Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible

Historical background

Historical background

Tachographs have been regulated for more than 15 years under European Community legislation, Regulation 3821/85. The technical specifications of the analogue tachograph (currently in use) is included in Annex 1 of this Regulation.

During this time, analogue tachographs have developed from the initial mechanical units to electronic ones, although all of them could be subject to interference by users.

Analogue equipment stores the driver’s data on a paper disc. These discs are not always interchangeable between different models of tachograph and are vulnerable to damage and tampering.

The most recent units of analogue tachographs use encrypted communication between the vehicle unit and the movement sensor, making tampering more difficult.

The European Regulation 3820/85 regulates driving and rest periods. This Regulation is still in force, so that it will also be the basis for regulating the new digital tachographs.

The regulations governing the new digital tachograph are included in Annex 1b to Regulation 3821/85, which was approved 13 June 2002, and which is included in Community Regulation 1360/2002.

In Spain, Order FOM/1190/2005 of 25 April regulates the introduction of digital tachographs. This Order was published in BOE No. 105 of 3 May 2005.