A tachograph is a device that records journey data, such as speed, distance and who is driving a vehicle. You also use it to record driving and rest periods. You can then use this information for your business records (including if you’re self-employed) and to show that a driver is complying with all the rules. Handy if the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate comes to carry out an inspection!
Analogue vs. digital
There are basically two types of tachographs: analogue and digital. Since 2006, all new buses and trucks in the EU have had to be fitted with a digital tachograph (first generation), and older vehicles with an analogue version must also have switched to the smart tachograph version 2 by August 2025. So there's a good chance that, as a driver, you'll be using a digital version!
How does a (digital) tachograph work?
The tachograph in your truck is linked to a transport company through a company card. The driver then inserts their driver card into the device and sets off. The system electronically records driving time, speed, the number of kilometres driven, breaks and other activities. This data is stored both on the chip of the driver card and in the tachograph’s own memory, where it can then be downloaded.
Downloading data
The driver card’s chip has limited memory. It can store about 28 days of data. So you must download the data from the driver card at least every 4 weeks to ensure it is stored correctly. But be aware: if there are many stops in a day, the memory may fill up sooner!
The digital tachograph itself stores a year’s worth of data. You can also see which driver cards have been inserted and whether any incorrect actions have taken place. For example, if a driver hasn’t had enough rest or has been driving too fast continuously. You must download this data every 90 days and keep it for at least one year. Sometimes even longer—for example, for the tax authorities!
Am I required to use a tachograph?
A tachograph is required if the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of your vehicle and trailer or semi-trailer exceeds 3500 kg. This applies not only to trucks, but also to vans and commercial vehicles in classes N1 or M1. You can find the MAM on your vehicle registration document, but as a truck driver, there's a good chance you'll be required to use a tachograph.
If your vehicle has a maximum permissible mass (MPM) of less than 3500 kg, you aren’t required to use a tachograph. But bear in mind that under the Working Hours Act, you’re still required to record your driving and rest periods. You can choose whether to do this on paper, on your computer or using a digital tachograph!
Can I get an exemption?
There are several situations in the Netherlands in which you can get an exemption from using a tachograph:
- when you drive for the government and do not compete with private transport companies
- when transporting goods used for your own business (only applies within a 100 km radius of your place of business)
- when you drive a vehicle used for driving lessons or a driving test (so not for the commercial transport of goods or people)
- when transporting circus or fairground equipment
- when you are driving a specially equipped vehicle for transporting money or valuables
You can find a complete list of all exemptions in the Netherlands here.
Learn more?
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