Overview of Tachograph Regulations
Tachographs are mandatory recording devices that track driver activities. They're required for most commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles with more than 9 seats (including the driver).
What Tachographs Record
- Driving time
- Other work
- Periods of availability
- Rest periods
- Distance travelled
- Speed (digital tachographs)
- Types of Tachograph
- Analogue: Uses paper charts, older vehicles
- Digital: Uses driver cards, required since 2006
- Smart tachograph: Required on new vehicles from June 2019
- Smart 2: Required on new vehicles from August 2023
Daily Driving Limits
Maximum Daily Driving
- 9 hours per day (can be extended to 10 hours twice per week)
Breaks
- After 4.5 hours of driving, take a break of at least 45 minutes
- This can be split into: 15 minutes + 30 minutes (in that order)
Daily Rest
- Minimum 11 hours in any 24-hour period
- Can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rests
- Can be split: 3 hours + 9 hours (in that order)
Weekly Driving
- Maximum 56 hours in any single week
- Maximum 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks
Weekly and Fortnightly Rules
Weekly Rest
- At least one regular weekly rest (45 hours) every two weeks
- Can take reduced weekly rest (24 hours) one week if compensated
Compensation for Reduced Rest
- Any reduction must be compensated in one block
- Attached to another rest of at least 9 hours
- Must be taken before the end of the third week following
Example Patterns
Week 1: Full 45-hour weekly rest Week 2: Reduced 24-hour weekly rest (must compensate 21 hours by end of week 4)
Week 3 or 4: Take 45 hours + 21 hours compensation = 66 hours total
Driver Card Requirements
Obtaining a Card
- Apply through DVLA
- Photo ID and licence required
- One card per driver (illegal to have two)
- Valid for 5 years
Using Your Card
- Insert at start of shift
- Set mode correctly (driving, other work, POA, rest)
- Make manual entries for activities away from vehicle
- Download data regularly (at least every 28 days)
If Card is Lost or Stolen
- Continue driving for maximum 15 calendar days
- Make manual entries on printouts
- Report and apply for replacement immediately
Vehicle Unit Data
- Must be downloaded at least every 90 days
- Keep data for at least 12 months
Exemptions and Special Rules
Exempt Vehicles
Some vehicles are exempt from tachograph regulations:
- Vehicles not exceeding 7.5t carrying materials/equipment for driver's use
- Vehicles used for non-commercial passenger transport
- Certain emergency service vehicles
- Vehicles used for driving instruction
- Vehicles operating within 100km radius (domestic rules may apply)
GB Domestic Rules
For exempt journeys, lighter domestic rules may apply:
- Maximum 10 hours daily driving
- Keep adequate records of work
- No weekly limits (but health and safety duties apply)
Note: Even if exempt from EU rules, Working Time Directive provisions may still apply.