Tachograph

Description

The tachograph is the device that records driving times and rest periods as well as periods of other work and availability taken by the driver of a heavy vehicle. The purpose of the tachograph is to prevent driver’s fatigue and to guarantee fair competition and road safety.

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.

Digital 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. 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 28 days and ensures that the information can be easily retrieved by inspection authorities.

Since 15 June 2019 a new generation of tachographs, so called smart tachographs, are being installed in newly registered trucks and buses. The smart tachograph features the same functionalities as previous generations of the digital tachograph, complemented with additional communication tools, such as GNSS positioning and transmission of real-time information to enforcement authorities by means of a short-range communication channel. It also incorporates enhanced anti-tampering measures such as encryption keys generated with the most advanced algorithms.