FAQ

What is a digital tachograph (DTCO 1381)?

A digital tachograph is an electronic system for recording driving and rest times for drivers and co-drivers of commercial vehicles. Vehicle speed, distance travelled and other system-related parameters are also logged. Data is stored in a memory (mass memory) inside the unit and on driver-specific smart cards (driver cards). The EU Commission has decided that digital tachograph systems will replace existing EC tachographs using paper charts in the next few years. The legal basis for this is Regulation (EC) No. 2135/98 and No. 1360/2002.

Why is an electronic unit replacing the proven paper-based tachograph?

The EU is committed to improving compliance with mandatory driving and rest times. For this reason Regulation (EC) 2135/98 was enacted, according to which all new vehicles within the EU which are required to have tachographs must in future be fitted with digital tachographs.

Will there only be digital tachographs in the future?

In the European Union, as soon as the legal regulations come into force, new commercial vehicles can only be fitted with digital tachographs. As there is no general obligation to convert existing vehicles, for a number of years fleets will operate a mixture of both digital tachograph and analogue tachograph equipped commercial vehicles. Outside the European Union, traditional tachographs will continue to be installed in commercial vehicles for the foreseeable future.

Must all vehicles with analogue tachographs be converted?

No. There is no general obligation to convert existing vehicles. But the EC Regulation requires that when replacing the tachograph of commercial vehicles over 12 t and buses with more than 8 seats and over 10 t first registered after 1/1/1996 a digital tachograph must be fitted. Detailed investigations carried out by tachograph and vehicle manufacturers show that it is not technically possible in every case to convert existing vehicles so that they correspond to legal requirements and meet the safety standards of vehicle manufacturers. It will also be very difficult to ensure that workshops and vehicle owners comply with these regulations. Information should be obtained from the relevant authorities in EU member states as to whether the EU requirements will be implemented within national legislation and what form this will take.

When can digital tachographs be bought?

Digital tachographs will be mandatory only for newly registered vehicles probably from May 2006. Digital tachographs can be retrofitted on a voluntary basis. We will offer digital tachographs for retrofitting with immediate effect.

Does the DTCO provide information on the current driving and rest times in relation to complying with EU social regulations?

Yes, the DTCO issues a warning 15 minutes before the permitted driving time of 4.5 hours is exceeded. The recorded driving and rest times and their totals can be displayed and printed out.

Is approval required for digital tachographs?

Yes. The approval process includes a security check in which it must be shown that it is not possible to tamper with the unit, a compliance test that proves that the digital tachograph fulfils all the functions required in Annex 1B and an interoperability test that ensures that different types of unit are compatible with each other.

How are unauthorised persons prevented from accessing the data stored in the DTCO?

Access to the mass memory data is only possible using an appropriate tachograph card. Company-related data in the mass memory of the DTCO may only be downloaded by the fleet operator using an authorisation key, the so-called company card. Control authorities are issued with a control card which permits access to all mass memory data.

Can the DTCO be connected to an external display?

Yes, an electronic speedometer or instrument cluster can be connected to the DTCO.

Can the DTCO also be retrofitted?

Yes, with the M1/N1 Adapter a special solution for retrofit has been developed. 

Will there be an obligation to archive DTCO data?

EU member states are currently planning legal regulations making it mandatory to archive driver card and mass memory data on a regular basis. Additional archiving/downloads can be made on a voluntary basis at any time.

Does the DTCO also need to be calibrated regularly?

Yes, tachograph units must be checked by an authorised workshop every 2 years. This requirement applies throughout the EU.