In the world of transport, staying compliant with regulatory changes is a must. One of the most significant updates is coming in 2025 with new roadside inspection regulations that will change how tachograph data is handled. 

Effective from December 31, 2024, roadside inspectors will have the right to check data from the previous 56 days, an increase from the current 28-day limit. For transport companies and drivers, this means it’s time to prepare for more thorough checks and ensure that everything is in order.

 

What Are the New Rules About?

The new regulations are a result of EU Regulation 2020/1054, which amends EU Regulation 165/2014. This change extends the period for which data from tachographs and drivers’ cards must be available during roadside inspections.

Previously, inspectors could only check data from the last 28 days. However, with the new regulation, the scrutiny now extends to a full 56 days. This increase in the data inspection window aims to improve road safety by ensuring that operators and drivers are adhering to working time rules and tachograph regulations more consistently.

 

How Does This Affect Drivers and Transport Companies?

For drivers, this means that their tachograph data must be readily available for inspection from the past 56 days, not just the past 28. This applies to all types of vehicles, including trucks, buses, and coaches that are required to have a tachograph installed.

Transport companies will need to ensure that they have the proper systems in place to manage and store this data for the required period. Failing to do so can result in fines and penalties during roadside inspections, which can be a significant inconvenience and financial burden.

Additionally, the new regulations will impact the way companies monitor their drivers’ working hours. By ensuring that data is accessible for a longer period, companies can better track compliance with EU driving and rest time rules, reducing the risk of violations.

 

What Challenges Will Transport Companies Face?

One of the most significant challenges of this new regulation will be ensuring that all tachograph data from the past 56 days is properly stored and accessible. Many companies are used to keeping data for a shorter period, but this change will require a shift in how records are managed and stored.

Companies will need to ensure that their tachograph data is either printed out or downloaded and stored in a digital format that is easily accessible for roadside inspectors. This will involve updating procedures to ensure that all data is kept for the required period. Transport companies that rely on outdated systems may face additional challenges in complying with the new rules.

For drivers, the extended data retrieval period means that they will need to be more diligent about their tachograph records. It’s important to regularly download or print out data from the tachograph to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

 

How Can TachoSafe Help?

At TachoSafe, we understand how important it is to stay ahead of regulatory changes in the transport sector. Our solutions are designed to help transport companies and drivers easily comply with the latest tachograph requirements, including the new 56-day rule.

Our advanced tachograph and driver card readers, as well as our remote download solutions provide an easy way for companies to access and store tachograph data. With TachoSafe’s technology and expertise, you can securely store data for extended periods, ensuring that you are ready for any roadside inspection.

Our remote download devices also allow you to retrieve tachograph data in real-time, reducing the risk of penalties due to missed inspections. This feature is particularly valuable for companies with fleets that operate across different regions, as it enables instant access to tachograph data from anywhere.

 

What Should Transport Companies Do Next?

To prepare for the new regulations, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Review your data management systems: Ensure that your tachograph data is stored for at least 56 days. If your current system doesn’t support this, now is the time to upgrade.
2. Educate your drivers: Make sure that all drivers understand the new regulations and how to ensure their data is always accessible. This includes regularly downloading or printing their tachograph records.
3. Invest in remote download solutions: TachoSafe’s remote download units can simplify the process and ensure that data is always available for inspection.
4. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with any further changes to the regulations and make sure your company remains compliant.

 

The new 56-day roadside inspection rule may seem like a hassle at first, but it offers an opportunity for transport companies to streamline their data management processes and improve compliance. By ensuring that tachograph data is available for inspection from the last 56 days, operators will have more transparency and control over their compliance with EU regulations.

With the right systems in place, such as TachoSafe’s products and services for tachograph data management, transport companies can meet these new requirements with ease and avoid unnecessary penalties. 

Now is the time to act – prepare your company, educate your drivers, and ensure you’re ready for the updated regulations effective as of December 31, 2024.