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Digital Tachograph Violations & Penalties Guide

A comprehensive analysis of EU regulations, severity levels, and ERRU risk management

Understanding digital tachograph violations is essential for avoiding the heavy financial penalties that impact the transport industry. Under Regulation (EC) 561/2006 and Regulation (EU) 165/2014, compliance with driving times and rest periods is not just a safety requirement, but a legal necessity for business continuity.

Fines for non-compliance are high, but the hidden cost lies in the European Register of Road Transport Undertakings (ERRU). Accumulating Most Serious Infringements (MSI) can trigger a loss of "good repute," leading to the suspension of your community transport license.

Analysis of tachograph violations and penalty risk control dashboard

Classification of Infringements by Severity Level

The EU harmonizes penalties to ensure fair competition. Understanding these levels helps transport managers prioritize compliance audits:

MSI

Most Serious Infringement

Includes tachograph manipulation, driving without a valid card, or fraudulent record-keeping. These carry the maximum legal weight and direct risk to the transport license.

VSI

Very Serious Infringement

Exceeding daily driving limits by >50% or reducing daily rest by >50%. These are often the most common fines during roadside inspections.

Legal Liability: Who Pays the Fine?

While the driver operates the vehicle, transport companies hold strict liability for violations. According to EU labor and transport law, the company is responsible for:

  • Work Scheduling: Organizing routes that realistically allow for legal rest.
  • Driver Education: Ensuring all staff are trained in the latest Smart Tachograph 2 features.
  • Data Governance: Regular analysis of DDD files to prevent systemic illegal patterns.

Proactive Detection: Beyond Manual Checks

Enforcement authorities use Remote Early Detection Communication (DSRC) to scan vehicles in motion. Relying on manual checks is no longer viable. Our TachoTools analysis engine automates the detection of:

  • Missing activity (Unknown periods)
  • 45-minute break violations
  • Incorrect "Ferry/Train" mode usage
  • Out-of-Scope (OUT) errors

Deep Dive: Specific Violation Guides

Insufficient Daily Rest Periods View Guide Insufficient Weekly Rest & Compensation View Guide Tachograph Manipulation & Fraud Critical Risk Unauthorized Driver Card Usage Critical Risk

Protect Your Fleet with TachoTools Analysis

Don't wait for a roadside inspection or a Ministry of Transport audit. TachoTools converts complex DDD data into actionable compliance reports.

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