Tachograph Rules Flashcards

What is the tachograph requirement when two drivers share driving in a vehicle (double manning)?

Answer: Both driver cards must be inserted simultaneously — one in slot 1 (driver), one in slot 2 (co-driver)

When double-manning, both driver cards must be in the tachograph simultaneously — the active driver's card in slot 1 and the co-driver's card in slot 2. The tachograph records each driver's activity separately.

What does the tachograph record about vehicle speed?

Answer: A continuous speed trace showing the vehicle's speed at every moment — speeding events are visible on inspection

Analogue tachographs record a continuous speed trace on the disc. Digital tachographs record detailed speed data that enforcement authorities can analyse for speeding, harsh braking, and other events.

When must a driver print a record from the digital tachograph?

Answer: When requested by an enforcement officer or when the card is malfunctioning and manual records are needed

A driver must print from the digital tachograph when an enforcement officer requests a printout at a roadside check, or when the driver card has malfunctioned and written records on printed slips are needed.

How long must an employer retain digital tachograph data downloaded from the vehicle unit?

Answer: At least 12 months from the date the data was recorded

Employers must retain digital tachograph data downloaded from the vehicle unit for at least 12 months. Driver card data must also be downloaded and stored at least every 28 days.

What is the consequence of driving without inserting a driver card into a digital tachograph?

Answer: An offence — the driver must make manual written records and the vehicle unit records an 'unknown driver' event

Driving a digital tachograph-equipped vehicle without inserting a driver card is an offence. The vehicle unit records an 'unknown driver' session which is visible during inspection. Manual records must be made.

What is a 'smart tachograph' (second generation digital tachograph)?

Answer: An advanced digital tachograph with GPS, remote communication, and DSRC interface for remote enforcement checks

Second-generation (smart) tachographs include GNSS (GPS) positioning, remote early detection capability allowing enforcement to identify potential violations remotely, and ITS interface for roadside checks.