Driving without card infringement *
Correct use of the driver card is essential for reliable tachograph records.
However, in practice, it still happens regularly that driving (accidentally) occurs without a card — for example, when moving a vehicle on private premises or when drivers are in a hurry. What is often seen as minor or harmless can still be classified as a violation during an ILT (Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) inspection.
While Roadsoft does not provide legal advice, we can help you set up processes to prevent these situations and properly document them.
What went wrong?
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Drivers start driving (even briefly) without inserting their driver card.
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Vehicles are moved on company premises without properly setting the tachograph.
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The reason for the missing card is not explained or documented in the system.
The result?
The tachograph registers "driving without a card" — which immediately raises questions during an inspection. Without proper justification, this can lead to unnecessary administrative burdens or even penalties.
How can you prevent this?
With clear instructions and a well-documented procedure, you can avoid ambiguities in trip records:
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Golden rule: card in before departure. Instruct all drivers to always insert their driver card before starting the vehicle, even for short trips.
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Use the “out of scope” mode when allowed. If a vehicle is moved within private premises (e.g., by workshop staff), the tachograph — if correctly configured — can be set to "out of scope." Note: this is only permitted under specific conditions.
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Use the task manager. In software like Digitac Web, you can record who moved the vehicle and why, in case of trips without a card. This helps with justification later on.
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Document manually if needed. If an error does occur, print a report of the violation and write down what happened, who was involved, and under what circumstances. Ensure this is stored centrally.
Conclusion
Driving without a driver card may seem harmless but can quickly lead to issues during inspections. With clear agreements, automatic notifications, and a strict documentation process, you can avoid surprises and stay in control of your tachograph data.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? No problem — submit a ticket here, and we’ll figure it out together.