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Tachograph records
Driver-card and vehicle-unit downloads, charts and the analysis of drivers’ hours.
This is general information for UK goods-vehicle operators. It is not legal advice. Use the official source on this page, and your operator licence conditions, before you rely on it.
What it is
Where drivers’ hours rules apply, the tachograph record is how driving, other work, rest and breaks are shown. Operators download digital and smart tachograph data and analyse it. GOV.UK states that vehicle-unit data is downloaded at least every 90 days, and driver-card data at least every 28 days, with earlier downloads when a driver leaves, a vehicle is transferred, or data is about to be lost. Analogue charts, where still used, are part of the same record.
Who holds it
The operator holds the downloaded files, charts and any analysis or infringement reports. Drivers produce the card, and charts or printouts for the current day and the required previous days, at the roadside.
At a visit
DVSA compares roadside records with what you have downloaded at base. Missing downloads, files you cannot open, and no analysis of infringements are operator failings, not only driver failings.
How long to keep it
The goods vehicle operator licensing guide says you must keep all drivers’ hours records for at least 12 months. Download intervals are at least every 28 days for driver cards and every 90 days for the vehicle unit, as set out in GOV.UK tachograph guidance.