re a driver or an operator, understanding tachograph rules is essential to stay on the right side of the law and to promote safer roads.
What is a Tachograph?
A tachograph is a device fitted in commercial vehicles (usually over 3.5 tonnes or passenger vehicles with more than 9 seats) that records information about:
- Driving time
- Speed
- Distance travelled
- Driver activity (driving, rest, availability, or other work)
There are two main types:
- Analogue tachographs: Use wax paper charts and mechanical sensors.
- Digital tachographs: Store data on driver cards and in internal memory.
Who Must Use a Tachograph?
Drivers and operators of vehicles covered under EU or AETR regulations (mainly for international and long-haul operations) must use tachographs. This typically includes:
- Trucks over 3.5 tonnes
- Buses/coaches carrying more than 9 passengers
Some exemptions apply (e.g., for certain agricultural, forestry, or emergency service vehicles), but they are specific and limited.
Key Tachograph Rules for Drivers
1. Daily Driving Limits
- Maximum driving time per day: 9 hours (can be extended to 10 hours twice a week)
2. Weekly and Bi-weekly Limits
- Weekly limit: 56 hours maximum
- Two-week limit: 90 hours maximum across any two consecutive weeks
3. Breaks and Rest
- Minimum break: 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving
(Can be split into two periods – first of at least 15 minutes, then at least 30 minutes) - Daily rest period: At least 11 hours (can be reduced to 9 hours up to 3 times per week)
- Weekly rest: 45 continuous hours (can be reduced to 24 hours every second week if compensated)
4. Manual Entries
Drivers are responsible for entering any work time not automatically recorded by the tachograph, including on-duty time without driving (e.g., loading, paperwork).
Key Tachograph Rules for Operators
1. Data Download and Retention
- Digital tachograph data must be downloaded:
- From driver cards: every 28 days
- From vehicle units: every 90 days
- All data must be kept for at least 12 months and made available to authorities on request.
2. Monitoring Compliance
Operators must:
- Regularly monitor tachograph records
- Identify and correct infringements
- Ensure drivers are trained and informed
3. Calibration and Maintenance
- Tachographs must be calibrated every 2 years by an approved technician.
- Calibration is also required after:
- Vehicle registration changes
- Repairs affecting the device
- Tyre size changes
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with tachograph rules can result in:
- Fines and penalties for drivers and operators
- Points on driver’s licence
- Vehicle immobilisation
- Reputation damage and potential loss of contracts
Authorities in the UK and EU regularly conduct roadside checks and premises audits, so it’s crucial to stay compliant.
Tips for Drivers and Operators
- Always carry your driver card and ensure it’s inserted before driving.
- Know how to make manual entries accurately.
- Download data regularly to avoid memory overloads.
- Keep a printed copy of relevant regulations in the vehicle.
- Use tachograph analysis software for easier compliance and record management.
Final Thoughts
Tachographs are more than just monitoring tools—they are essential for ensuring driver well-being and road safety. By understanding and adhering to tachograph rules, both drivers and operators can avoid penalties, reduce fatigue-related incidents, and build a culture of compliance and responsibility on the roads.