Tachographs are Changing

All New Vehicles registered on or after 1^st May 2006 which operate ‘in scope’ of EU Drivers Hours Regulations must be fitted with a Digital Tachograph – these use smart cards instead of paper charts to record driver activity.

There is no mandatory ‘retrofit’ requirement for digital tachographs. 

Users of Light Commercial Vehicles and Small Passenger Carrying Vehicles

Goods vehicles under 3.5 tonnes GVW used for business and small passenger carrying vehicles with less than 18 seats (inc the driver) are not normally required to be fitted with a tachograph.  However under certain circumstances their fitment and use in such vehicles is required:

• Goods vehicle used for business when towing a trailer and the train weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes

• Passenger vehicles, whether used privately or by way of business, with more than 10 seats (including the driver) when used on international journeys.

Such vehicles registered after 1^st May 2006 will need to be fitted with a digital tachograph and users should ensure:

• When purchasing such a vehicle it can be fitted with a digital tachograph (some models of vehicle are not suitable for fitment).

Where using vehicles fitted with a digital tachograph drivers must have been issued with a driver smart card and the card must be used when conducting driving duties and other activities.