What Tachograph Do I Need?
Find the right tachograph system for your vehicle and application
Determining Your Tachograph Requirements
The tachograph system you need depends on several key factors: your vehicle type, vehicle registration date, intended use, and geographic operating area.
1. Vehicle Age & Existing Equipment
The year your vehicle was manufactured often determines which systems are compatible.
- Vehicles with analogue tachographs: Usually 1990s and early 2000s vehicles. May still use analogue if not upgraded.
- Digital tachograph vehicles: From approximately 2006 onwards, most vehicles were equipped with digital systems.
- Smart tachograph ready: Modern vehicles (2019+) are increasingly equipped with smart tachograph systems.
2. Vehicle Type
Different vehicle types have different tachograph requirements:
- Lorries and vans: Heavy vehicles (over 3.5t) typically require digital or smart tachographs.
- Buses: Passenger vehicles usually follow similar regulations to lorries.
- Tractor units: Agricultural and tipper vehicles may require specific tachograph systems.
- Specialist vehicles: Some vehicles may have specific compatibility requirements.
3. Operating Area
Your geographic operating area affects which systems are legal:
- UK only: Digital tachographs are standard. Analogue systems may be acceptable for certain exceptions.
- EU operations: Must comply with EU regulations, requiring digital or smart systems.
- International operations: Additional regulatory requirements may apply. Smart tachographs recommended.
4. Regulatory Status
Different vehicle ages have different requirements:
- Pre-2006 exemption: Some older vehicles may legally operate without tachographs (check individual exemptions).
- 2006 onwards: Digital tachographs are required.
- From 2024: Smart tachographs increasingly required for new registrations.
5. Voltage System
Your vehicle's electrical system must match the tachograph voltage:
- 12V systems: Most cars and light vans use 12V electrical systems.
- 24V systems: Heavy lorries and larger commercial vehicles use 24V systems.
- Important: Installing a 12V unit in a 24V vehicle (or vice versa) will cause equipment damage.
Choosing Your System
To determine the right system, consider:
Best for most users:
Check which generation your vehicle requires. The answer depends on its age, existing equipment and operation.
For international operations:
Check the current GOV.UK guidance to confirm whether a Smart Tachograph 2 requirement applies to your vehicle and operation.
For older vehicles:
A reconditioned unit may be an option. Check its model, voltage and generation against your vehicle and the rules for your operation.
Getting Professional Advice
Call us with your vehicle details and existing tachograph model. We'll help you check what fits and which generation you need.