Transport & Logistics UK-wide

Tachographs and Drivers' Hours

Understand tachograph requirements and drivers' hours rules for goods vehicle operations.

Guide summary

You must install and use a tachograph in goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles with 9 or more seats. Each driver needs a personal driver card. Download driver card data every 28 days and vehicle unit data every 90 days. Keep records for at least 1 year. Falsifying tachograph records is a criminal offence with up to 2 years in prison.

  • Install a tachograph in goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
  • Get a personal driver card for each driver (£32 fee)
  • Download driver card data every 28 days
  • Download vehicle unit data every 90 days
  • Keep tachograph records for at least 1 year
  • Calibrate the tachograph every 2 years
  • Do not drive more than 9 hours per day (10 hours twice a week)
  • Take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving
  • Take 11 hours daily rest (can reduce to 9 hours up to 3 times a week)
  • Penalties include fines up to £2,500 or unlimited in court
On this page

Related guides in Driver CPC

Tachographs record driving time, breaks, and rest periods. They are required for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles carrying 9+ passengers. Falsifying records is a criminal offence with up to 2 years imprisonment.

Compliance best practices

  • Download discipline - set calendar reminders for vehicle (90 days) and driver card (28 days) downloads
  • Record retention - keep all tachograph data for at least 12 months
  • Driver briefing - ensure all drivers understand break and rest requirements
  • Infringement management - monitor downloads for infringements and investigate causes