Changing the time on a digital or analogue tachograph is an issue that causes plenty of controversy in the transport industry. Although there are regular reports of plans to abolish the mandatory clock change in summer and winter, the need to perform this task remains. Changing the time on a digital tachograph is a relatively simple task, but one that is easy to forget. Such an oversight can make it harder to comply with the rules on driving and rest time and lead to problems with the driver's working time records. This carries the risk of unpleasant consequences for both the driver and the transport company.
Knowing how to change the time on a tachograph correctly is therefore very useful, as it allows you to act within the law and plan on the basis of real data. In the rest of this article you will learn, among other things, whether you can set the time on a digital tachograph yourself, how UTC time differs from local time, when to change the time on a tachograph and how to do it correctly.
Local time vs UTC time on a digital tachograph – what you should know
How does a tachograph keep time? This is the question we need to start with in order to see the difference between changing the local time on a digital tachograph and adjusting the universal UTC time on the device. In reality, time is recorded in UTC, and it is according to UTC that data is stored in the tachograph memory and on the driver card. It is also the reference point for local time, which in Poland is as follows:
- UTC+1 – standard time, i.e. winter time: currently in force from the end of October to the end of March,
- UTC+2 – summer time: currently in force from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October.
Local time is precisely what you have in mind when you wonder how to change the time on the tachograph when the winter or summer clock change comes around.
Why is changing the time on the tachograph important?
The tachograph records the driver's driving, rest and working time. If the time on the device is wrong, the data on the record sheets or in the digital downloads may be incorrect. This can lead to:
- incorrect working time settlements,
- incorrect analyses of driver cards,
- fines during a roadside check (up to PLN 1,000),
- suspicions of tampering with the device.
Remember: the tachograph records the driver's working time in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). Changing from summer to winter time on a digital tachograph (and vice versa) concerns local time and matters only for the information shown on the display and in reports – it does not affect how data is recorded.
When to change the time on the tachograph?
The time on the tachograph should be changed above all:
- twice a year – when changing from winter to summer time and back,
- after the tachograph is calibrated (e.g. after changing tyres or the device, or after servicing),
- when the displayed time differs from the actual time by more than 1 minute (the permitted tolerance under the rules is ±1 minute per week).
How to change the time on a digital tachograph?
Wondering how to change the time on a digital tachograph? It is really simple and looks similar on devices from different manufacturers. Below we show how the time is changed on VDO and Stoneridge tachographs, the two most common devices for recording drivers' working time and activities.
Instructions: changing the time on a VDO (DTCO) digital tachograph
What does changing the time on a VDO tachograph look like? Take a look at the simple instructions below, which show you how to change the time on this brand's digital tachograph.
- Insert the driver card into slot 1.
- In the tachograph menu select: Settings > Local time.
- Confirm access with the PIN code (if required).
- Change the time zone (e.g. from UTC+1 to UTC+2).
- Confirm the change with the "OK" button.
- Make a daily printout with the annotation: "Summer/winter time change" – this is good practice for any inspection.
Tip: If you cannot see the time change option, make sure the tachograph does not need a visit to an authorised workshop.
Instructions: changing the time on a Stoneridge digital tachograph
How is the time changed on a Stoneridge digital tachograph? Let us go through the process step by step.
- Insert the driver card.
- Press the "OK" button, then select Settings.
- Go to Local time.
- Change the value by ±1 hour.
- Confirm and make a printout to document the change.
Is it permitted to change the UTC time on a tachograph yourself?
Changing the UTC time on a tachograph yourself is possible only to a very limited extent. This is because the records in the tachograph memory and on the driver card are based on UTC. Only a minimal correction of the universal time by +/- 1 minute is permitted once every 7 days. How do you change the UTC time on a digital tachograph when there are larger discrepancies between it and the actual time? Any deeper change requires calibration at an authorised workshop.
Changing the time on the tachograph from winter to summer time or from summer to winter time, however, does not require a visit to a workshop. The driver can change the local time (UTC+1/UTC+2) themselves.
How to switch to summer or winter time on a tachograph? Good practice and the most common mistakes
Changing the time on the tachograph to summer or winter time need not be a chore. To make sure it causes no trouble at all, it is worth following these good practices:
- make a printout with an annotation, e.g. summer time change – this is evidence in the event of an inspection,
- set the time before you start driving – preferably in a car park,
- check that the time is correct once a week, e.g. when downloading data from the driver card.
When considering how to set the time on a tachograph, it is worth being aware of the most common mistakes in this area. The mistakes to pay particular attention to include:
- not changing the time after the switch to summer or winter time,
- confusing local time with UTC time,
- changing the local time on a digital tachograph while driving – this carries a serious risk of errors and breaches of the rules.
How to change the time on a tachograph? Summary
Changing the time on the tachograph is a seemingly minor task, but it matters a great deal for the accuracy of the data and the legal security of the driver and the company. A few minutes are enough to avoid unnecessary complications:
- check the tachograph model,
- change the time zone (local time),
- make a printout with an annotation,
- remember that data is recorded in UTC.
If you are not sure how to do it in your vehicle – ask your dispatcher or consult the device manual.
Understanding how to switch correctly from winter to summer time or from summer to winter time on a digital tachograph is worth treating as an introduction to learning more about these devices that record drivers' working time and activities. If you want to get to know them better, take a look at our other articles on the subject, such as:
- 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 certification – what it involves, how often and what 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.
