A digital tachograph is an electronic device that records data about a commercial vehicle’s driving time, speed, and distance travelled. Used in the European Union and some other countries to ensure compliance with regulations regarding driving and rest periods for commercial drivers.

The digital tachograph is typically installed in the vehicle and is connected to various sensors, such as the speedometer and the engine control unit. It records data in real-time, and the driver must insert their digital driver card into the tachograph to record their driving data.

The digital tachograph can store data for up to 365 days, which needs to be downloaded at least every 90 days and analyzed. The Driver’s Card must be downloaded every 28 days and analyzed to ensure compliance with driving and rest period regulations. It can also help fleet managers monitor and optimize their operations by identifying inefficient driving practices or areas where training or maintenance may be needed.

A digital tachograph is essential for promoting road safety and ensuring fair competition in the transportation industry.

Knowing what records to keep when you’ve not been driving;  How bus, coach and professional goods drivers should record the hours they spend on ‘other work’.

Weekly driving time and weekly rest time – How are weekly driving and weekly rest time related? When is a new weekly rest period available?

Apply for a driver’s digital tachograph card; in Ireland, England, Scotland or Wales, Northern Ireland,
Apply for, renew or replace a driver’s digital tachograph card.

Tachographs: rules for drivers and operators
Who needs to use a tachograph and exemptions; digital and analogue tachographs; guidance for goods vehicles, passenger carrying vehicles (PCVs) and light vehicles

Drivers’ hours and tachographs: goods vehicles

Drivers’ hours and tachographs: buses and coaches

Understanding EU drivers’ hours and working time rules

Working time rules: lorry, bus and coach drivers and crew