Complying with tachograph laws is one of the biggest responsibilities for haulage companies. These regulations ensure drivers are rested, roads are safer, and businesses remain compliant with legal standards. Overlooking these laws can lead to penalties, disrupted operations, and reputational damage.
Whether you’re starting a haulage company or managing an established fleet, understanding the rules is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover the regulations, practical tips for compliance, and ways to keep your fleet running smoothly while staying on top of tachograph requirements.
What we’ll cover
What are tachograph laws and why do they matter?
Tachograph laws regulate the use of devices that record driving times, rest periods, and overall working hours for drivers of haulage vehicles. These regulations are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents, protect drivers’ health, and improve road safety.
For haulage companies, compliance is not optional. Breaching tachograph regulations can lead to hefty fines, licence suspensions, and a tarnished reputation. Customers, regulators, and subcontractors all expect high standards, so staying compliant helps you maintain trust and stay competitive.
Key tachograph rules for HGV operators
Operating within the tachograph rules is easier when you know exactly what’s required. Here’s a closer look at the main tacho regulations.
Daily and weekly driving limits
Drivers must stick to strict limits to prevent fatigue:
- Daily driving: Up to 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours no more than twice a week.
- Weekly driving: A maximum of 56 hours.
- Fortnightly limit: No more than 90 hours across two weeks.
Rest periods are just as important. Drivers need an 11-hour daily rest period, which can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times a week. Weekly rest periods must total at least 45 hours.
Keeping accurate records
Tachographs must be used to record all activity, including driving, rest periods, and other work. Digital tachographs automatically store this information, but drivers must manually input activities like breaks taken away from the vehicle.
Inaccurate records—or worse, missing ones—can lead to penalties during DVSA roadside inspections. Regularly downloading and reviewing tachograph data helps identify and correct errors before they escalate.
Common mistakes and how to prevent them
Tachograph laws are detailed, and it’s easy for drivers or managers to make mistakes. Here are some common tacho errors and how to address them.
Misunderstanding rules for mixed fleets
If your fleet includes HGVs and courier vans, the rules can get tricky.
Tachograph laws only apply to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or combinations exceeding this weight. However, drivers who switch between vehicle types must still adhere to overall working hours regulations.
Clear communication and HGV driver training are key to avoid confusion.
Overlooking calibration and maintenance
Tachographs need regular calibration, typically every two years for digital devices. Failing to maintain these devices properly can lead to inaccurate data and penalties.
Encourage drivers to report any device issues immediately to minimise downtime and avoid compliance risks.
Failing to account for manual entries
Many drivers rely heavily on automatic tachograph recordings and forget to log manual entries. Activities like rest periods away from the vehicle, non-driving work, or starting a shift without driving should be entered manually.
Missing these records can create gaps in data, leading to fines during inspections. Regularly remind drivers to update their tachographs accurately.
Ignoring driver fatigue
While tachographs monitor driving hours, they don’t track driver well-being. Ignoring signs of driver fatigue, such as consistent late-night shifts or insufficient breaks, can result in unsafe driving conditions.
Encourage drivers to report fatigue concerns, and schedule shifts that align with rest period requirements to minimise risks.
Not downloading data on time
Digital tachographs store a limited amount of data, typically around 28 days. Failing to download records regularly can lead to data loss and non-compliance.
Set a schedule for downloading data from both driver cards and vehicle units to keep records up to date and accessible for audits.
By addressing these common mistakes proactively, you can keep your fleet compliant, avoid penalties, and protect your drivers and business.
Practical steps to protect your fleet from penalties
Being proactive with compliance can save your business time, money, and stress. Here’s how you can keep your fleet on track.
Train your drivers on tachograph laws
Investing in training is one of the best ways to reduce errors. Workshops on tacho rules, including driving limits and manual entries, help drivers understand their responsibilities.
Regular training sessions also reinforce safe driving habits, supporting driver risk assessments and creating a stronger, more compliant team.
Use technology to support compliance
Telematics and fleet management tools can simplify tachograph compliance. These systems monitor driver behaviour in real-time, highlighting issues like excessive hours or incomplete records.
Integrating tachograph data with TMS integrations makes it easier to track compliance across your fleet. Automated alerts can flag potential violations, helping you act before they become problems.
How Haulage Exchange can help maintain compliance
Haulage Exchange offers tools to help you manage tachograph compliance while keeping operations efficient.
With access to a network of subcontractors familiar with tachograph regulations, you can expand your fleet during periods of seasonal freight demand without sacrificing compliance. Digital tools on the platform also make it easier to manage your haulage drivers and monitor key activity, reducing the risk of errors.
Find reliable carriers and cut your costs with Haulage Exchange
Sign upFrequently asked questions
What are the working hours for tacho rules?
Under tachograph rules, HGV drivers can drive a maximum of 9 hours a day, extendable to 10 hours twice a week. Weekly driving must not exceed 56 hours, and the total for any two consecutive weeks must stay within 90 hours. Regular breaks of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving are mandatory.
What are the new rules for tachograph?
Recent updates to tachograph regulations include the mandatory use of smart tachographs for newly registered HGVs. These devices improve accuracy, track border crossings, and automatically record driving and rest times. Existing vehicles may also need smart tachograph upgrades by specified deadlines to meet compliance.
What is the tacho one-minute rule?
The one-minute rule applies to digital tachographs and records the activity within each minute based on the longest continuous action. For example, if you drive for 50 seconds and idle for 10 seconds within a minute, the tachograph will record that entire minute as driving, helping to reduce discrepancies in logs.
Can I leave my tacho card in overnight on rest?
Yes, you can leave your tacho card in the tachograph while on a rest period. However, you must make sure the tachograph is set to record your rest time correctly. Removing the card isn’t necessary unless you need to switch vehicles or the card is due for replacement.
Do you have to do a tacho print out every day?
No, a daily tacho printout isn’t required unless requested by an inspector or if there’s a need to document an error or missing data. However, drivers must carry a record of their activities for the current day and the previous 28 days, whether stored digitally or in print.
Can I drive if I left my tacho card at home?
Driving without your tachograph card is not allowed, as it violates tachograph laws. If you accidentally leave your card at home, you should inform your employer immediately and avoid driving until the issue is resolved. Penalties may apply if you’re caught driving without it.
The article was published on . It was updated on 5 December 2024 to make it more relevant and comprehensive.
