A digital tachograph is an electronic control device (formerly a paper tachograph disc).

There are four color-coded EU tachograph cards for using and operating the digital tachograph, classified according to access rights and areas of activity:

• Driver card
• Company card
• Workshop card
• Authority card (only police, Federal Office for Goods Transport and Trade Supervision - these require a special tachograph card to carry out road and operational checks)

Possession of digital EU tachograph cards is linked to specific functions. In principle, it is possible to possess different tachograph cards, but each driver may only possess one driver card. All tachograph cards are designed to function properly in any tachograph, regardless of manufacturer or type.

The driver must ensure that the necessary proof of driving and rest times is provided in accordance with legal requirements. When alternating between vehicles with analog and digital tachographs, it is mandatory to carry the driver card at all times in addition to the existing obligation to carry the record sheets. In the event of malfunctions of the devices, the driver must be able to present any replacement records in accordance with Regulation (EEC) No. 3821/85, Art. 16 (2).

Information on applying for the respective card can also be found at the bottom of this page in the "Similar Services" section or by searching for the keywords "driver card," "company card," and "workshop card" on the service page of the Traffic Monitoring Authority.