💳 Tachograph Driver Card – Essential Guide for Commercial Drivers in Ireland

What is a Tachograph Driver Card?

A tachograph driver card is a credit-card sized smart card with a microchip. It securely stores driver activity data—including driving time, breaks, rest periods, and work—over a rolling 28-day period, in compliance with EU Drivers’ Hours regulations.

Who Needs a Tachograph Driver Card?

If you drive a commercial vehicle in Ireland—such as an HGV or LGV—you must have one. Exceptions apply only to vehicles:

• Under 3.5 t,

• Carrying up to 9 people including the driver,

• With a maximum speed under 40 km/h,

• Used for non-commercial purposes or by emergency services.

How to Apply & Costs

You can apply for a tachograph driver card online or by post:

Online (RSA DigiTacho portal):

• Cost: €45

• Garda-witnessed application and photo required

• Cards issued within approx. 3–4 weeks

By post:

• Cost: €60 (via Payzone)

• Must include application form, licence copy, PPS number or passport, Garda-certified photo

Validity and Renewal

• Valid for 5 years

• You can apply to renew up to 28 days before expiry

• If lost or stolen, a new card must be issued within 7 days

• You may drive without a card for up to 15 calendar days (with printed tachograph records)

How to Use the Driver Card

• Insert the card into the tachograph unit before starting your journey

• Both driver and co-driver must insert cards if double-manning

• The tachograph records modes such as driving, working, availability, and rest

• Manual entries may be required when switching vehicles or recording non-driving work

Data Download and Retention

• Data must be downloaded from the driver card every 28 days

• Employers and self-employed drivers must keep data for at least 12 months

• Agency drivers must also download and retain their own data

Working Time and Driving Limits

EU regulations require:

• Max 4h 30m continuous driving, followed by at least 45 min break

• Max 9 hours driving per day (10 hours allowed twice a week)

• Max 56 hours driving per week, and 90 hours over two weeks

Exemptions from Tachograph Card Requirement

You do not need a tachograph driver card if you drive:

• Vehicles that don’t exceed 40 km/h

• Emergency vehicles

• Non-commercial or volunteer vehicles

• Vehicles used for driving instruction

• Vehicles under 3.5 t or carrying materials used by the driver as part of their job (if driving is not the main activity)

Enforcement and Penalties

Driver CPC compliance is enforced by the RSA and An Garda Síochána.
Penalties include:

• Fines up to €2,000 for non-compliance

• Fines up to €5,000 for falsifying documents or letting another person use your card

• Driving professionally without a valid tachograph card is a criminal offence

Why It Matters

Tachograph driver cards are essential to ensure:

• Compliance with EU working time rules

• Reduction in driver fatigue and road accidents

• Fair standards across the transport industry

• Protection for both drivers and employers from penalties and legal consequences

Summary Table