What is a digital tachograph?
A digital tachograph is an advanced electronic device used to record and store driver and vehicle data. Unlike analogue tachographs that use wax-coated charts, digital tachographs employ digital technology to capture and store information.
Digital tachographs consist of several components, including a smart card, a vehicle unit (VU), and motion and speed sensors. The smart card is issued to the driver and contains their identification information. The vehicle unit is installed in the vehicle and records various data, such as driving time, rest periods, speed, distance traveled, and any events like sudden braking or changes in speed.
Digital tachographs offer several advantages over analogue tachographs. They provide more accurate and tamper-proof data, as the information is digitally recorded and protected. They also simplify administrative tasks by automating the recording and reporting processes. Additionally, digital tachographs enable better enforcement of driving and rest time regulations, improving road safety and ensuring fair competition in the transportation industry.
How does digital tachograph work?
Digital tachographs work by capturing and storing driver and vehicle data using advanced electronic technology. They consist of a smart card, a vehicle unit (VU), and motion and speed sensors.
The smart card is issued to the driver and contains their identification information. When the driver inserts the smart card into the digital tachograph, it recognizes and associates their data with the driving activity. The vehicle unit, connected to the vehicle's systems, records various data in real-time, including driving time, rest periods, speed, distance traveled, and events like braking or changes in speed. This data is securely stored in the digital tachograph's memory or on the driver's smart card.
Authorized personnel, such as fleet managers or law enforcement officers, can access and analyze the data using specialized software and equipment. This allows for better monitoring of compliance with driving and rest time regulations and facilitates administrative tasks related to recording and reporting.
Did you know?
Digital tachographs have significantly improved data security and integrity compared to analogue tachographs. The digital tachograph system uses encryption and digital signatures to protect the recorded data from tampering or unauthorized access. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of the recorded information, making it more resistant to manipulation or falsification.