Extension of the obligation to hold driver-related data to 56 days

Next change from the EU mobility package comes into force on 31.12.2024

DAKO explains what freight companies, transport managers and drivers need to consider at the end of the year according to the EU mobility package.

22. November 2024
8 Min.
Blog, Branch
Sebastian Theuerkauf

Short summary

❯ Next reform of the EU mobility package takes effect on 31/12/2025.

❯ “56+1 rule” requires the carrying of documents relating to driver card data for the current and previous 56 days (instead of the previous 28 days).

❯ Freight companies and transport managers should prepare their drivers for this change now and support them with its implementation on an ongoing basis.

These changes will take effect at the end of the year

In our recent blog article on the EU mobility package we presented a comprehensive report on the regulations that this reform provides for commercial road freight and passenger transport. As the individual changes are being implemented step-by-step, we would like to provide regular updates on the latest relevant changes.

From the cut-off date of 31/12/2024, all documents relating to data stored on the driver card must be carried in the vehicle cab. In the event of any inspections, drivers must be able to present proof of driving, rest, working and on-call times for the current day and for the previous 56 days (“56+1 rule”). This doubles the previous requirement of 28 days. Since the introduction of new tachograph models (Gen2V2) last year, new driver cards have also been issued by the national authorities, which must be able to store at least 56 days’ worth of data.

To give you a quick overview of what the new regulations look like in detail and what you need to consider, we have summarised the most important information below.

Which deadlines should I be aware of?

The obligation to carry records for 56 days applies from 31/12/24, which means that on this day, all the above-mentioned records since 06/11/2024 must be on hand.
To explain: Just one day earlier (30/12/2024), it would have been sufficient to have all records since 02/12/024 on hand.
Copies of physical documents and records that have already been archived may also be carried.
Please note that the change expressly comes into force on the last day of 2024 and not on New Year’s Day!

So, which documents must drivers carry with them?

Driver cards with all data from the last 56 days
All additional, handwritten records made in or relating to the last 56 days
All record sheets created in or relating to the last 56 days
Complete activity statements from the last 56 days
All tachograph printouts relating to the driver from the last 56 days

What do freight companies / transport managers need to consider?

As the new regulations are primarily aimed at active checks on the road, it is important to ensure that drivers are made aware of the new situation and that the relevant documents are made available to them at the right time.
By the deadline of 31/12/2024, all relevant documents since 06/11/2024 must be stored in the vehicle cab.
As gaps may arise during this changeover to the new deadlines due to documents having already been submitted for their prescribed archiving (according to the old 28-day deadline), transport managers must ensure that such documents are made available to drivers again. That being said, carrying copies of original documents is sufficient.
Those responsible should also check the validity of all driver cards for all drivers in their web platform (or their documents) and arrange for a timely renewal with the local authorities where necessary.

How do I recognise a new driver card?

The new generation driver cards can be recognised by a ‘G 2’ marked on the bottom left-hand side of the front (see diagram):

Do all drivers require a new driver card?

No, because the old driver cards remain valid until the expiry date stated on them.
Driver cards are normally valid for five years and only need to be renewed with the local authorities once this period has expired.
In addition, driver cards with a prescribed minimum storage period of 28 days can often store much more data than previously specified – often up to several months.
However, care should still be taken to ensure that drivers carry physical copies of the missing 28 days in the vehicle cab.

Can the DAKO web platform display the new readout periods?

Yes, DAKO software and of course the readout hardware, the DAKO TachoKEY, are fully compatible with the new tachograph models and driver cards. Therefore, no action is required from the customer’s end.
If you still have any questions, please contact us using the contact details below.

Will the driver card readout periods and tachograph mass storage also change?

No! The new obligations for keeping important documents in the vehicle do not affect the readout and archiving obligations for driver card data (every 28 days at the latest) and tachograph data (every 90 days at the latest).

Why do all of this?

In short: No one should fear this new regulation! It is not designed to increase revenue through fines.
Instead, the aim is to achieve fair competition in the European Economic Area by subjecting everyone to equally strict legal requirements.
And, of course, drivers and all other road users should be effectively protected by stricter regulations and better control options.
You can find further, easy-to-understand information on the EU mobility package in general.

Where can I find the relevant legal provisions in detail?

Contact and Support

Should you have any questions concerning the EU mobility package, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us. We can help you with the digital tools, that will prepare you for all coming reforms concerning road freight transport.

Phone +49 3641 22778 596

To the contact form ➜

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