If you own a truck, a bus — or from July 2026 a van over 2.5 t in international transport — a digital tachograph is or will be an essential part of your working life. Whether you drive yourself or manage a fleet, there are several obligations you need to get right.
Downloading, correctly evaluating and archiving data gives you:
- peace of mind during inspections,
- protection for your business,
- and above all, saved time and nerves.
- In the most serious cases during a roadside check — such as tampering with a tachograph or deliberate falsification — a security deposit of up to €8,000 may be imposed on the spot.
What you must do regularly
- Download data from the tachograph — at least every 90 days.
- Download data from the driver card — at least every 28 days.
- Evaluate the data — check that driving times, breaks and rest periods comply with the law.
- Archive the data — for at least 1 year (we recommend 3–5 years).
- Keep the tachograph calibrated — regular calibration at an authorised workshop is mandatory.
Legal deadlines you must meet
Even though the law requires only 1 year of archiving, we recommend keeping data for at least 3 years — to be on the safe side in case disputes arise later.
Why downloading alone is not enough
Many operators assume that simply downloading data is sufficient. It is not. The law requires you to also regularly evaluate the data — checking driving times, breaks and rest periods — and to archive it. Inspectors check for evaluation, not just the existence of downloaded files.
How to comply in practice
Not sure which solution is right for you? Contact us — we'll be happy to advise.
Archiving: law and practice
- Legal minimum: 12 months.
- Recommended: 2–5 years — it pays to have everything available for retrospective inspections.
G2V2 smart tachographs
Since 2023, all new vehicles must be fitted with second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2). All current Download Box devices and TAGRA software are fully compatible with G2V2 tachographs.
From July 2026: vans in international transport
An important legislative change will affect operators of smaller vehicles. From 1 July 2026, the obligation to use a tachograph extends to vans and combinations with a gross weight of 2.5–3.5 t when used in international transport for hire or reward or for cabotage. TAGRA is fully ready for this obligation. Read the full guide →
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Download trial versionFrequently asked questions
How often must tachograph and driver card data be downloaded?
Driver card data at least every 28 days, vehicle unit data at least every 90 days. We recommend downloading more frequently — for example every 10 and 30 days — to maintain a safety margin.
Is downloading the data enough, or must I also evaluate it?
Downloading alone is not enough. The law requires regular evaluation — checking driving times, breaks and rest periods. Without evaluation you have no visibility of violations and risk a fine. TAGRA handles this automatically.
What do I need to download data from the tachograph?
A download device (such as the Download Box II S), a company card inserted in the tachograph, and TAGRA software for evaluation and archiving.
How long must tachograph data be archived?
At least 1 year by law. We recommend 3–5 years. TAGRA archives data automatically.
Does the equipment support G2V2 smart tachographs?
Yes. All current Download Box devices and TAGRA are fully compatible with second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2).