Tachograph Analysis Service for compliant and efficient fleets

In most cases, tachographs are required in vehicles used for the carriage of goods over 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) when operating for commercial purposes.

They are also required in certain passenger carrying vehicles with more than nine seats, including the driver.

There are some limited exemptions depending on the type of vehicle, distance travelled and nature of the work being carried out.

Drivers’ hours rules are regulations that limit how long drivers can drive without taking a break.

These rules are designed to prevent fatigue and improve road safety. They include limits on:

• Daily driving hours
• Weekly driving hours
• Fortnightly driving hours
• Mandatory rest breaks
• Daily and weekly rest periods

Tachographs are used to monitor compliance with these rules.

Tachograph analysis is the process of reviewing tachograph data to identify any infringements or compliance issues.

Specialist software analyses the data downloaded from driver cards and vehicle units. Reports are then generated to highlight potential problems such as driver hours breaches, missing mileage or data gaps.

This allows operators to take corrective action and maintain a compliant fleet operation.

Yes. UK transport regulations require operators to download, store and analyse tachograph data regularly.

Operators must ensure that driver activity is reviewed and that any infringements are addressed. Failing to do this can lead to enforcement action from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Regular tachograph analysis also helps protect your operator’s licence.

How often should tachograph data be downloaded?

Current guidelines recommend that:

• Driver cards are downloaded at least every 28 days
• Vehicle units are downloaded at least every 90 days

Many operators choose to download data more frequently to maintain tighter compliance control.

Operators must store tachograph records for at least 12 months.

These records must be available if requested by enforcement authorities such as the DVSA or Traffic Commissioner.

Many businesses keep records for longer as part of their compliance management systems.

If tachograph analysis identifies an infringement, the operator should:

• Investigate the reason for the breach
• Speak with the driver involved
• Provide guidance or additional training if required
• Record the action taken

Keeping clear records of how infringements are addressed demonstrates to regulators that the operator is actively managing compliance.

Missing mileage occurs when the recorded tachograph data does not match the distance travelled by the vehicle.

This may indicate issues such as:

• Incorrect driver card usage
• Data download problems
• Potential tachograph misuse

Tachograph analysis software highlights these discrepancies so they can be investigated.

Remote download systems allow operators to retrieve tachograph data without physically accessing the vehicle or driver card.

The data is transmitted securely to the operator’s compliance system, making it easier to meet download requirements and manage large fleets efficiently.

Your operator’s licence depends on maintaining strong compliance standards.

Regular tachograph analysis helps operators:

• Identify driver hours breaches early
• Provide driver guidance and training
• Maintain accurate compliance records
• Demonstrate effective management systems to the DVSA

A well managed tachograph system is a key part of protecting your licence.

Yes. Modern systems such as ConveyWeb tachograph analysis software generate detailed reports that help operators monitor compliance across their fleet.

These reports can highlight:

• Driver hours infringements
• Working time breaches
• Missing mileage
• Tachograph data issues
• Driver performance trends

This information allows operators to address issues quickly and maintain a strong compliance culture.

Tachograph rules in the UK require most HGV drivers operating vehicles over 3,500 kg to record their driving activity using a digital or analogue tachograph. The device records driving time, breaks, rest periods, speed and distance. Operators must download and analyse this data regularly to ensure drivers comply with drivers hours regulations and remain within legal limits.

Drivers hours regulations in the UK limit how long commercial drivers can drive before taking a break. Under EU drivers hours rules, drivers can normally drive up to 9 hours per day, which may be extended to 10 hours twice per week. Drivers must take a 45 minute break after 4.5 hours of driving and must also take daily and weekly rest periods.

A tachograph analysis service reviews driver card and vehicle data to identify potential infringements, missing mileage and compliance risks. The service generates reports and alerts that allow operators to address issues early. This helps protect the operator’s licence and ensures the fleet remains compliant with DVSA regulations.

Most vans under 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight are exempt from tachograph rules. However, if a van and trailer combination exceeds 3,500 kg combined weight, tachograph rules may apply. Businesses operating vans should check the specific vehicle weights and usage to ensure they remain compliant.

Best practice is to carry out tachograph analysis every time driver or vehicle data is downloaded. Driver cards should be downloaded at least every 28 days, and vehicle units every 90 days. Regular analysis allows operators to identify infringements quickly and maintain strong compliance procedures.

Failing to analyse tachograph data can result in serious consequences, including DVSA investigations, fines and action against the operator’s licence. Regulators expect operators to demonstrate that they are actively monitoring drivers hours and managing compliance risks through proper tachograph analysis.

Older vehicles may use analogue tachographs, which record driver activity on paper charts. Most modern commercial vehicles use digital tachographs, which store driver data electronically on driver cards and vehicle units. Digital systems allow easier downloading, storage and tachograph analysis using specialist software.

A tachograph infringement occurs when a driver breaks drivers hours regulations. Examples include exceeding daily driving limits, failing to take required breaks, or not taking sufficient rest periods. Tachograph analysis software highlights these infringements so operators can investigate and take corrective action.

Operators must retain tachograph records for a minimum of 12 months. These records must be available if requested by enforcement authorities such as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) or the Traffic Commissioner during compliance checks or investigations.

Tachograph analysis helps operators demonstrate that they are actively monitoring drivers hours and managing compliance. By reviewing tachograph data regularly, identifying infringements and taking corrective action, operators show the DVSA that they have effective transport management systems in place. This helps protect their operator’s licence and maintain a strong compliance record.