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A tachograph card measures the mileage, rest times and speed of a driver.
They’re compulsory for professional drivers as they ensure EU and GB domestic regulation compliance, which is essential to keep drivers and the public safe.
If you’re wondering whether you can drive without your tachograph card, we’re here to help!
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Read on as we break down the process that you should follow if have a lost or stolen card.
What should you do if you’ve lost your tachograph card?
If you’ve lost a manual tachograph driver card, you should alert your employer and record your driving and rest times manually on paper slips.
What to do if your tachograph card has been damaged
In the event of a damaged manual tacho card, you should discuss what’s happened with your employer, while you continue to record your driving activity by hand.
If your digital tachograph card has been damaged, you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately to report the damage and apply for a replacement within 7 days.
You must pay a replacement fee for your new digital card and carry your Vehicle Unit (VU) records while you drive in case you get stopped by enforcement.
What to do if your tachograph card has been stolen
Similarly, if your card has been stolen, you must report it to the DVLA as soon as you become aware that it is missing and pay the replacement fee while keeping your VU records handy.
What to do if you’ve lost your digital tachograph card
If you’ve lost your digital tachograph card, it’s crucial that you inform the DVLA as soon as possible, as it will affect your ability to record your drivers’ hours. You can continue to drive for up to 15 days without a card, while you wait for a replacement.
You must apply for a new card within 7 days.
You can apply online by submitting your driving licence number and the replacement fee.
If you don’t have your tachograph card, you must carry VU records with you, should you be stopped by enforcement like the police. These records must be printed twice a day, at the start and end of your shift, and handed over to your employer or vehicle operator after 28 days.
Should you find your misplaced card, you should send it back to the DVLA via post, with a letter to explain what’s happened.
To find out more about the differences between manual and digital tachograph cards, check out our blog.
How often should a digital tachograph card be downloaded?
These cards store data digitally, which must legally be downloaded and accessed to make sure that drivers are complying with road transport regulations.
The data from a digital tachograph card should be downloaded at least every 28 days to monitor driver activity and promote safety. Failure to do so could result in legal consequences, including fines or penalties.
How long does a replacement tachograph card take?
Once you’ve filled out an application form, your replacement card should typically take 5-8 working days to arrive. It will be delivered to the address shown on your driving licence.
During this time, you can continue to use your VU records temporarily while you wait for your new card. It’s extremely important that you continue to print these records twice a day, as they serve as a substitute for your missing card.help you retrain into a career you will love. Why not read the testimonials from our past students to see how we can help?
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