Driver hours: new regs if weight exceeds 3.5t

New regulations for tachograph adaptors

The European Commission has published regulations to allow the use of digital tachograph adaptors for certain vehicles advises the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA).

Vehicles such as vans, minibuses or even 4x4s, would fall into the scope of EU drivers’ hours when their use with a trailer takes the combination over 3.5 tonnes.

This new amending legislation changes the technical specification of digital tachographs to permit adaptors to be fitted:

• in M1and N1 vehicles (passenger and goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes mpm) put into service for the first time between 1 May 2006 and 31 December 2013
• where it is not possible to install any other type of existing motion sensor which otherwise complies with the original specification, and
• where it is installed and where the speed/distance impulses are generated by integrated sensors or alternative interfaces.

The legislation came into force on 12 February 2009, but actually applies from 23 July 2009.

Further information

If you require more details go to the BVRLA

See also our Advice Centre article on Check your weight