The tachograph is the device that records driving time, breaks and rest periods as well as periods of other work and availability of drivers engaged in the carriage of goods or passengers by road. The purpose of the tachograph is to enable controls of compliance with the set of EU rules aimed to prevent driver fatigue and to contribute to good working conditions of drivers, road safety and fair competition.
It is mandatory to install a tachograph in new vehicles having a mass of more than 3,5 tonnes when they are intended for the transport of goods, or new vehicles carrying more than 9 persons including the driver, when they are intended for the transport of passengers. From 1 July 2026, light commercial vehicles (between 2.5tonnes and 3.5 tonnes) engaged in international transport for hire or reward must also have a tachograph installed.
Regulation (EU) N° 165/2014 on recording equipment in road transport sets out the basic constructive characteristics of the tachograph and lays down the main elements of the system that must be put in place and maintained in order to implement the tachograph across the EU.
Smart tachographs are able to record and store the activity of the driver and the co-driver in an accurate and secure manner, thanks to the implementation of forefront technology and strong anti-tampering measures, as well as record the position of the vehicle at certain moments of the day using GNSS. The driver must insert into the tachograph a personal card incorporating a microchip before starting to drive. This personal card stores the driving activity from the driver for at least 56 days and ensures that the information can be easily retrieved by inspection authorities.
Future improvements
Following the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2024/1258 and upcoming new technical specifications for the tachograph, the smart tachograph will also be able to record and store data relating to the occasional transport of passengers.
Related documents
Reports
Other relevant documents
Smart tachograph version 2: VU, Remote HMI specification & Transport protocol for ITS