Key Rules for Tachograph Drivers in Ireland
At Argent, we offer tachograph installation, tachograph calibrations and tachograph supply and fit services from our Dublin workshops. As such, we know all about the importance of staying compliant with tachograph regulations. In this article, we look at key rules that HGV and LGV drivers need to follow in order to remain compliant.
Tachographs are essential devices for monitoring driving times, breaks, and rest periods of professional drivers, ensuring adherence to road safety regulations. In Ireland, the following rules must be complied with.
Driver Tachograph Card Rules
Commercial drivers in Ireland are required to use personal tachograph driver cards, which are unique to each driver and valid for five years. These cards store data for up to 28 days and must be inserted into the tachograph unit at the start of each journey. Drivers can apply for, renew, or replace their tachograph cards through the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Data Downloading and Retention
Operators must download data from driver cards at least every 28 days and from vehicle units every 90 days. This data should be retained for a minimum of one year and made available for inspection by enforcement officers. Agency drivers are also responsible for ensuring their data is downloaded and retained appropriately.
Driver Hours and Rest Periods
Compliance with EU regulations on driving hours is mandatory to avoid accidents caused by fatigue. As such, drivers must not drive for more than 4.5 hours without taking a break of at least 45 minutes, which can be split into a 15-minute and a 30-minute break.
The maximum daily driving time is nine hours, extendable to 10 hours twice a week. Weekly driving time should not exceed 56 hours, and the total driving time over two consecutive weeks must not surpass 90 hours.
Tachograph Exemptions
Certain vehicles are exempt from tachograph regulations, including:
Goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight under 3.5 tonnes
Passenger vehicles constructed to carry no more than nine people (including the driver), Vehicles with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 40 km/h.
Operators must declare any exemptions and ensure compliance with the specific criteria outlined by the RSA.
Smart Tachograph Version 2
As part of the EU's Mobility Package I (introduced to enhance road safety, improve driver working conditions, and ensure fair competition in road transport), vehicles operating internationally are required to retrofit Smart Tachograph Version 2 units by specific deadlines.
For vehicles equipped with analogue or digital non-smart tachographs registered before June 14, 2019, the retrofit deadline is December 31, 2024. Operators are encouraged to schedule retrofitting promptly to avoid penalties.
Meeting All of Your Commercial Vehicle Testing Needs
Our tachograph services represent just a small part of our commercial vehicle testing offering, which also includes bus testing, HCV CVRT, jeep testing, ambulance testing, campervan testing and more. To find out more about what we can do for you, take a moment to browse our website where you can book your test with just a couple of clicks.
Alternatively, if you have any questions regarding our full range of services or what we’ve discussed here, call us today on 01 572 6500 and our team will be happy to help.