The use of the tachograph for 3.5-metric-ton vehicles in international transport and cabotage requires strict compliance with the rules regarding the driver card, driving times, breaks, rest periods, and the accurate recording of activities. The data from the tachograph constitutes official evidence, and any issues must be reported immediately to the dispatcher.
In short, the essential rules for drivers include:
- Insert the card at the beginning of the program and remove it at the end.
- The prohibition against using another person's card or lending your own card.
- Selecting the correct modes: driving, other activities, availability, and rest.
- Compliance with the daily limit of 9 hours, with a maximum of two extensions to 10 hours per week.
- Take a 45-minute break after driving for 4 hours and 30 minutes.
- Compliance with the limits of 56 hours per week and 90 hours over two consecutive weeks.
- Entering data manually for periods that were not recorded automatically.
- Immediately notify the company if the card is lost or the tachograph malfunctions.
- Presentation of the card, records of activities over the past 56 days, and transport documents during the inspection.
- Report any unclear situation to the dispatcher before continuing work.
3.5-metric-ton Vehicles – TACHOGRAPH (International / Cabotage)
1. GOLDEN RULES (keep these in mind)
✔ The tachograph is not optional
✔ Your card is personal
✔ Times are NOT negotiable
✔ The data in the tachograph constitutes official evidence
✔ Report any issues to the DISPATCHER immediately
2. DRIVER CARD – REQUIREMENTS
The driver has the following responsibilities:
• insert the card at the start of the shift;
• remove the card at the end of the shift;
• keep the card in a safe place.
It is STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
❌ to drive using someone else’s card;
❌ to give your card to someone else;
❌ to drive without a card, except in the cases strictly provided for by law.
3. TACHOGRAPH MODES (VERY IMPORTANT)
DRIVING – automatically recorded while driving.
OTHER WORK – used for:
• loading and unloading;
• filling out documents;
• inspecting cargo or the vehicle.
AVAILABILITY – used when:
• waiting at the loading dock;
• acting as a passenger;
• not performing active work.
BREAK / REST – used for:
• the 45-minute break;
• daily or weekly rest.
Note: Waiting is NOT a break.
4. DRIVING TIMES – SUMMARY
Daily driving:
• maximum 9 hours;
• may be extended to 10 hours up to twice a week.
Break:
• after 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving – a break of at least 45 minutes;
• may be split into 15 + 30 minutes.
Weekly driving time:
• maximum 56 hours per week;
• maximum 90 hours over two consecutive weeks.
Daily rest period:
• standard: 11 hours;
• reduced: 9 hours (maximum 3 times between two weekly rest periods).
5. MANUAL ENTRIES
Manual entries are required when:
• you have been on vacation or on sick leave;
• you have changed vehicles;
• you have removed the card from the tachograph.
You must enter the appropriate activity:
• other work;
• on-call duty;
• rest.
Failure to make a manual entry results in “gaps,” which are considered non-compliance during an inspection.
6. IF A PROBLEM ARISES
Lost or defective card:
• Notify the company immediately;
• Print out a report at the beginning and end of the day;
• You may drive for a maximum of 15 days until a new card is issued.
Defective tachograph:
• Notify the company immediately;
• Record your activities manually;
• Go to an authorized service center as soon as possible.
7. TRAFFIC STOP – DRIVER CONDUCT
During an inspection, present the following:
• your driver’s card;
• data for the current day and the last 56 days;
• transport documents.
Behavior:
• remain calm and polite;
• answer only what you know for certain;
• do not improvise;
• do not offer unnecessary explanations.
8. IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
• The tachograph does NOT limit speed;
• A CPC certificate is NOT required for 3.5 metric tons;
• A Class B driver’s license is sufficient;
• The time regulations are just as strict as those for trucks.
9. WHAT YOU SHOULD NEVER DO
❌ “I’ll just drive a little further”
❌ “It’s fine, it’ll work”
❌ “I won’t say anything”
❌ “We’ll figure it out later”
These behaviors primarily affect the driver.
10. THE FINAL RULE
Report any unclear situation to the dispatcher immediately.
It’s safer to ask twice than to pay a fine.
Founder and CEO of Paneuropa Logistics
I am György Bokor, Founder and CEO of Paneuropa Logistics. I have been active in the logistics industry for more than 20 years, focusing on international transportation, freight forwarding, last-mile deliveries and customs services. I am passionate about developing efficient solutions that connect businesses across Europe.