The tachograph card is a document that every driver of heavy vehicles must possess and use to record data related to driving and rest times. It is a mandatory smart card that is inserted into the tachograph, an electronic device that monitors driving activities and transmits them to the relevant authorities.
In this article, we explain in detail what the tachograph card is, how it works, how to request it, what the penalties are for not using it, and what the obligations are for drivers. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about this essential tool for your safety and for compliance with road traffic regulations.
What is the tachograph card
The tachograph card is a personal and non-transferable card that contains a microchip with the personal and professional data of the driver of a heavy vehicle.
The tachograph card is used to identify the driver and to record data related to driving time, breaks, daily and weekly rest periods, speed, and the distance traveled by the vehicle.
This data is stored both in the tachograph card and in the tachograph, a device installed in the vehicle that records and prints the information.
The tachograph card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiration.
How the tachograph card works
The tachograph card must be inserted into the tachograph before starting the service and must be removed at the end of it.
The tachograph records the data of the card and the vehicle and keeps it for at least 28 days.
The driver must download the data from the card at least every 28 days and keep it for at least one year.
The data from the tachograph card can be checked by the competent authorities in case of inspections or checks on road safety and compliance with driving and rest time regulations.
How to request the tachograph card
To request the tachograph card, the driver must submit an application to the Civil Motorization of the province of residence or domicile. The application must be accompanied by a photograph, a photocopy of the identity document, a photocopy of the driving license, and the payment of a fee of 40 euros.
The tachograph card is issued within 30 days of the application and can be sent to the driver's home.
In case of loss, theft, damage, or malfunction of the card, the driver must request a new one before being able to resume driving.
Penalties for failure to use the tachograph card
The use of the tachograph card is mandatory for drivers of heavy vehicles performing transport services for goods or people, both national and international.
Failure to use, or using an expired, invalid, non-personal, or counterfeit card, results in an administrative penalty of at least 866 euros. Additionally, the driver may face a suspension of the driving license from 15 days to 3 months.
Obligations for drivers
In addition to using the tachograph card, drivers of heavy vehicles must comply with certain obligations set by European and national regulations on driving and rest time. In particular, drivers must observe the following limits:
- daily driving time: not exceeding 9 hours, with an exception to 10 hours twice a week;
- weekly driving time: not exceeding 56 hours;
- fortnightly driving time: not exceeding 90 hours;
- break: at least 45 minutes every maximum of 4 and a half hours of driving, divisible into 15 minutes and 30 minutes;
- daily rest: at least 11 consecutive hours in 24 hours, reducible to 9 hours three times a week;
- weekly rest: at least 45 consecutive hours every 6 periods of 24 hours, reducible to 24 hours once every two weeks, with recovery within the third week.
Driver tachograph card: conclusion
The tachograph card is an essential tool for drivers of heavy vehicles, as it ensures road safety and compliance with regulations on driving and rest time. To obtain the tachograph card, the driver must submit an application to the Civil Motorization.
The tachograph card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiration. Failure to use the tachograph card, or using a non-compliant card, results in administrative penalties and the suspension of the driver's license.
The driver must also download and store the data from the tachograph card and comply with the limits on driving and rest time.