Digital Tachograph – A guide.

All new trucks over 3.5 tonnes GVW must be fitted with a digital tachograph. At this time many operators are now experiencing these instruments in USED TRUCKS also. We highlight some of the main points here to assist you in operating them.

There are four card types issued to operate and control digital tachographs:

1.  The driver card: It is the responsibility of the driver to have a “Driver Card”. This must be inserted each day and should be removed by the driver when finished his driving for the day. The driver should download the data from the card every 21 days. After about 28 days the information will be over written and lost. The driver should keep the data for inspection at a later time by the authorities. It is important to study the information and if any infringements are noted you must make alterations to journeys to prevent recurrences. It is the responsibility of both the driver and the operator to ensure the card is used. The driver is responsible for the safety of his/her card. The card costs €50.00 and is valid for 5 years. We enclose details of how to apply below.
2. The Company card: The truck operator must have a company card. The company must ensure that all drivers use their driver cards. Any truck use not recorded on to a driver card is an offence. The information should be downloaded every 3 months and any infringements noted and action taken to prevent repeats. The information should be available for inspection by the authorities for 1 year. When disposing of the vehicle, or if the truck is being serviced by an independent workshop the card is used to download all data and pass responsibility away from the operator. The card costs €50.00 and is valid for 5 years. We enclose details of how to apply below.
3. The Workshop card: This is required for authorised workshops to access the tachograph for the purpose of repair, installation, or calibration.
4. The Control Card: This is available to the Gardai, or other officials to assist in enforcement. A truck may be inspected while on the road or at base and all relevant data is available to the authorised inspector.

Source of supplies:

Driver and company cards are available from:

Digital Tachograph Section, Road Safety Authority, 1st Floor, Clonfert House, Bridge Street, Loughrea, Co Galway.

Phone: 091872600, LoCall: 1890506080

Application Forms (Down load): www.rsa.ie Link on home page to digital tachograph section.

Tachograph card readers: “Optac” card reader with software from Murphy’s Truck Centre, Ballymount, Dublin 22.

Our Service department can supply the following Tachograph related products:

• Tachograph supply
• Installation
• Tachograph sealing and calibration,
• Tachograph printing paper
• Tachograph repairs:

General Digital Tachograph information:

• Lost or damaged cards must be reported within 7 days.
• Drivers must NOT drive for more than 15 days without a replacement.
• Driver cards will hold about 28 day’s information.
• The mass storage in the tachograph will store data for about a year. Detailed speed data is held on a 24 hour basis.
• Allow three weeks for an application to be processed. The driver application must include a copy of the driver licence and passport or birth certificate.
• A company registration number (or a PPS number) is required for the company card.
• Digital tachographs require resealing every year (available e-mail: service@murphystrucks.ie)
• Drivers should NOT leave cards in the truck when another driver is using the truck.
• Trucks should NOT be driven without a card at any time.

Drivers Hours:

This is a guide only It is NOT a legal interpretation, For complete details please consult the regulations.

Maximum daily driving: 9 hours, 10 hours twice a week, subject to conditions.

Maximum continuous driving: 4½ hours Minimum break: 45 minutes (Optional in 30 min + 15 min periods subject to conditions).

Maximum weekly driving: 56 hours.

Maximum fortnightly driving: 90 hours.

Minimum daily rest: 11 hours (optional split 1x8 hours & 1x4 hours for total of 12).

Minimum weekly rest: 45 hours (Optional 24 hours while away from base with compensation).

Definition of week: 00:00 Monday to 24:00 Sunday Separate rules apply for two driver vehicles. It is important that the working time directive is also considered when scheduling driver journeys.