There are certain laws that all vehicle owners, operators, and the driver must follow while operating a vehicle in the UK. And one of these laws is the use of tachograph vehicle units and cards in heavy goods vehicles and large passenger vehicles. According to UK law, all HGV vehicles and large passenger cars must install a tachograph vehicle unit and use a tacho card.
Digital tachograph cards come with a validity of 5 years, and you will have to renew the card before crossing the expiry date. In this article, we will discuss how to renew digital tachograph card for beginners.
Before discussing how you can renew a digital tachograph card, let us look at who requires a tacho card and who does not.
Who Must Have A Digital Tachograph Card?
All sorts of vehicles used for commercial purposes that weigh more than 3.5 tonnes must have a digital tachograph installed. The vehicle has to include a digital tachograph card if it is registered on or after May 2006. Drivers of these types of vehicles must have a digital tachograph driver card.
Vehicles that were registered before May 2006 must have an analogue tachograph installed. The tachograph records the activity of the driver and the vehicle. In the case of an analogue tachograph, there is no need for a tachograph card.
The drivers and operators of these vehicles must have proper knowledge about the tachograph rules. This includes the application process and how to renew digital tachograph card.
Who Does Not Need A Digital Tachograph Card?
The fact whether you need a digital tacho card or not depends on the type of vehicle you drive and operate. The vehicles that do not require a digital tachograph card are:
- Vehicles that cannot exceed the speed limit of 25mph.
- Vehicles that are undergoing repair and maintenance tests.
- Vehicles with a manufacturing history of 25 years or beyond.
- Personal vehicles that weigh more than 3.5 tonnes but do not exceed 7.5 tonnes.
Since these vehicles do not need a digital tachograph, the drivers do not have to apply or renew tacho card.
How To Renew A Digital Tachograph Card?
The Driver and Vehicles Licence Agency (DVLA) will send you a D786(NI) before the validation of your digital tachograph expires. This form will be sent to the last recorded address of the driver; thus, it Is essential to update your information regularly.
If the driver does not receive the D786(NI) form from the DVLA, then they must renew digital tachograph card online. They will have to collect the D777(NI) form from their nearest MOT test centre and fill it up.
You can send your renew tacho card application through the MOT centre instead of posting it directly to the DVLA. In this case, you must choose a centre where they can accept the application fee via cash, cheque, debit, and credit cards.
The DVLA will send your renew digital tachograph card to your address within 15 days of receiving the renewal application. Thus, you must send the application for a renewal at least 15 working days before your tacho card expires. The card will no longer store information once it reaches the expiry date. And you will not be able to drive with an expired tachograph card.
If you do not receive your renew tacho card within four weeks after you have sent the application, contact the DVLA. You will have to inform the DVLA within eight weeks about not receiving your tachograph card. If you fail to do so, then you will have to apply for a duplicate tachograph card and also pay the fee associated with it.
There are often instances when a digital tachograph card gets damaged or stolen. In that case, the driver must inform the DVLA as soon as possible and apply for a replacement tacho card within 7 days.
How To Take Care Of A Digital Tachograph Card?
You will not be able to drive in the UK without a proper and valid digital tachograph card. Thus, it is crucial to handle the card with care. In order to take care of a digital tachograph card, make sure you follow the following ways:
- Do not bend or flex the digital tachograph card in any way.
- Do not leave the card unattended and loose anywhere inside the vehicle.
- Make sure that you do not use the card anywhere else than its actual purpose.
- Make sure that you do not put too much pressure on the face of the digital tachograph card or on the microchip in it.
- Always keep the tacho card clean from dirt, debris, grease, and so on.
- Clean the card regularly using a tissue or a soft cloth.
- Make sure to keep the card in a safe and secure place to prevent theft, loss, and damage.
Conclusion
A tachograph card is an essential item if you drive large passenger cars or HGV vehicles in the UK. Make sure you know how to renew digital tachograph card as you will have to renew it after every 5 years.
Keep your digital tacho card protected, and make sure to renew it before reaching the expiry date. If you have more questions and queries about the digital tachograph card, feel free to contact us at RWTCS.