The truck tachograph is an element of great importance in the transport of goods by road that is responsible for keeping a record of various events, an incorrect use of this element can lead to serious infractions.
What is a tachograph?
A tachograph is an electronic device located inside a land transport vehicle, whether cargo or passenger.
All vehicles registered after June 2019 incorporate the DTCO intelligent digital tachograph. It is a mandatory requirement.
The digital tachograph became mandatory from January 1, 2006. In particular, it is for all vehicles that weigh more than 3,500 kg or that carry 9 or more passengers.
What data do truck tachographs record?
The truck tachograph is responsible for recording numerous aspects related to the activity of the carrier. Although there are various models and functionalities, in general, digital truck tachographs record:
- Departure and arrival time
- The distance traveled
- The speed of the journey
- The times, both driving and resting or other activities
- The moment the driver card is inserted or withdrawn
- Access to the system by inspection
Main elements
On the front there are two slots to insert cards, one for the driver, and another in case there is a second driver. It also has a screen that displays messages on various aspects, such as driving and rest periods.
In addition, it has a printer that is capable of printing the latest activities to have a paper record of them.
The operation of this element is practically the same, regardless of the manufacturer. At the start of the working day, and always with the truck stationary, the driver inserts his card in the corresponding slot of the tachograph and the device will display on the screen the time it was last extracted.
Next, the driver must indicate the activity that he is going to carry out and this will start automatically, in the same way, when a stop is made, the tachograph is automatically placed in "other jobs".
It is important that, in the case of a rest stop, the driver indicates this on the tachograph for the record. As has been analysed, the truck tachograph is an essential element for recording and controlling the carrier's activities.