This post is an essential introduction to digital tachograph cards. We will cover what they are for, how long they are valid, and more.
At Anthony Jones we specialise in insurance for the transport and logistics sector. If you have any questions about your legal obligations as a driver or fleet manager, call us on 020 8290 9099 or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
What is a Digital Tachograph Card?
Drivers, fleet managers, and other fleet professionals use digital tachograph cards to record and monitor certain aspects of their operations.
Drivers use digital tachograph cards to store the driver behaviour data that their tachograph device records while they’re on the road.
Other Types of Tachograph Cards
Company Tachograph Card
Fleet managers may also use a company tachograph card that provides secure access to all the data they download from their drivers’ cards.
Workshop Tachograph Card
There are also workshop cards, which maintenance staff can use to calibrate and test tachograph devices.
Control Tachograph Card
Police and other law enforcement officials have control cards, which they can use to take tachograph readings from vehicles while they’re on the road.
How Long is a Digital Tachograph Card Valid?
Most digital tachograph cards are valid for five years from the date of issue. This includes driver cards and company cards.
Workshop cards automatically renew once a year.
Applying For A Digital Tachograph Card
If you’re a driver, you can apply for a new digital tachograph card online, or by post. It costs £32 to apply for your first digital tachograph card.
As part of the application process, you will need to provide a GB photocard driving licence, and your driving licence number. Get all the information you need to apply for your digital tachograph card.
There’s a different process for applying for a company digital tachograph card.
Finally, to apply for a workshop digital tachograph card, you need to complete this application form, and post it to the DVSA.
Renewing a Digital Tachograph Card
Digital tachograph cards do not renew automatically. You will need to arrange for a new card yourself.
If your card is expiring within 90 days, you can renew it online. This costs £19. It costs the same to replace a lost or stolen digital tachograph card.
If your card expires before you order a replacement, then you may still be able to renew it online. Depending on how long ago it expired, though, you may have to apply for a completely new card, and pay the full £32 application fee.
You can also apply online to replace an existing EU, EEA, or Northern Ireland tachograph card to a GB tachograph card. Once again, this costs £32.
Digital Tachograph Cards – Further Guidance
We have a few guides on our site to help you understand your tachograph responsibilities:
- Tachograph calibration – rules, regulations, and tips.
- Tachograph infringement codes – what do they mean?
- HGV night working hours, and the tacho rules.
At Anthony Jones we specialise in insurance for the transport and logistics sector. If you have any questions about your legal obligations as a driver or fleet manager, call us on 020 8290 9099 or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
