Tacho rules explained

van-delivery

For the sake of security, the driving methods and driving ability of the drivers is generally measured and controlled – by the fleet manager, who is responsible for the vehicles, its optimal driving process – and by the authorities – mainly the police – which is responsible for the streamlined and secure driving method. The relevant factors in order to find out whether the driver is stressed and overburdened.  In this case, the driver creates an increasing risk for accidents.

Major tacho infringements and factors the authorities check first are the duration of driving times, the working hours, standby periods and resting periods.  As a whole, these four factors together with the miles driven and the driving time create a complete picture of the driving behaviour which is mostly relevant for professional drivers of vehicles.  These data gained by the tachometer needs to be securely stored both by the driver and the company.

Tacho infringements are severely fined

In the entire Europe, the violation of driving and rest times, the abuse of rest times but also other rules connected to the tachograph happen on the regular basis and are heavily punished. However, it would be incorrect to say that these violations are committed due to misdemeanour on voluntary basis. There are several levels of financial punishments in the UK – every level receives another fine which is constantly increasing.  In severe cases, even an imprisonment might be possible.

There exist various kinds of punishment – depending on the severity of the infringement – that are divided into different levels which also have an influence on the fine. This table shows which factors are relevant in this connection:

TACHOGRAPH INFRINGEMENT MAXIMUM FINE
Failing to observe the driving time, break or rest periods;

Failing to take all necessary measures to ensure the contractually agreed driving times

Failing to prepare and keep records;

 

Failing to install a tachograph in the car;

Failing to use a tachograph

Failing to provide records as requested by the enforcement officer

£2,500

£ 2,500

£ 4,000

£ 4,000

 

£ 5,000

£ 5,000

£ 5,000

 

If there was a manipulation of the tachograph of either driver or company, there will also be a financial punishment. Here, you see the details:

TACHOGRAPH FAILURE MAXIMUM FINE
False entry or alteration of a record with the intent to deceive;

Altering or forging the seal on a tachograph with the intent to deceive;

Failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure contractually agreed transport time schedules are compliant with EU rules

 

On conviction: £ 5,000

On indictment: 2 years imprisonment

On conviction: £ 5,000

On indictment: 2 years imprisonment

 

On conviction: £ 5,000

On indictment: 2 years imprisonment

(level 4)

In rare cases, drivers need to breach the rules concerning drivers’ hours.  As long as the road safety is not risk, the drivers may exceed the driving time to find a suitable resting place.  In such a case, the drivers need to note this exemption on the tachometer or on paper immediately after they found their resting place.

Recording drivers’ driving time

Since 1stMay 2006, it is obligatory to fit 3.5 t commercial vehicles with a digital tachograph to record the exact driving times, the distance covered, all breaks and the speed.  Thus, it became much easier for both the authorities and the “Vehicle Standards Agency” (DSVA) to detect infringements of driving hours.