Tachograph operating mode

Tachograph — This is a device for monitoring and recording indicators while vehicles are moving. It records and stores information about the driver’s work time, driving speed, distance traveled, and individual events during the trip:

• about breaks;
• about vacation;
• other stops.

In many countries, installing a tachograph — condition for legal operation of commercial vehicles. This is especially true for freight transport and passenger buses. The presence of the device facilitates control by government agencies over drivers’ compliance with work and rest schedules. Using the device greatly improves road safety.

Tachographs can be digital or analog. The modernization of these devices in recent years has made it possible to increase the accuracy and reliability of the information received, as well as simplify the process of reading and analyzing it.

What does the driver's tachograph operating mode mean

Driver operating mode using tachograph — This is a recording system that regulates activity time. driver's rest for a certain period. The device records all operating modes:

• driving;
• readiness and waiting;
• doing other work;
• rest periods.

According to most legislation, including that of the European Union, a driver cannot drive a car for more than a certain number of hours without a rest break. Usually this is 4.5 or 9 hours of driving at a time. After — break for at least 45 minutes.

Long periods of rest are also provided — at least 11-12 consecutive hours a day. Compliance with the driver's work schedule is monitored using tachograph data - a prerequisite for avoiding fatigue, overwork, and increasing road safety. Failure to comply with operating hours may result in administrative and even criminal penalties in some jurisdictions.

How to drive using a tachograph: rules

Driving on a tachograph, first of all, implies compliance with the standards and rules established by driving and work regulations. Before starting to drive, the driver must enter a personal card into the device, having first made sure that there are no recorded violations on it, and that the device itself is working properly and correctly displays working hours.

When working with this device, paramount importance is attached to knowledge and adherence to the operating mode. The total driving time during the week should not exceed 56 hours, and the total time of movement by truck for two consecutive weeks — 90 hours. If the established rules are not followed — The driver's tachograph operation is considered a violation. This entails:

• fines;
• deductions;
• other negative consequences.

Timely, correct change of tachograph statuses — an important aspect of working on a control device. This detailed recording of working time using the tachograph allows you to track the condition of the truck driver, improves road safety, and helps determine the possibility of additional driving hours if necessary.

An important reason to use a monitoring device is to provide evidence of driving, working hours in the event of an accident or other unusual situation. A driver who knows and understands how to operate a control device is more competent and in demand among employers.

Moreover, information about loading/unloading addresses, downtime at warehouses, reasons for delays, and other important information can be transmitted through the device. This opens up additional opportunities, makes his driver more transparent, and allows him to better control his personal working time.

Working with a tachograph requires the driver to understand and know the rules for working with this device. An experienced employee knows that driving using such a device provides him with the opportunity to protect himself from accidents at work and to be more rational on the road. All this, combined with a positive attitude, makes the employee more professional, efficient, and in demand in the transport labor market.

Features of driving using a tachograph in Europe

The work of truckers carrying out international transport using a tachograph in Europe requires strict control by the authorities regarding compliance with driving time and rest time by employees. All heavy vehicles for transporting cargo of more than 3.5 tons or passengers of 9 or more people are required to be equipped with monitoring devices.

The maximum permitted driving time in Europe is 9 hours daily. This period can be extended to 10 hours, but no more than twice weekly. Within a daily period, the driver must provide himself with at least 11 hours of continuous rest. In addition, after every 4.5 hours of driving, a transport company employee must take breaks of at least 45 minutes.

European legislation also provides for a “two-week” period. limit. It limits the total driving time over two consecutive weeks to 90 hours. All this data and its correctness are very carefully checked by the traffic police during road checks. Otherwise, the employee is held liable in the form of monetary sanctions.

Disrespect for the rules of work and rest on the tachograph will result in fines, the size of which depends on the country.

• Germany — a fine of 60 to 1500 euros.
• France — up to 1500 euros.
• Great Britain up to £2,500.
• Italy — from 425 to 1701 euros.

The given examples — approximate amount of sanctions. Each violation is considered individually, taking into account its nature and severity. In some cases, in addition to fines, other types of punishment are applied — temporary deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle.

It is extremely important to know and strictly follow the operating rules of the control device. After all, this ensures safety on the road, avoids liability, and preserves the driver’s reputation.