smog:
This one I’m really not proud of. I’m an agency driver and on my last shift I turn up, truck was already loaded up, did my checks, got in and the Tacho said “Tacho error” or “fault” or something. I noticed that the little plastic bit that lifts up and pushes in with the card was missing. The guys there were far from helpful if I asked questions. I was feeling pressured, so fearing the broken machine might do something stupid to it, I decided to not put my card in and record my day on paper. I know I should have just gone in and told them. I dunno, it was 4 in the morning. I haven’t used my card since. What do I do before/when I next use my card?
If your tacho card is faulty:
On a tacho roll (or a disc) record details at start and at end of shift. If possible do a print-out too.
Writing it down on a piece of paper isn`t good enough.
"Lost, stolen or malfunctioning driver cards
Driver cards have passed all relevant International Organization for Standardization (ISO) qualified tests and security certification requirements. They are designed to work reliably and securely for their period of validity but, like all cards, can be damaged by abuse. Drivers must take care of their driver card – treating it as if it were a credit card and not subjecting it to excessive force, bending or extremes of temperature.
Where it is impossible to use a driver card (that being when it has been lost, stolen or damaged or is malfunctioning) a driver may drive without the card for a maximum of 15 calendar days (or longer if this is necessary for the vehicle to be returned to its premises) provided that they produce 2 printouts – one at the start of the day and another at the end so long as there is no change of vehicle. Where there is a change of vehicle then a printout will need to be taken at the start and end of the use of vehicle 1 and then a printout at the start and end of vehicle 2 and so on. All printouts must be marked with:
the driver’s name or driver card or licence number, so the driver can be identified
any manual entries needed to show periods of other work, availability, and rest or break
the driver’s signature
The driver must report the problem to DVLA and apply for a new card within seven calendar days."
gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hou … raph-rules
from the same Gov site:
"When driving a vehicle that is equipped with a digital or smart tachograph, drivers must:
ensure that the tachograph is calibrated by inspecting the calibration plaque or interrogating the tachograph
ensure that their driver card is inserted into the correct slot (driver in slot 1, second driver in slot 2 from the moment they take over the vehicle, and that it is ready for use, before the vehicle is moved
record the country in which they begin and end their daily work period. This must always be carried out at the time of the start or end of the period, even if the card is not to be withdrawn or inserted (for example if the card is left in overnight)
when using the derogation to interrupt rest on journeys involving a ferry or train, the ferry mode must be selected in addition to the rest mode (EU rules only)
carry sufficient supplies of type-approved print roll on board the vehicle so that a printout can be produced at an enforcement officer’s request
ensure that all duties conducted since the driver card was last removed from a tachograph are manually entered onto the card record, using the manual entry facility on the tachograph
ensure that the tachograph is working properly
ensure that through the daily working period the mode button is used correctly to record other work, periods of availability, and rest and breaks
take reasonable steps to protect their card from dirt and damage
use only their own personalised driver card to record driving and other activities they undertake
ensure that the card is not removed from the tachograph during the working day unless otherwise authorised. The rules are not specific on who can authorise removal of the card, but cases where cards can be removed include a change of vehicle, or where another driver will be using the vehicle during a break or rest period
on multi-manning operations ensure that their driver card is placed in the correct slot (slot 1 when they are acting as driver and slot 2 when co-driver on a double-manned journey) when they take over driving
make their cards available for downloading by their employer
be able to produce at the roadside:
charts and any legally required manual records for the current day and the previous 28 calendar days
the driver’s card if they hold one
sign a hard copy of data when required to do so by a DVSA examiner or a police officer"
That is your job.
It is also true that a company has 7 days to repair a tacho. Did you know when the fault started? Under 7 days?
Realistically you wouldn`t have.
I can see that you felt under pressure, but was pressure from people who would pay no fine, and would have no risk of losing their precious new licence.
Maybe consider just walking the next time? I think that is a valid option.
Note: a company where you have been employed for ages, and a new fault occurs, is vastly different to a company who owe you nothing. and who you owe nothing. If they can`t supply a vehicle with a working tacho, no documents to show it has been noted and booked in for repair etc? ■■■■■■■■ to that bunch of chancers.
= does not happen - they use a diary and it is accepted
