Calibration requirements for horsebox tacographs

The Department of Transport has confirmed that horseboxes which are neverused under the EC rules (that is, they come within scope of one or other of theexempt categories at all times), are not required to have their tachographsinspected every two years or recalibrated every six years.

The EC Drivers’ Hours Rules (GV 262) state: “When a tacograph is not used very often you should make sure that it has been properly calibrated and that it works. It must also have been checked within the previous two years.

“A tachograph fitted to a vehicle which is never used under the EC rules must still have an initial calibration and be sealed if it is acting as the sole speedometer on the vehicle.

“Provided the seals remain intact, and the vehicle isnot subsequently used for an operation falling within the scope of the EC rules, it is not necessary to have the tachograph inspected every two years or recalibrated every six years.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport added: “Where the tachograph does not act as the sole speedometer and is never used under the EC rules (comeswithin scope of one or other of the exempt categories at all times) subsequent to an initial calibration and sealing, neither the two yearly inspection or six yearly recalibration will be required.”

For details of EC rules and exempt categories visit www.detr.gov.uk

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