Digital tachographs work by digitally recording all data on the driver and vehicle in both its internal memory and also separately on the driver's smart card. Information must be downloaded every 90 days from the digital tachograph; and every 28 days from the driver card. The tachograph data then needs to be analysed.

Can I drive without a digital tachograph card inserted?

In order to be driving without a digital tacho card you must: ... You can only drive without a tacho card for a maximum of 15 calendar days. The DVLA is required to issue you a new card within 5 working days, so this should not be a huge problem. If your card has expired, you effectively don't have one.

Can I leave my tacho card in overnight?

Yes, you can leave your driver card in all week (company operational procedures permitting) if you want, remembering to change the mode to 'rest' and select end location before you go home and 'other work' and select start location when you arrive.

How long do tacho infringements last?

How long do tacho infringements last? If you're wondering how long tacho infringements last, the straight answer is that there is no limit, and as stated above; driver hours offences can be investigated for up to 6 months. There are however different levels of infringements, where a level 5 infringement is the highest.

Do you have to do manual entry on a digital tachograph?

The tachograph, although digital, will not do without manual entries. There are many situations that require manual data input. ... Truck drivers often and regularly ask questions about logging the tachograph card.

quick beginner's guide to the tachograph

36 related questions found

Do I need a tacho card to drive a 7.5 tonne?

You do not need a tachograph if you are making a personal journey and driving a vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes (though you would need an appropriate licence to drive a vehicle that size).

What is the normal weekly rest period?

Weekly Rest Periods. A driver must start a weekly rest period no later than at the end of six consecutive 24-hour periods from the end of the last weekly rest period. A regular weekly rest period is a period of at least 45 consecutive hours.

What does VDO mean on a tachograph?

The VDO Counter constantly displays the remaining driving time and rest periods for the driver. Meaning Drivers will always know how long they still on their break, how long their next break must be and how far they are allowed to drive after their break.

What does a tachograph record?

Tachographs record information about driving time, speed and distance. They're used to make sure drivers and employers follow the rules on drivers' hours.

How many spare tacho rolls should a driver carry?

Digital Tachographs

Make sure there are enough printer rolls in the vehicle (there must be one in the tachograph head and one spare in the cab.

How long does information stay on a digital tacho card?

A driver's card can store up to 28 days worth of data. When it is full, the stored data may be overwritten by new data. The vehicle unit stores data for the previous 365 days before the oldest data is overwritten.

What is CPC card?

You'll get your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence ( CPC ) card when you've done 35 hours of periodic training. The card is sometimes called a 'driver qualification card' or ' DQC '. You must carry this card while driving a lorry, bus or coach professionally.

Do I need a CPC Licence?

You must have Driver CPC if you drive a lorry, bus or coach as the main part of your job. You must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep it. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC.

Do I need a tacho for private use?

Driving a horsebox for personal use does not require a tachograph, either. As soon as there is a commercial (ie profit-making) element to the work you are doing in a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, though, you must comply with the rules on tachographs.

Does a private HGV need a tachograph?

You dont need to use the tachograph if you are 7.5 ton or under for PRIVATE use if its bussiness then you do and need an O licence...

Do recovery trucks need Tacho?

As well as tools and spares, the vans also carry vehicle recovery systems (VRS) or tow dollies. ... However, when the tow dolly is being used to carry a disabled vehicle, and the vehicle is being used outside a radius of 100 km from base, a tachograph needs to be installed and used.

How often should a digital tachograph card be downloaded?

By law you are required to download driver smartcards at least every 28 days and vehicle unit data every 90 days. Ideally you should download driver cards and vehicle units more frequently to ensure you have regular backups of your data and any infringements can be spotted and dealt with quickly.

Who is exempt from tachograph rules?

The main types of exempt vehicle are: vehicles that cannot go faster than 40 kilometres per hour, including vehicles that are restricted by a set speed limiter. emergency aid vehicles – vehicles used in the non-commercial transport of humanitarian aid for use in emergencies or rescue operations.

Can you remove a tachograph?

They are only needed on commercial vehicles used as commercial vehicles. If you are doing a conversion on it and re-register it as a private vehicle (motor caravan), I would say that you can simply remove them. However, for simplicity you could just leave the tacho in place and use it as a speedo and clock.