It is not always clear to all the equipment in vehicles that cause legal implications and possible fines. Often, ignorance of associated obligations can result in heavy penalties that reach thousands of euros. This reality above all affects those who circulate with vehicles subject to specific rules of use.
Who has to use the tachograph
According to the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), the tachograph is mandatory in heavy vehicles, namely gross weight trucks equal to or greater than 3.5 tons and buses with more than nine seats, including the driver.
These vehicles have to strictly respect the driving times, breaks and rest periods recorded by the device, which oversees these rules.
The obligation to use the tachograph is based on Regulation (CE) No. 561/2006, which harmonizes in the European Union driving, pauses and rest of professional drivers.
In Portugal, this standard is transposed by Decree-Law No. 41/2018, which also defines the rules for the inspection and application of penalties.
Infringements such as the manipulation of the tachograph, its non -use or the absence of mandatory records is subject to fines that may vary between 600 and 6,000 euros, as provided for in the road code and detailed in Ordinance No. 136/2009.
According to ANSR, in addition to fines, sanctions may include administrative restrictions, such as the temporary suspension of the company’s activity or the driver’s inhibition to practice the profession.
Exclusions and Inspection
Light and commercial vehicles that do not exceed the limits indicated are not subject to the obligation of the tachograph and, consequently, do not face the associated fines.
The same source explains that this measure aims to prevent drivers’ fatigue, promote road safety and ensure adequate working conditions in the road transport sector.
In recent years, inspection has intensified, with specialized agents to verify compliance with community legislation on driving and rest times.
This monitoring responds to the importance of road transport in the national economy and the need to ensure the safety of all public road users.
According to, those who have a tachograph must ensure that they use it correctly to avoid high fines and other consequences. For other drivers, this obligation is not applicable, but attention is still necessary for other traffic rules.
This reality reinforces the need for clear information for professionals and private, avoiding surprises and promoting safer driving for all.
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