What Is a Tachograph and Why Is It Mandatory?
A tachograph is an on-board recording device that logs vehicle speed, distance covered, and driver activity (driving, other work, availability, rest). Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes operating in the EU must be fitted with a digital tachograph.
Data is stored on two media:
- Vehicle unit (stays in truck): 90 days
- Driver card (personal): 28 days
Key Driving Time Rules
Daily driving limit
- Standard maximum: 9 hours
- May be extended to 10 hours up to twice a week
Weekly driving limit
- Maximum 56 hours in any single week
- Maximum 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks
Break (interruption)
- A break must be taken after at most 4.5 hours of driving
- Minimum 45 minutes, which may be split: 15 min + 30 min (in that order only)
Rest Time Rules
Daily rest
- Standard: 11 consecutive hours
- May be reduced to 9 hours up to three times per week (no compensation required)
- Double-crewed vehicles: 9 hours within the first 30 hours after last rest is acceptable
Weekly rest
- Regular weekly rest: minimum 45 consecutive hours
- Reduced weekly rest: minimum 24 hours — the shortfall must be compensated within the following 3 weeks
- Regular weekly rest must not be spent in the cab (EU Directive 2020/1054)
Common Violations and Fines (Germany)
| Violation | Typical fine |
| Driving without driver card | €500–€1,500 |
| Driving time exceeded | €180–€540 |
| Missing rest period | €180–€360 |
| Tampered tachograph | €3,000–€5,000 + criminal proceedings |
| Improper card handling | €100–€300 |
Amounts vary by EU member state but the principles are identical.
Smart Tachograph V2 (from 2023)
New vehicles registered from August 2023 must have Smart Tachograph Generation 2 (V2):
- Automatic GNSS positioning: records country crossings, loading/unloading, and rest locations automatically
- ITS interface: readable by enforcement antennas at the roadside — no stop required
- Cryptographic protection: makes manipulation technically near-impossible
Practical Compliance Tips
1. Always insert your card before driving — uncarded kilometres are your liability
2. Set a timer for 4 hours 15 minutes — builds in a buffer before the mandatory break
3. Document manual entries — if the tachograph fails, a signed written record protects you
4. Download your card regularly — your employer is responsible but personal liability exists too
Summary
Tachograph violations are not just fines — serious cases can result in loss of CPC qualification and suspension of the operator's licence. Knowing the rules is a basic professional requirement. When in doubt, ask your dispatcher or union representative. "I didn't know" is not a defence.