Tachograph verification: what it involves, how often it is needed and what it costs

This article covers Polish regulations and market practice. The principles apply elsewhere, but check the rules in your country.

Regular tachograph verification is something to bear in mind if you want this device, indispensable in every driver's work, to operate correctly and in compliance with the regulations. A working tachograph in the vehicle is a must: it records driving time, rest, speed and other data that is key to safety and settlements. Verification of this device confirms that it works correctly and that the calibration process was carried out properly.

Wondering what tachograph verification costs? Curious how often it should be carried out? Or looking for information on how to check a tachograph's verification? You will find the answers to these and many more questions in the rest of the article.

What does tachograph verification involve?

What is the verification required for tachographs? Verification is confirmation that the tachograph works in accordance with the standards and records data correctly. The process is carried out by authorised workshops and ends with the fitting of seals and the issue of the appropriate certificate.

Tachograph verification and calibration: what is the difference?

Many people entering the world of road transport wonder whether tachograph calibration and verification are the same thing, or whether there are differences between the two terms. It turns out that although they are related, each term refers to a different process. So what do tachograph verification and calibration mean?

• Calibration involves setting the device according to the vehicle's parameters (e.g. wheel size, VIN). It is also verified that the tachograph memory contains, among other things, the correct vehicle registration number (VRN), coordinated universal time (UTC) and the current odometer reading. Importantly, the first calibration must take place no later than 14 days after the vehicle's registration date, whether new or used.
• Verification is official confirmation that the tachograph meets the technical requirements and may continue to be used. Verification of a digital or analogue tachograph shows that the device was calibrated correctly and that it has the required accuracy, so it can be used in a transport company. Note that both verification of a tachograph after buying a new device and carrying out the process on a used recorder are mandatory.

What data is checked during tachograph verification?

To better understand the point of tachograph verification, what the process involves and why it is so important, it is worth looking at what data is checked during it. Tachograph verification includes checking:

• the consistency of the vehicle data with the tachograph,
• the correctness of working time recording,
• the condition of the seals,
• the driver card number and its consistency with the record,
• the device's technical parameters.

Tachograph verification: how many years between checks?

Many people ask a similar question about the compliance of a vehicle fitted with a tachograph: how often should the device be verified? Under the basic, mandatory cycle, a tachograph is subject to verification every 2 years.

There are, however, situations in which the two-year period does not have to elapse for re-verification of the tachograph to become necessary. It must be carried out:

• after every tachograph repair,
• after a tyre change or a change in vehicle data (e.g. VIN),
• when a new tachograph is fitted or the vehicle is put into service for the first time,
• if the seals are broken or the device is tampered with.

Oversights in this area can result in penalties of various sizes for lack of tachograph verification.

How to check when a tachograph's verification expires

Let us clear up another doubt about tachograph verification: how do you check whether it is current? The validity of a tachograph's verification can be checked by looking at the date on the information plate that confirms the process was carried out.

Where is the sticker informing about tachograph verification usually placed? In a visible spot: it may be on the vehicle's B-pillar, next to the recording device itself or on the driver's door. A glance at it lets you easily check how long the tachograph's verification is valid.

How much does tachograph verification cost?

What is the cost of tachograph verification? The price may vary depending on the type of device being verified and the scope of the service. To illustrate how much tachograph verification costs, we have prepared an indicative summary below.

Tachograph verification: example prices (net):

What might a tachograph verification price list look like? Let us look at example prices for this service for each type of device.

• Verification of a chart (analogue) tachograph costs on average around PLN 250-300.
• Digital tachograph verification: the price for first-generation devices (G1) is usually in the range of PLN 300-400.
• The cost of verifying a smart tachograph (G2) may be between PLN 400 and 600.

What affects how much tachograph verification costs?

The price of tachograph verification is dictated by several factors. They include:

• the type of tachograph (analogue, digital, smart),
• data availability (e.g. reading data from the driver card),
• additional services (e.g. issuing certificates, sealing),
• the workshop's location.

Where can tachograph verification be carried out?

How do you get a tachograph verified properly? You need to use one of the entities authorised to verify tachographs. Who exactly handles this process?

Verification is carried out only by authorised workshops holding a certificate from GUM (the Polish Central Office of Measures). The list is available on the GUM website or from local transport departments. The specialists working there have the appropriate experience, competence and equipment for tachograph verification.

It is worth making sure in advance that the workshop holds the authorisation to verify tachographs. An illegal verification may result in the tachograph data being invalidated.

No tachograph verification: what penalty applies?

Lack of a valid verification is a serious offence that may result in penalties imposed by the competent authorities.

• The penalty for lack of tachograph verification for a transport company may be: from PLN 1,000 to 5,000.
• The penalty for lack of tachograph verification for the transport manager may reach around PLN 2,000.
• What does the driver face for lack of tachograph verification? They may face various sanctions. On the one hand there is a fine for lack of tachograph verification, and on the other, disciplinary liability.

In addition, the working time records may be challenged and problems may arise during road transport inspections in Poland or abroad.

Summary

Knowing what tachograph verification is, how often it has to be carried out and what penalties apply if it is missing is an absolute basis for operating properly in today's transport industry. Tachograph verification is not only a legal obligation but also a guarantee of safety and of the reliability of the recorded data.

Remember that:

• tachograph verification is carried out every 2 years or after technical changes,
• the price of tachograph verification averages PLN 250 to 600 (depending among other things on the device model),
• only certified workshops authorised to verify tachographs may carry out the process,
• the company and the driver are exposed to heavy penalties for lack of tachograph verification.

Keep your tachograph up to date and you will avoid problems during inspections and settlements.

Now you know what tachograph verification is; want to expand your knowledge of these devices further? We encourage you to read other articles about them on our blog, such as:

• A new era of tachographs: replacement, key deadlines and the most important changes
• How to streamline driver working time settlement: 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 in a tachograph: a practical guide for drivers and administrators
• Driving without a tachograph: when is it allowed?

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