Tachograph Rules Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a tachograph in a commercial vehicle?

Answer: To record driving time, rest periods, and vehicle speed to ensure compliance with EU driver hours regulations

A tachograph is a scientific instrument fitted to commercial vehicles to record driving time, rest periods, other work periods, and vehicle speed — ensuring compliance with EU Regulation 561/2006 on driver hours.

What are the two main types of tachograph in use in Europe?

Answer: Analogue (chart disc) and digital (smart card)

Analogue tachographs use a circular paper disc (chart) to record data mechanically. Digital tachographs record data electronically to a smart card and an internal memory unit.

How often must an analogue tachograph disc be changed?

Answer: Once every 24 hours — at the latest when the sheet is full

An analogue tachograph disc records up to 24 hours of data. It must be changed at the start of each calendar day (every 24 hours) or sooner if it becomes full.

What mode symbol represents 'driving' on a digital tachograph display?

Answer: A steering wheel icon

On a digital tachograph, the steering wheel symbol represents driving mode. The system switches automatically to driving mode when the vehicle is in motion.

What information must a driver write manually on an analogue tachograph chart?

Answer: Name, start location, end location, date, vehicle registration, and odometer readings

The driver must manually enter their name, date, start and end location, vehicle registration number, and odometer readings at the start and end of each chart. Missing information is a recordable offence.

For how long must a driver retain tachograph charts or printouts from digital cards?

Answer: Charts must be retained for 28 days and available for inspection during that period

Drivers must keep analogue charts and digital card printouts for the current week plus the last chart/printout from the previous week — totalling up to 28 days — and produce them on request by enforcement authorities.