Driver Card Regulations Across the EU: What You Need to Know

When Is a Driver Card Required?

• Weight Requirement: According to Regulation 561/2006, any vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 3.5 tonnes must have a driver card and a tachograph installed. Starting from July 1, 2026, this requirement will extend to vehicles over 2.5 tonnes involved in international transport.
• Passenger Requirement: A driver card is also mandatory for vehicles carrying more than nine people, including the driver. This applies to buses and other passenger vehicles subject to tachograph regulations.

Who Needs a Driver Card?

Most trucks, buses, and large vans require a driver card valid for five years and must be renewed upon expiration.

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Exceptions and Special Cases for Driver Card Use

While most drivers need a driver card, certain situations exempt drivers from this requirement. Below are examples of these exemptions under EU Regulation 561/2006:

• General Exemptions: Articles 3 and 13 of Regulation 561/2006 outline exceptions, with Article 3 applying across the EU and Article 13 allowing each member state to define its terms.
• Craftsman Regulation: One notable exemption, known as the "Craftsman Regulation," permits drivers engaged in craft or maintenance work to operate without a driver card, provided the distance driven does not exceed 100 km from the company’s base.

Drivers must familiarise themselves with these exemptions, as non-compliance can lead to severe penalties. For example, driving without a logged driver card is a serious violation. It can result in fines, temporary driving bans, and even potential loss of the company’s license and good reputation. In some EU countries, repeated or severe violations could lead to a driver’s license suspension for up to three months.

Reporting Lost or Expired Driver Cards

Prompt reporting to the relevant authorities is essential if a driver card is lost, stolen, or damaged. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle such situations:

1. Report Loss Promptly: Report a lost or stolen card within seven business days. During this period, drivers must keep a manual record of driving hours and rest times until they receive a replacement card. According to the European Transport Agency, drivers can continue to work for up to 15 days without a card if they meticulously document their hours.

2. Where to Report: In the UK, if your driver card is lost, stolen, damaged, or not functioning properly, you must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately. Contact the DVLA at 0300 790 6109, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additionally, you are required to apply for a replacement card within 7 days of reporting the issue.

3. Renewing an Expired Card: To Avoid Downtime To prevent any disruptions in compliance, it's advisable for drivers in the UK to apply for a renewal at least 15 days before their card expires. The renewal process can typically be completed online via the DVLA's digital services. The fee for renewing an expired card is £19. Applying a month in advance is recommended to ensure continuous compliance. When applying, you'll need your GB photocard driving licence, driving licence number, and a credit or debit card. Ensure the address on your driving licence is current, as your tachograph card will be sent to this address.

4. Forgotten Driver Card: Drivers should never operate a vehicle without their driver card. Unlike cases of loss or damage, forgetting a card is not considered a valid reason to drive without one and may result in fines.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Driver Card Regulations

The EU strictly enforces driver card regulations, with severe consequences for non-compliance. Penalties are structured to deter drivers and companies from violating tachograph regulations, as driving without a valid card or failing to log data is considered a serious offence. Here’s what to know about the penalties involved:

• Fines and Bans: Operating a vehicle without a valid driver card can lead to heavy fines and, in some cases, driving bans. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) warns that repeated offences or severe violations may result in administrative sanctions, potentially affecting drivers' career opportunities.

• Expired or “Not Closed” Driver Cards: Drivers with expired cards are prohibited from driving. Continuing to drive without renewing the card can result in fines or stricter penalties depending on the severity of the infraction. Additionally, failing to “close” a driver card properly, such as not recording work hours accurately, can also result in fines or additional penalties.

To avoid penalties, it’s essential to follow EU regulations closely and ensure that all documentation, including driving logs, is up-to-date. 

Navigating EU Driver Card Regulations: Stay Compliant and Safe

Staying compliant with driver card regulations is essential for the safety and well-being of drivers and other road users. The tachograph system, combined with driver cards, provides a way to monitor and limit work hours, enhancing road safety.

The focus on compliance shouldn’t just be about avoiding fines. Following these regulations is a commitment to safety, health, and responsible driving. Regularly check your driver card’s validity, be aware of exemptions that may apply, and always promptly report any issues with the card. Adhering to regulations is the cornerstone of safe and efficient transport operations.