Tachograph rules made easy
The world of tachograph rules can be a confusing place for the most experienced truck driver. Let alone for anyone new entering the industry. We aim to clear up some of that confusion.??
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What is a tachograph and why do we have them??
According to the dictionary, a tachograph is “a device that is put in vehicles such as lorries and coaches in order to record information such as how fast the vehicle goes, how far it travels, and the number of breaks the driver takes.”?
The purpose of a tachograph is to prevent driver fatigue and ensure drivers and employers adhere to the rules. Road safety charity Brake reported that “four in ten tiredness-related crashes involve someone driving a commercial vehicle.” Therefore, tachograph rules play a vital part in aiming to reduce this number.?
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When do you need a tachograph??
You need to fit a tachograph if your gross vehicle weight exceeds three and a half tonnes. It’s important to remember that this includes towing a trailer. There are a few exceptions to this rule:?
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What are the different types of tachographs??
There are three different types of tachographs:?
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What does each tachograph symbol mean??
Check out our video below explaining each tachograph symbol:?
Break rules?
For the safety of the truck driver and everyone else on the road, break rules must be followed. We’ve broken down the key points.?
Driving time:?
Breaks:?
Rest period:?
Splitting breaks:?
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Driver breaks can be structured in the following way:
Daily driving limit?
The daily driving limit refers to the maximum driving time in a day. Nine hours is the maximum, but this can be increased to 10. However, this can’t be done more than twice in a fixed week. Daily driving time can be defined as:?
For example:
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Weekly and two-weekly driving limit?
Drivers need to ensure they don’t exceed the maximum weekly and two weekly driving limits.??
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Daily rest??
Additionally, daily rest must be taken.??
Daily rest can be taken in the vehicle; however, suitable sleeping facilities are required. If these facilities are absent, the driver must find accommodation. Check out our locations page to find out which truck stops offer this service.?
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Weekly rest?
Weekly rest periods must be taken no later than at the end of six consecutive 24-hour periods from the end of the last weekly rest.??
Although reduced rest can be taken, it’s worthwhile to note that in two consecutive weeks where reduced rest has been taken, one must be 45 hours long.??
Check out how daily and weekly rest periods can be separated below:?
?Multi manning?
Some drivers can take another driver on board. The benefits include increased productivity, higher mileage covered, and longer drive time.?
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Ferry crossings or train journeys?
As stated above a driver’s regular daily rest period must be 11 continuous hours, however, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Providing the vehicle is accompanied by the driver; daily rest periods can be interrupted twice but must not exceed one hour in total. For example, embarkation and disembarkation for ferries and trains.??
If the regular daily rest period is interrupted in this manner, the accumulated rest period must be at least 11 hours or 12 if split.??
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What is the one-minute tachograph rule??
The one-minute rule came into effect in October 2011. It refers to older legislation that detailed that a minute with at least five seconds of driving had to be logged as drive time. However, the EU changed this legislation so the single longest continuous activity taken within a minute will be logged against that specific activity.???
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What would happen if I didn’t follow the tachograph rules??
Failing to comply with the tachograph rules can result in fines and sometimes imprisonment. Generally, the punishment depends on breach severity. Most tachograph violations are dealt with fixed penalties. Drivers have up to 28 days to consider fixed penalties.??
There are two types of fines and penalties in the UK.?
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Tachograph rules can be tricky to get your head around. However, not following them could lead to safety problems and potential fines. By understanding and following the rules, fleets and drivers can operate their vehicles safely and legally. It’s critical to note that tachograph rules and regulations may vary by country.??
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Susie Jones SNAP?