Tachograph Types
Analogue tachograph
Older technology using paper charts (tachograph discs). Now being phased out - most trucks manufactured from 1 May 2006 require a digital tachograph.
Digital tachograph (1st generation)
Downloads to digital card and PC. Required in new HGVs from 2006. Still in common use.
Smart tachograph (2nd generation)
Required in new trucks from 15 June 2019 (and upgrades required for certain older trucks). Includes GNSS positioning, remote early detection, and ITS interface. Gen 2 Smart Tachographs required from 21 August 2023.
Implications for HGV Finance
- New trucks must be fitted with a compliant tachograph as standard - this is not an optional extra
- Used trucks may have older tachograph technology - upgrade requirements depend on the vehicle age and when it was last registered in a new country
- Tachograph calibration is required every 2 years - ongoing compliance cost
- Tachograph cards (driver and company cards) are required - ongoing administration
When financing a truck, Doulton Bridging Finance can help you identify whether the vehicle requires a tachograph upgrade. Tachograph upgrade costs can sometimes be incorporated into the finance package - contact us for details.