What does the tachograph record?

The tachograph is a device used mainly in commercial vehicles to record important data about the driver's activities and vehicle movement. It specifically records the driving period, meaning it tracks how long the driver is actively driving, which helps enforce regulations on driving and rest times to improve road safety.

Additionally, the tachograph records the speed travelled by the vehicle. This is crucial for monitoring whether drivers adhere to speed limits and to analyze driving behavior.

The tachograph does not record fuel consumption. That information is tracked by different systems.

Understanding this helps drivers comply with legal working hours and speed regulations, preventing fatigue and promoting safer driving on German roads.