HGV Tachograph Rules Explained: A Plain-English Guide for Drivers
The tachograph is one of the most misunderstood pieces of equipment in professional driving. New drivers often find the rules confusing, and experienced drivers sometimes develop bad habits that put them at risk of prosecution. This guide explains exactly how tachographs work, what the rules are, what happens if you break them, and how to stay legal every day.
If you are still in training, tachograph rules are covered as part of the Driver CPC qualification. Our Driver CPC guide explains the full CPC requirement.
What Is a Tachograph?
A tachograph is a recording device fitted to commercial vehicles that automatically records driving time, speed, distance, and driver activity. It is a legal requirement under EU Regulation 165/2014 (retained in UK law post-Brexit) for most vehicles over 3.5 tonnes used for commercial purposes.
There are two types in use in the UK:
| Type | How It Works | When Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| Analogue tachograph | Uses a paper disc (tachograph chart) that rotates as the vehicle moves, recording data mechanically | Pre-2006 vehicles |
| Digital tachograph | Records data electronically onto a driver card and the vehicle unit; data can be downloaded for analysis | Mandatory in new vehicles from 2006 |
| Smart tachograph (Gen 2) | Enhanced digital unit with GNSS positioning and remote communication capability | Mandatory in new vehicles from 2023 |
Most drivers today use digital tachographs. You insert your personal driver card at the start of each shift, and the unit records all your activity automatically.
The Core Drivers' Hours Rules
The tachograph enforces the EU/UK drivers' hours rules. These rules apply to most HGV drivers operating vehicles over 3.5 tonnes on public roads. There are some exemptions (agricultural vehicles, emergency services, certain specialist operations), but for the vast majority of professional drivers, the following limits apply:
Daily Driving Limits
| Rule | Standard Limit | Extended Limit (max twice per week) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum daily driving time | 9 hours | 10 hours |
| Continuous driving before mandatory break | 4 hours 30 minutes | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Minimum break after 4.5 hours driving | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Break can be split into | 15 minutes + 30 minutes (in that order) | 15 minutes + 30 minutes |
Weekly and Fortnightly Limits
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly driving time | 56 hours |
| Maximum fortnightly driving time | 90 hours |
Rest Requirements
| Rest Period | Standard | Reduced (max 3 times between weekly rests) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily rest | 11 consecutive hours | 9 consecutive hours |
| Weekly rest | 45 consecutive hours | 24 consecutive hours (compensated within 3 weeks) |
The Four Activity Modes
Your tachograph card records one of four activity modes at all times. Understanding these is essential for correct tachograph use:
| Symbol | Mode | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| 🚗 (steering wheel) | Driving | Automatically recorded when the vehicle is moving |
| ⚙️ (crossed hammers) | Other work | Any work-related activity that is not driving — loading, unloading, paperwork, waiting at a delivery point |
| ⬜ (square) | Availability (POA) | Time when you are available but not working — waiting for a ferry, waiting for loading to be completed by others |
| 🛏️ (bed) | Rest/break | Breaks and rest periods — you must not do any work during this time |
The most common mistake new drivers make is recording waiting time as rest. If you are waiting at a delivery point and could be called upon to move the vehicle or assist with unloading, that is "availability" (POA), not rest. Only time when you are genuinely free from all work obligations counts as rest.
Manual Entries
Your tachograph card only records activity when it is inserted in a vehicle unit. Any time you spend on work-related activity without a card inserted — such as driving a vehicle without a tachograph (e.g., a car), doing administrative work, or taking rest before your shift — must be entered manually when you next insert your card.
To make a manual entry on a digital tachograph, select "manual entry" from the menu when you insert your card and enter the activity and time for the period since your card was last removed. Failing to make manual entries is a recordable infringement.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
DVSA enforcement officers can stop vehicles at the roadside and download data from both the vehicle unit and your driver card. They can check the last 28 days of activity on your card and the last 365 days on the vehicle unit. Infringements are categorised by severity:
| Severity | Examples | Typical Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | Slightly exceeding break times; minor recording errors | Verbal warning; recorded on driver record |
| Serious | Exceeding daily driving limit by up to 2 hours; failing to take required break | Fixed penalty notice (£300); potential prohibition |
| Very serious | Exceeding daily driving limit by more than 2 hours; falsifying records | Fixed penalty notice (up to £1,500); court summons; potential disqualification |
| Most serious | Deliberate manipulation of tachograph; driving without a card | Prosecution; unlimited fine; disqualification |
Employers are also held responsible for infringements committed by their drivers. A company with a poor tachograph compliance record can lose its operator's licence.
Practical Tips for Staying Legal
- Plan your breaks before you set off. Work out where you will take your 45-minute break based on your route and expected driving time. Do not leave it until you are already at 4 hours 29 minutes.
- Never drive without your card inserted. Even a short movement of the vehicle without your card is a recordable infringement.
- Make manual entries every time you insert your card. If you have done any work since your card was last removed, record it.
- Do not use rest time for work. If you are asked to do anything work-related during your break, the break clock resets.
- Keep your card safe. A lost or damaged card must be reported to the DVLA and replaced. Driving without a valid card is an offence.
Tachograph Rules for New Drivers: The 28-Day Check
When you start a new job, your new employer will typically download your driver card to check your recent activity. This is standard practice and is not something to be concerned about if your records are clean. It is a good habit to review your own card data regularly — most digital tachograph units allow you to see a summary of your recent activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tachograph for a 7.5 tonne vehicle?
Yes, if you are driving commercially. Tachograph rules apply to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes used for commercial purposes. See our 7.5 tonne lorry licence guide for more on C1 vehicles and their requirements.
Can I take my 45-minute break in the cab?
Yes, as long as you are genuinely resting and not doing any work. You can sleep, eat, read, or use your phone — as long as you are not driving, loading, or doing any other work-related activity.
What is the difference between a break and a rest period?
A break is a short interruption in driving (minimum 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving). A rest period is a longer period of inactivity — the daily rest (minimum 9 or 11 hours) or weekly rest (minimum 24 or 45 hours). Both are recorded on the tachograph as rest/break mode.
Do the rules apply on weekends?
Yes. Tachograph rules apply every day of the week, including weekends and bank holidays. The only time they do not apply is during genuine rest periods when you are not working at all.
Learn Tachograph Rules as Part of Your HGV Training
GS Driver Training covers tachograph rules and drivers' hours as part of all our HGV training packages. Our instructors ensure every driver leaves fully prepared for the compliance demands of professional driving.
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