Collection of digital tachograph data

In the road haulage industry, controlling activity data has become a key operational and regulatory issue. The digital tachograph (or chronotachygraphe numérique) is both a safety tool and mandatory in all vehicles over 3.5 T circulating in the EU (unless otherwise exempted): it continuously records each driver's driving, rest and daily activity times. But recording this data is not enough: the data must also be downloaded, processed and used.  This is precisely the purpose of automatic tachograph data collection, a key tool for ensuring compliance and optimizing your operations (particularly through Sinari Telematics). 

Importance of the digital tachograph

How the digital tachograph works

The digital tachograph consists of two inseparable components: the onboard unit (UE), fixed in the vehicle, and the driver's card, a personal smart card that each driver inserts at the start of the shift (see how the driver card works). The UE records speed, distance traveled, activity times and driving data, along with their GNSS location. A driver's card stores the driver's individual activities over the last 28 days.

Data is generated in two standardized file formats: DDD (for on-board unit data) and V1B (for driver card data). These files are the only formats accepted by driving time management software and control authorities. Any download solution must be able to produce and transmit them in their integrity.

Data collection technologies

Before even talking about automation, it's worth remembering that downloading tachograph data is a regulatory obligation, framed by Regulation (EU) 165/2014. This article of the regulation specifies the rules applicable to all carriers:

• Driver card data must be downloaded at least every 28 days, using a download key or an automated DLD system.
• Onboard unit data must be downloaded at least every 96 days.

Drivers also have the option of requesting their data up to 36 months after the date, so data must be kept for at least 3 years. This archiving of driving data and driver card data must be carried out under conditions that guarantee their integrity and availability, particularly in the event of checks by the social or road authorities.

Failure to comply with these frequencies may result in penalties for both the company and the driver. Automating data collection not only increases efficiency, but also guarantees permanent compliance, by eliminating the risk of forgotten or delayed downloads.

How is tachograph data collected?

The 2ᵉ generation intelligent tachograph (G2V2): the current standard

Since August 2023, all new vehicles over 3.5 T must be equipped with a 2ᵉ generation intelligent tachograph (G2V2, also known as Smart Tachy 2). Since August 2025, this obligation has applied to all HGVs engaged in international transport, regardless of their year of commissioning. This deadline has now passed, which means that fleets that have not yet complied face penalties. From 1ᵉʳ July 2026, the obligation will also apply to light commercial vehicles from 2.5 to 3.5 T operating internationally: managers of mixed fleets must anticipate this transition without delay.

G2V2 brings several major developments for automated collection: automatic detection and recording of border crossings, recording of loading and unloading periods with their location, tachograph data control period extended to 56 days of activity (compared with 28 for the previous generation), and remote communication with the authorities via the DSRC (remote tachograph control module).

Please note: switching to G2V2 means checking the compatibility of all your download tools: download keys, remote transfer boxes, processing software (e.g. time management software). The files generated by G2V2 have evolved compared with older formats, and some older tools do not support them natively. Equipment and software licenses often need to be updated.

Data connection and extraction

It all starts with connecting the tachograph to a data collection device. This can be via a USB interface (for manual data collection) or an on-board control unit (for remote data transmission). In general, the tachograph will be connected to the on-board computer, enabling data to be extracted directly from the tachograph and driver card.

Wired or wireless connection?

As explained above, digital tachograph data is transmitted via a wired connection (e.g. a USB key or memory stick), which means that you have to go into each truck one by one to extract the data. There is, however, a much more efficient solution: wireless connection, via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cellular networks (4G, 5G), at the heart of modern in-vehicle telematics systems.

Automated data collection not only avoids the time-consuming task of retrieving data from the driver card and tachograph, but also has the added advantage of providing operations with data available in real time (which is very useful for route planning or prepaid management).

Data analysis and processing

The final step is to process the recovered data so that it can be used directly by the operation. This is where the TMS software comes into play, allowing all the data received to be "digested". This data can then be: translated into KPIs in reports, used for route planning, or exploited directly to create pay slips or count hours worked. The data can also be used to program alerts to be sent to the driver and to operations if driving time limits are exceeded.

Conclusion

This is an operational and regulatory necessity for any haulier wishing to manage its compliance with the law and exploit its driver data efficiently. Between the 28- and 90-day download obligations, the rise of G2V2 and the imminent obligation for 2.5 to 3.5 T vehicles, 2026 is a pivotal year for upgrading equipment and processes.

Discover Sinari's on-board IT solutions (central unit, touch terminal, mobile application, GPS tracker) designed to remotely and automatically retrieve DDD and V1B files from all your vehicles. Contact us for a customized diagnosis of your fleet.