TMS Analysis

• Insert Driver Card:

Each driver is issued a personal Digi Tacho Smart card, known as a driver card.

The driver begins each duty by inserting their card into the digital tachograph unit.

• Manual Entries:

Upon insertion drivers may need to make manual entries on the tachograph, this will be indicating either the start of the duty or making any events/duties since the card was last removed.

• Mode Selection:

The digital tachograph has different modes, such as driving, rest, availability, and breaks. The driver selects the appropriate mode based on their current activity.

• Record Driving Time:

The digital tachograph automatically records driving time once the vehicle is in motion. It tracks the time spent driving and calculates remaining driving time based on regulatory limits.

• Recording Rest and Breaks:

When the driver takes breaks or rests, they should select the corresponding mode on the tachograph. This ensures accurate recording of rest periods and compliance.

• End of Duty:

When the driver finishes their duty they must eject their Driver Card from the Tacho Head & keep it with them. It’s important that the card is not left in the vehicle just in case somebody else wishes to move or use the vehicle before the driver next uses it.

You can only drive without a tachograph card if you are driving a vehicle that is not in scope of EU/AETR rules.

If your tachograph card is lost, stolen, or malfunctioning you can drive without the card for a maximum of 15 calendar days (or longer is this is necessary for the vehicle to be returned to its premises) provided that you produce 2 printouts – one at the start of the day and another at the end so long as there is no change of vehicle.  Where there is a change of vehicle then a printout will need to be taken at the start and end of the use of vehicle 1 and then a printout at the start and end of vehicle 2 and so on.  All printouts must be marked with:

• The driver’s name or driver card or licence number, so the driver can be identified.
• Any manual entries needed to show periods of other work, availability and rest or break.
• The driver’s signature.

The driver must report the problem to DVLA and apply for a new card within seven calendar days.

A tachograph is a device that records:

• Driving time
• Breaks and rest periods
• Other work and periods of availability
• The vehicle’s speed
• The distance the vehicle has travelled

The resulting record is to be used to monitor compliance with rules and regulations relating to drivers’ hours.

Tachograph infringements are breaches to the Driver’s Hours legislation as defined by the country you are in and the type of vehicle you drive.