Professional drivers

Exemptions to tachograph use

The law exempts certain commercial vehicles from using tachographs.

Depending on the type of vehicle and what it's used for, you may not need to install or use a tachograph. This page offers a list of circumstances and vehicle types that fall under this exemption, including derogations.

When a tachograph is not required

In a limited number of cases the installation and use of a tachograph is not required. These are usually lighter working vehicles such as vans, private not-for-hire minibuses, and vehicles that work in specialised areas such as within ports, on farms, and used by the Defence Forces.

Types of vehicles that are exempt:

a passenger vehicle constructed and equipped to carry not more than nine people, including the driver
a vehicle whose gross vehicle weight is not more than 3.5 tonnes
a vehicle with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 40kph
a vehicle with between 10 and 17 seats (including driver’s seat) used exclusively for the non-commercial carriage of passengers. For example, a minibus owned by a sports club and used only to transport club members to and from sporting events.

Exemptions and derogations

Download and read our comprehensive guide to tachograph and drivers’ hours exemptions. Please note that drivers, operators and owners who claim an exemption they’re not entitled to will be prosecuted.

Holyhead closure

Pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation 561/2006 and Annex 31 of the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of certain provisions of the driving and rest times rules has been granted.

This applies to drivers of vehicles undertaking the transport of goods between the UK and Ireland and within Ireland. It is in response to the exceptional risk posed to Ireland’s supply chains arising from damage caused to the port of Holyhead during Storm Darragh.

The temporary relaxation applies from 14 December 2024 and runs up until 27 December 2024.

Further details are available in the following document:

RSA Notice_Storm Darragh Temporary Drivers Hours Derogation_Transport of Goods_Dec 20024 pdf | 229 KB

How to apply for an exemption

If you believe your vehicle is exempt from tachograph regulations you must declare your exemption by following these steps:

Download and complete the Tachograph Declaration Form (PDF) or ask your Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) testing centre to print a copy of the form which will be pre-populated with your vehicle details
Bring the signed form to your nearest CVR testing centre where the vehicle needs to be comprehensively checked to ensure it meets the exemption requirements
Ask the CVR testing centre to stamp the form in the box at the bottom of page two: ‘Stamp of authorised tester’ and then request that they upload the form to the test record on their computer system.