Transport & Logistics

Tachographs and Drivers' Hours

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

UK-wide
Guide summary

If you drive a goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes or a passenger vehicle carrying 9 or more people, you must use a tachograph to record your driving, breaks, and rest. Follow strict rules for drivers' hours, tachograph use, and record keeping to avoid fines, vehicle impoundment, or even prison.

  • Use a tachograph for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or 9+ passenger vehicles
  • Download driver card data every 28 days
  • Download vehicle unit data every 90 days
  • Keep records for at least 1 year (3 years recommended)
  • Calibrate your tachograph every 2 years
  • Do not drive more than 9 hours daily (10 hours twice weekly)
  • Take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours driving
  • Falsifying records can lead to 2 years imprisonment
On this page
UK-wide

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