This article covers Polish regulations and market practice. The principles apply elsewhere, but check the rules in your country.
Why is regular tachograph calibration so important? It is the key to the device working correctly and complying with the regulations. A properly calibrated tachograph is a required item of equipment in lorries with a GVW above 3.5 tonnes and plays an important role in maintaining digital tachograph compliance in road transport. It enables effective recording of the driver's working time and key driving parameters, such as speed and distance covered.
In the rest of this article you will find the essential information about the process of tachograph calibration: how often it must be carried out, who can perform it, and how much it costs.
Tachograph calibration: what is it?
What is tachograph calibration? It is the process of setting up the device so that it correctly records data on speed, driving and stopping time, and distance covered. For digital and smart tachographs it also means updating the vehicle data, e.g. the registration number, tyre size or VIN. During workshop calibration of the tachograph, it is also checked whether its memory holds, among other things, the current odometer reading and coordinated universal time (UTC).
When should the first tachograph calibration be carried out?
The first tachograph calibration should be carried out within a maximum of 14 days of the vehicle's registration date, regardless of whether it is new or used.
Calibration versus inspection of a digital tachograph: what is the difference?
From the perspective of the carrier and the driver, knowing the difference between tachograph calibration and periodic inspection is important. The two concepts are closely related, but they do not mean the same thing.
- Tachograph calibration is a process aimed at bringing the device to a state in which it meets the applicable standards, is consistent with the vehicle's parameters and correctly records key data relating to, among other things, the driver's working time.
- Tachograph inspection (periodic verification) is confirmation that the tachograph may be used because it meets the technical requirements. It indicates that the calibration process has been carried out correctly, the tachograph has the expected accuracy, and the vehicle parameters stored in the device's memory are up to date. Tachograph inspection is essential for both new and used devices.
Tachograph calibration: how often is it required?
How often is tachograph calibration carried out? Under Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, it must be performed:
- at least every 2 years from the date of the last calibration,
- after every installation or repair of the tachograph,
- after a change of registration number or tyre size,
- in the event of a failure or malfunction of the device.
A lapsed calibration can result in fines and even invalidation of the driver card data.
Who carries out tachograph calibration?
When it comes to who may calibrate a digital tachograph, the regulations are unambiguous. Tachograph calibration may be carried out only by certified workshops authorised by the Central Office of Measures (GUM).
During calibration, the workshop technician:
- checks the device and its consistency with the vehicle data,
- sets the tachograph parameters in line with the vehicle's current state,
- performs a function test and prints the calibration report,
- makes an entry in the tachograph's memory.
How much does tachograph calibration cost? An indicative price list
The price of tachograph calibration depends on various factors. These include the price list of the workshop where the process is carried out, as well as the type of device being calibrated (analogue, digital, smart). Below we give an indication of what the average cost of tachograph calibration may be.
- Digital tachograph calibration: the price of this service is typically between PLN 300 and 500 net.
- Smart tachograph calibration (SMART 1 or 2): the price of this service averages from PLN 350 to 600 net.
- Recalibration of the tachograph after a change of tyres or registration plate: this usually costs from around PLN 200 to around PLN 400.
The price includes: data download, verification, parameter setting and documentation.
Why should the tachograph be calibrated regularly?
Regular tachograph calibration is a process that should be carried out for several different reasons:
- it ensures the reliability of the data read from the tachograph and driver card,
- it is required by law,
- it protects the company against financial penalties and problems during ITD or PIP inspections,
- it enables correct settlement of drivers' working time.
What is tachograph calibration, how often should it be carried out and how much does it cost? Summary
Tachograph calibration is not only a legal requirement but above all part of looking after the reliability of data and the company's security. It allows the recording device to work correctly and effectively record the driver's working time and driving parameters. Regular calibration at a certified workshop, at least once every two years, involves a relatively small expense while helping avoid penalties and ensuring correct settlement of drivers' working time. Remember that it is not worth leaving digital tachograph calibration until the last minute: by planning your workshop visit in advance, you protect yourself against missing the expiry date.
It is worth knowing how often tachograph calibration is required, what it involves and who can carry it out. There are, however, more issues related to this type of recording device that are worth getting to know. If you want to broaden your knowledge of tachographs, 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 settling drivers' working time: a guide to remote tachograph data download
- Tachographs in vans: what you need to know about the new regulations
- Tachograph: what it is, how it works, what it is for and who must have one
- How to insert a card into the tachograph: a practical step-by-step guide
- How to change the time on a tachograph: a practical guide for drivers and administrators
- 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.
