The majority of heavy commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight must be fitted with an EU-approved tachograph.
This can include vans such as the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter.
For vehicles first registered on or after 01 May 2006 these tachographs must be digital.The requirement for digital tachographs is to ensure compliance with EU drivers hours.
For vehicles first registered on or after 01 May 2006 these tachographs must be digital.
The requirement for digital tachographs is to ensure compliance with EU drivers’ hours.
Drivers need to keep a tachograph record, even if they only drive occasionally. Small business operators must be able to operate tachograph equipment and ensure their drivers are managing the driver card in the correct manner. They must also make arrangements for downloading the tacho data.
Tachographs need to be inspected every two years. Digital tachographs must be recalibrated at the inspection.
Penalties for non-compliance with the law and tachographs
- Failure to comply: fine up to £2500
- Deliberate falsification: fine up to £5000 and imprisonment
Further information on tachographs
- The Freight Transport Association has a wealth of information on tachograph compaliance. The site also has a free factsheet on digital tachograph regulations. Click here for more: www.fta.co.uk.
