Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Legal basis

What is the legal basis for the introduction of digital tachographs?

Digital tachographs have been introduced based on Regulation (EC) No. 2135/98 and No. 561/2006 which amended Regulation (EEC) No. 3821/85. The technical specification for the systems is described in Regulation (EC) No.  1360/2002 (Annex 1B).  Commission Regulation EU No. 1266/2009 has recently amended (EEC) No. 3821/85. 

Legal basis

When was Digital Tachographs required to be installed into new vehicles?

All new in-scope vehicles in accordance with (EEc) No. 3821/85 and (EC) No. 561/2006, required digital recording equipment from 1st May 2006.

There is no general obligation to retrofit vehicles.

Exemptions are defined in (EC) No. 561/2006, Articles 3 and 13 inconjunction with national regulations.

Legal basis

What UK legislation has been implemented?

• The Passenger and Goods Vehicles (Recording Equipment) (Tachograph Card Fees) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/1140)
• The Passenger and Goods Vehicles (Recording Equipment) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/1904)
• The Passenger and Goods Vehicles (Recording Equipment) (Tachograph Card) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/1937)
• The Passenger and Goods Vehicles (Recording Equipment) (Fitting Date) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/1117)
• The Passenger and Goods Vehicles (Recording Equipment) (Downloading and Retention of Data) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/198)
• The Passenger and Goods Vehicles (Community Recording Equipment Regulations) 2010 (SI 2010/892)
• The Community Driver's Hours and Recording Equipment Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/1819)

Legal basis

What rules apply in the AETR States?

Since June 2010 digital tachographs are also mandatory for new vehicles also in the Non-EU-AETR States for cross border traffic.