If you drive a commercial vehicle in the UK, tachograph compliance isn’t just about following the law—it’s about keeping yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe. Getting it wrong can mean fines, points on your license, or even your vehicle being taken off the road. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay on track.
Most commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes use a tachograph. Modern ones are digital, meaning your driving, rest, and work hours are automatically recorded when you insert your driver card. Older vehicles may still have analog charts, which you need to fill out by hand. Either way, accurate recording is crucial.
The law sets clear limits on how much you can drive. Daily driving is usually capped at nine hours, and weekly driving at 56 hours, with a two-week maximum of 90 hours. After 4.5 hours on the road, you must take a 45-minute break. Daily rest is at least 11 hours, and weekly rest should be observed too. Following these rules helps prevent fatigue—and keeps you legal.
Always insert your driver card at the start of a journey, and make sure all periods of work, driving, and rest are logged correctly. If your tachograph breaks down or malfunctions, report it immediately. For analog charts, fill them out completely, with dates and signatures, and keep them safe for inspections.
Some of the most common errors include driving without a card, missing breaks, or not recording short trips. Even small oversights can result in fines or license points. Staying disciplined and reviewing your logs regularly helps you avoid trouble.
Tachograph compliance might seem complicated, but it’s manageable if you stay organised and know the rules. Accurate records, timely breaks, and awareness of your driving limits protect you, your colleagues, and everyone else on the road. Treat it as part of your routine, and it becomes second nature.