What is a digital tachograph card reader?
While the regulations for downloading digital tachograph data require 28 days, most companies download information more frequently. Why? Firstly, regular downloads of driver cards enable fleet managers to quickly identify any violations or irregularities in the driver's activities. By accessing the data on a daily or weekly basis, they can promptly address any issues that may arise and take appropriate actions.
Moreover, having frequent downloads allows companies to back up relevant data regularly. This backup ensures that important information is not lost in case of any system failures or data corruption, safeguarding the integrity of the recorded activities.
To access the data on the driver card, companies require a tachograph card reader. This device retrieves the information stored in the driver card's memory, providing details about the driver's identity and their activities. Since the use of driver cards was made legally mandatory by regulations introduced in May 2006, fleet managers must have a card reader to comply with these requirements and access crucial information.
Advantages of a digital card reader
The tachograph card reader offers an easy way to access and manage fleet data. Drivers can easily download the information with a simple portable card reader and access the data from their phone or computer. Fleet managers also receive downloaded information in real time, as digital card readers can upload information directly to a secure server. This way, they can spot problems in time before they cause more trouble.
How to use the digital card reader?
After installing the digital tachograph, the driver inserts their driver card into the designated slot, ensuring the chip faces up for accurate data recording. Once set up correctly, the tachograph card records all driver data in a downloadable format.
During the download phase, the driver connects a digital tachograph card reader to the tachograph. For portable readers, the driver inserts the driver card into the reader's slot.
Hordozható tachográf-kártyaolvasó használatakor a vezető behelyezi a vezetői kártyát az olvasó kártyanyílásába.
If an Internet connection is available, the data is automatically transmitted to a secure server. Alternatively, some readers come with a USB cable to download data to a phone or computer.
It's crucial to note that when reading or downloading data from older versions of digital tachographs, the vehicle must not be in motion to ensure safety and proper data retrieval.
Did you know?
Before the advent of digital tachographs, mechanical tachographs were used. The concept of recording driving hours and distances for regulatory purposes began to develop in the late 1800s. During this time, many inventors and engineers worked on the development of mechanical tachographs. The obligation to register driving activities was finally introduced in 1969, for social and traffic safety reasons.