DVSA Trialling Tachograph Sensing Equipment

The DVSA conducted a trial of new remote tachograph sensing equipment, which concluded in 2023.

This technology enables authorities to remotely pull data from vehicles equipped with smart tachographs without stopping them.

The data will be able to detect the following tachograph violations:

- vehicle motion conflict
- the longest power supply interruption
- a tachograph card is inserted while driving
- if a tachograph card has been tampered with
- tachograph calibration data
- the latest security breach attempt
- sensor fault
- motion data error
- driving without a valid card
- time adjustment data
- vehicle registration data
- speed recorded by the tachograph

The remote tachograph sensing technology does not capture detailed data about common driver's hours violations, such as going over daily driving limits or missing breaks after 4 ½ hours of driving. Instead, it only reads specific data points that might signal potential tampering or misuse of the tachograph device itself. Authorities can store the data solely for the duration of the roadside check and, unless there is evidence of tampering, the information cannot be kept for more than three hours.

It's also important to note that the data collected cannot trigger automatic penalties or fines. Many people are concerned that this technology will expose minor infractions or record individual drivers' hours, but this is not the case. The remote sensing equipment is designed specifically to detect signs of serious tachograph manipulation, not to monitor individual drivers’ hours or breaks.

This technology supports the DVSA by streamlining compliance checks and reducing the need for frequent manual roadside inspections, allowing officers to focus on higher-risk cases and improving road safety without compromising drivers' privacy.

We cover DVSA stop procedures on our CPC modules at National CPC.

Thank you for reading! We have more articles available here

Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on LinkedIn