Digital tachographs are already standard equipment in trucks and buses, but their use will soon extend to light commercial vehicles such as vans. Digital tachographs in vans will soon become mandatory. According to legislation in the European Union, the following important dates apply:
- From 1 July 2026 onwards
All new vehicles with a total weight of 2.5 tonnes, such as vans carrying goods or carrying out commercial transport, will have to be equipped with digital tachographs.
- In 2028
All existing vehicles with a total weight of 2.5 tonnes already in use will also have to be equipped with digital tachographs.
Preparing for change
It is important for hauliers using vans to prepare for the upcoming changes in a timely manner. Here are some steps you can take.
- Familiarise yourself with the legislation
Regularly monitor changes in legislation and make sure you understand all the requirements for the use of digital tachographs.
- Vehicle equipment
Start planning the purchase and installation of digital tachographs in your vehicles to avoid last-minute and potential problems.
- Education
Provide appropriate training for your drivers and staff on the use of digital tachographs and compliance with the law.
- Update processes
Adapt your business processes to include monitoring and analysis of digital tachograph data, which will help you optimize your business.
The arrival of digital tachographs in vans is bringing about significant changes for hauliers in the European Union. While this entails additional costs and adjustments, it also brings a number of benefits, such as improved security and fair competition. Preparing for these changes is key to ensuring a smooth transition and compliance with the legislation.
Advantages of using digital tachographs in vans
Digital tachographs are an advanced technology that brings many benefits to hauliers and van drivers. Here are some of the benefits.
- Accurate recording of working hours
Digital tachographs accurately record driving, rest and working time. This is key to ensuring compliance with the law and preventing driver overload.
- Enhanced security
Tracking speed, distance, and driving time helps prevent speeding, fatigue, and other dangerous situations on the road.
- Route and fuel optimization
Analysis of data from digital tachographs enables hauliers to optimise routes, reduce unnecessary kilometres and save on fuel.
- Fair competition
The use of digital tachographs ensures fair competition between carriers, as they all adhere to the same rules.
In the future, digital tachographs will also become mandatory for vans, so it is wise for hauliers to prepare for this change now. With timely installation and driver training, you will be able to follow the legislation smoothly and take advantage of all the benefits that digital tachographs bring.
How are digital tachographs used?
Digital tachographs are devices that automatically record data on the driver’s working time, speed and distance traveled. Using digital tachographs is simple by following the steps below:
- Insert the driver card: Insert the driver card into the slot on the front of the tachograph. The tachograph automatically recognises the card.
- Start driving: Once the card is inserted, you can start driving. The tachograph will automatically record your activity while driving.
Tachographs are key to ensuring compliance with legislation, road safety and efficient fleet management.
Why is it important for drivers to be aware of the correct use of digital tachographs?
The correct use of digital tachographs is crucial for drivers and transport companies. Tachographs are devices that automatically record data on the driver’s working time, speed and distance travelled. Here are some reasons why familiarizing yourself with their use is important.
- Compliance with the law
In many countries, the use of tachographs is legally mandatory, especially for commercial vehicles and those involved in the transport of goods or passengers. Tachographs provide accurate and reliable data that can be used to ensure compliance with legal requirements, thereby reducing the risk of fines and penalties for non-compliance.
- Enhanced security
By monitoring driving time and enforcing rest periods, tachographs help reduce the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue. By accurately recording the driver’s activity, tachographs play a key role in promoting road safety.
- Efficient fleet management
Tachographs allow transport companies to track the performance of their drivers and vehicles more effectively, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings.
- Data analysis
The data collected by tachographs can be analysed to identify trends, optimise routes and improve overall operational efficiency.
Digital tachographs in vans will soon become a reality. Drivers must therefore familiarise themselves with the correct use of digital tachographs in order to reap all the benefits they bring. The data from the driver card and from the tachograph must be downloaded regularly. For mandatory statutory recording, archiving and analysis of tachograph data, please contact www.tacho4.com.