This article covers Polish regulations and market practice. The principles apply elsewhere, but check the rules in your country.
When is driving in OUT mode permitted? This option in the tachograph can only be used in specific situations. That is because driving in OUT mode means driving time is not recorded, and consequently limits such as the maximum daily driving time do not apply to it. Using this mode without justification carries the risk of severe penalties for drivers and transport companies, so it is worth knowing in which situations it is allowed.
Curious about the cases in which using the out-of-scope mode in the tachograph complies with the regulations, and how to activate it on the recording device? You will find out in the rest of this article, where we explain the most important issues surrounding driving in OUT mode: when you can opt for it, how to switch the mode on, and what penalty a driver and company can face for using it without authorisation.
OUT mode in the tachograph: what is it?
OUT mode (also known as driving outside the scope of Regulation 561/2006) is a digital tachograph function that allows a vehicle to be driven without recording the driving time as driver activity. Put simply, the tachograph is working, but it does not record that section as "driving" for the purposes of working time settlement.
The OUT function may be used only in specific cases. The penalty for unauthorised driving in OUT mode that can be imposed during an inspection is up to PLN 5,000 (for the carrier).
When can you drive in OUT mode without breaking the rules?
Under EU regulations (Regulations 561/2006 and 165/2014), driving in OUT mode is permitted only in situations that are not subject to the rules on drivers' working time.
When is driving in OUT mode permitted? Below are examples of legitimate uses of this function:
- workshop test drives to check the results of a repair, e.g. a workshop employee may drive in OUT mode to check that a fault has been successfully fixed,
- transport within a yard or closed site, e.g. terminals, warehouses, ports,
- testing of the vehicle by a mechanic or inspector,
- use of the vehicle for technical purposes, e.g. tachograph calibration,
- other carriage specified in Article 13 of Regulation 561/2006, e.g. carried out with vehicles used for delivering ready-mixed concrete.
Note: even if the vehicle is physically moving on a public road, this does not automatically rule out OUT mode; what matters is the purpose of the journey and the person driving.
How to switch on OUT mode in a digital tachograph?
Switching on OUT mode depends on the tachograph model, but the general procedure is similar.
Step-by-step instructions (for most models):
- Insert the driver card or start the tachograph without it.
- Before starting to drive, go to the special functions menu.
- Select the "vehicle out of scope" option (or "OUT of scope").
- Confirm the setting with the OK button.
- When you finish driving, remember to switch OUT mode off and return to normal operating mode.
- If the journey in OUT mode was made without a card, after finishing you must log in the driver card and make the appropriate manual entry. Select the "hammers" pictogram, which indicates that other work was being carried out.
If the tachograph does not allow OUT driving without a prior manual entry, make the appropriate manual entry indicating the actual type of activity.
Driving in OUT mode: how to annotate the tachograph printout?
In every case it is worth documenting the use of the OUT function properly. To do this, tachograph printouts are made at the start and end of work in this mode. Imagine you have just driven in OUT mode: how should you annotate the printouts documenting it? The back of the printouts should include:
- your full name,
- your driver card number,
- the justification for using the OUT function,
- a legible signature.
What is the penalty for driving in OUT mode in breach of the rules?
Incorrectly switching on OUT mode, for example during actual driving as part of road transport, is treated as manipulation of working time recording. What are the penalties for unauthorised driving in OUT mode?
The consequences are as follows:
- penalty for the driver: the driver can be fined up to PLN 2,000 for unauthorised driving in OUT mode,
- penalty for the business: up to PLN 5,000 for each case,
- problems with the insurer: the risk of a claim being refused in the event of an accident.
Good practice for using OUT mode
Understanding when OUT mode is permitted in the tachograph and how to use it is the key to avoiding severe penalties. To make sure your actions in this area comply with the rules, it is worth adopting the following good practices:
- documenting every instance of using the OUT function: entering the purpose of the journey in the records or service documentation, and making tachograph printouts with an explanatory note,
- training drivers: many mistakes can be avoided by equipping drivers with basic knowledge of how the tachograph works,
- regularly downloading data from the tachograph memory and the driver card, to make sure OUT mode was used correctly and is properly recorded.
Summary
OUT mode is a useful digital tachograph function, but using it requires knowledge of the rules and caution. The key is understanding when it can legally be used and how to switch it on and document its use. Both drivers and those responsible for working time settlement should ensure this function is properly applied in everyday work, to avoid penalties and problems during inspections.
Realising when driving in OUT mode is permitted is a big step towards a better understanding of the rules for using this recording device. If you want to broaden your knowledge of tachographs further, we encourage you to read the other articles about them on our blog, including:
- A new era of tachographs: replacement, key deadlines and the most important changes
- How to streamline the settlement of drivers' working time? A guide to remote tachograph data download
- Tachographs in vans: what you need to know about the new rules
- Tachograph: what it is, how it works, what it is for and who must have one
- How to insert a card into a tachograph? A practical step-by-step guide
- Tachograph calibration: what it involves, how often and how much it costs
- Driving without a tachograph: when is it allowed?
Agata Świerczek
E-marketing Specialist
As a UX/UI design specialist I combine creativity with precise communication. I design intuitive interfaces and engaging digital content, and I write product copy and blog articles that hold attention and support business goals.
