Truck tachograph compliance: huge fines for companies and drivers
In Germany, the tachograph—the device that records driving and rest times—is a core tool for enforcing road-transport safety. What may look like a minor issue can end in extremely high penalties, and in some cases legal consequences for companies and even drivers.
Why is the tachograph important?
It is used to monitor driving time, rest breaks, and speed, and the law—especially for tractors and trucks over 3.5 tons—requires correct use and regular data monitoring (eurowag.com).
Key duties for drivers and companies
The driver card (Fahrerkarte) must be used correctly during driving; otherwise the data appears as unclear/unassigned and becomes a red flag.
The device must be inspected/calibrated regularly—commonly every two years, and also after changes such as gearbox or tyre type (§ 57b StVZO) (bussgeldkatalog.net).
Data downloads/records must be reviewed within the required timeframes and then archived for at least one year.
Tachograph violations and penalties
1) Driving without a driver card
| Violation | Driver | Company |
|---|---|---|
| No card for > 24 hours | €250 / day | €750 / day |
| Expired/missing card without proper documentation | €75–€250 / day | – |
| Exceeding the limit for 15 consecutive days | €50 / day | – (trans.info, punkte-flensburg.de) |
2) Exceeding driving time or insufficient rest
Up to 1 hour exceeded: +€60 per additional 30 minutes (driver) and +€180 (company) (verizonconnect.com).
Too short break (less than 15 minutes): €30 / €60 (driver/company).
Major excess on rest (more than 3 additional hours): higher/doubled fines.
3) Tampering or deliberate manipulation
This includes, for example:
removing or breaking seals
using fake or invalid cards
installing deception devices
deleting data or destroying records
Possible outcomes:
Companies: €12,000 (example: manipulation detected near Nuremberg) (fleetgo.com, trans.info, balm.bund.de)
Cases reaching €200,000 (example in NRW) (trans.info)
Germany applies €375–€30,000 per major violation (transport.ec.europa.eu).
4) Missing Smart Tachograph 2.0
From March 2025, cross-border transport within Europe without Smart Tachograph 2.0 may lead to a fine of up to €1,500 in Germany (trans.info).
Quick summary
| Violation | Driver | Company |
|---|---|---|
| No card (per day) | €250 / day | €750 / day |
| Driving/rest time breaches | €30–€180 depending on duration | €90–€180 depending on duration |
| Tampering/fraud | up to €5,000 + possible criminal case | €12,000–€200,000 |
| No Smart Tachograph 2.0 | – | up to €1,500 |
Why are the figures so high?
Safety depends on strict compliance with driving and rest schedules.
Tampering distorts competition and increases accident risk.
European authorities treat tachograph violations as a high enforcement priority.
Practical tips
Insert and validate the driver card correctly and consistently.
Follow driving time and rest rules strictly.
Calibrate/inspect the tachograph on schedule, especially after technical changes.
Avoid tampering—penalties can become business-threatening.
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ـ* The writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research, but mistakes may occur or some details may be uncertain. Please treat this as initial guidance and consult the relevant authorities for confirmed information.
