Reduce fleet costs
Significantly reduce your fuel consumption, vehicle insurance and repair costs.
How can we help?
Fleet management solutions
.svg)
.png?width=600&height=400&name=MCF%20Content%20Image%20(9).png)
Partners
-1-1.png?width=461&height=443&name=ses_pictograms_ecosystem%20partners_black%20(002)-1-1.png)
We are MICHELIN
What's new?
Events
.png?width=1800&height=600&name=MCF%202022%20-%20Header%20page%20interior%20%20(8).png)
Tachographs are essential to fleet management in that they record driver activity so as to support adherence with EU and AETR legislation. Similarly, since 2023, all newly registered commercial vehicles must have a smart tachograph version 2.
Here, we break down the digital tachograph symbols you need to be aware of, explaining both what they mean and why they matter, so you can better manage operations.
What are Digital Tacho Symbols?
Digital tacho symbols refer to the indicators on a tachograph which show the activity status of a fleet driver. For instance, they are primarily used to record a driver’s driving, break, and rest times.
As such, these symbols collectively represent a set of preconfigured modes designed in order to collect various measurements and so prevent compliance infringements.
What do the Symbols on a Tachograph Mean?
In total there are four tacho symbols which are legally required to be used on all tachograph systems, each having a different meaning. These are:
- Drive
The ‘drive’ symbol is automatically displayed by a tachograph when a driver is driving. If the vehicle is parked or stationary (even with engine on), then the tachograph won’t record. It is denoted by a steering wheel figure.
- Rest or Break
The ‘rest/break’ symbol is displayed by a tachograph when a driver is taking a break. This mode records the length of time a driver has been resting during a shift, as well as such periods after they’ve ended their shift, including annual and sick leave. It is signified by a bed figure.
- Available
The ‘available’ symbol is displayed by a tachograph when a driver is on standby to perform work when necessary. For example, this mode may be activated when a driver is experiencing a waiting period or when their vehicle is currently being transported. It is symbolised by a square with a diagonal line through it.
- Other Work
The ‘other work’ symbol is displayed by a tachograph when a driver’s vehicle is not active, but the driver themselves is still carrying out tasks. For instance, this mode may be activated when a driver is loading or unloading their vehicle. It is represented by a crossed tools figure.
In addition to these four symbols, there are other extant contextual symbols that are specific to the type of tachograph or the country in which it is being used. Namely, some tachographs have symbols for when a driver is on a ferry/train or driving in a high-risk construction zone.
Why are Tacho Symbols Used?
Tachograph symbols are used because they provide a clear, at-a-glance way for fleet managers to interpret driver activity recorded by the tachograph. An understanding of these symbols implies that driving time, rest periods, and other work will be accurately logged.
Drivers have to confirm their start location and make sure the digital tachograph is set to the correct activity mode at all times. Where this is not possible, manual entries must be completed to cover any missing periods, owing to the fact that drivers are legally obliged to carry the appropriate records in case of roadside inspections.
Why are Digital Tacho Symbols Important?
Digital tacho symbols are important for many reasons. One of which is that they help fleet managers to ensure that their drivers are complying with the relevant regulations that govern driver hours.
The law states that drivers must take a 45-minute break after driving for 4.5 hours, and also rest for at least 11 hours out of every 24 hours. Failure to comply accordingly can result in substantial fines and reputational damage. Not to mention, operating vehicles over these limitations increases the likelihood of on-road incidents happening as a consequence of fatigue.
In this context, digital tacho symbols serve as detectors for when a driver is required to take a break or rest. Their functionality lies in how they log hours of service automatically, in essence, giving fleet managers peace of mind regarding compliance and driver safety.
Understand Tachograph Symbols with MICHELIN Connected Fleet
At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, we understand the material importance of digital tacho symbols, and likewise know how hard it is for fleets to remain compliant without such data. To a large degree, digital tacho symbols are a part of fleet management best practice since they offer a way to coherently log worker analytics.
If you’re interested in implementing an effective fleet management solution that directly improves fleet compliance and safety through incorporating digital tacho symbols, then be sure to contact us for details on how our service can benefit your business today.
.jpeg?width=301&height=341&name=Untitled%20design%20(95).jpeg)
