Tachographs: rules for drivers and operators

The Role and Requirements of Tachographs

Tachographs serve as devices that log data on driving duration, velocity, and distance travelled. Their purpose is to ensure adherence to the regulations concerning Drivers’ Hours by both drivers and their employers.

Mandatory Use of Tachographs

The use of a tachograph is obligatory for vehicles that fall within the scope of EU or AETR regulations. It’s essential to ascertain whether these rules are applicable to the vehicle you operate, be it for passenger transport or goods carriage.

Circumstances for Exemption

A tachograph is not required if your vehicle is not subject to EU regulations or qualifies for an exemption from the EU’s drivers’ hours rules.

Varieties of Tachographs

There are two variants of tachographs: analogue and digital. Post 1 May 2006, all newly registered commercial vehicles are mandated to be equipped with digital tachographs. In other cases, analogue tachographs are permissible.

Digital tachographs store data on smart cards for subsequent review. These cards are issued in distinct categories for Companies, Drivers, Enforcement Officers, and Workshops.