Do I Need To Use A Tachograph For Private Use?

"Do I need to use a tachograph for private use?" - it's a question we see being asked a lot, so we've compiled a guide to the different situations where tachographs are required for private use.

Really Quick - What Is A Tachograph?

Just so we're all on the same page, a tachograph is a device which legally must be fitted to many working vehicles, such as HGV's, buses, and vans with a Maximum Authorised Mass greater than 3.5 tonnes. Tachographs measure and record a wide selection of data relating to the speed of the vehicle, the Driver's working hours, and the type of work being performed.

Do Tradesmen Need A Tachograph?

Many sole traders incorrectly assume that tachograph laws don't apply to them - after all, we mostly think of tachographs being used in big wagons, not builders' vans. But if a vehicle is being used in connection with a trade or business, and weighs more than 3.5 tonnes, then UK tachograph laws apply (with some wide-reaching exceptions, which we'll get into later).

For example, one common infringement is when a van without a tachograph tows a trailer with a combined weight of over 3.5 tonnes. In many cases, this is an offence!

How To Find Your Vehicle's Weight Limit

The weight limit of a vehicle is usually referred to as the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) or MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass). This can be found in the vehicle manual - if you don't have one, you should be able to download one online.

What Exemptions Are there To Tachograph Rules For Private Use?

Tachograph laws are in place to regulate driving-based work, so if you're making a personal journey, you can drive a vehicle that weighs up to 7.5 tonnes without a tachograph.

An exception also applies to vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes that are delivering equipment or materials for use by the driver - on the conditions that the destination must be within a 100-km radius of the vehicle's base, and that driving the vehicle must not be the driver's main role.

This exception means that the majority of sole traders don't require a tachograph. However, for example, if a construction firm had a designated driver that regularly delivered things to sites as their primary role, and their vehicle weighed over 3.5 tonnes, that vehicle would require a tachograph.

Summary: Do I Need To Use A Tachograph For Private Use?

In most cases, no - you don't require a tachograph for private use vehicles. However, it pays to be familiar with the laws and regulations, as there are some rarer cases where one is required. Clicking here will take you to the government's website if you need more info.

If your organisation is looking to get a tachograph or two for your vehicles, you're in the right-ish place! While TachoMagic doesn't supply tachograph units, we do offer tacho analysis, remote automatic download devices (TADDs), and other tacho supplies.

What's more, our TADDs are fast and easy to install thanks to our exclusive Plug & Play cable - no need to spend hours, or book an expensive fitter. Get in touch using the details below to find out more!