Micro movements in tachographs: Compliance risks
24 February 2025
Micro movements in tachographs can cause significant compliance issues, leading to legal risks for drivers and operators.
Micro movements are small vehicle movements recorded on tachographs that may not trigger the driving mode. While these movements may seem minor, they can lead to serious legal issues if incorrectly logged as rest periods. Such errors can result in false records, which violate transport regulations and may lead to prosecution, fines, or license revocation.
What are micro movements?
Micro movements occur when a vehicle moves slightly, registering on the speed trace but not changing the mode. Digital tachographs record vehicle activity even without a driver card, but minor movements may not shift the mode to driving, leading to inaccurate logs.
Why they matter
Mis-recording micro movements as rest periods is a legal violation. This can result in:
- Prosecution and imprisonment.
- Licence revocation for operators who fail to address false records.
Enforcement efforts
The DVSA uses software to flag micro movements during rest periods. Operators should proactively review tachograph data to prevent violations.
Who is most at risk?
Operations at risk of micro movement violations include:
- Queueing at distribution centres for cargo.
- Slow-moving traffic at ports and terminals.
- Brief stops at customs or toll booths.
Drivers may misclassify these periods as rest instead of “other work” causing inaccuracies.
What operators should do
- Educate drivers on accurate tachograph recording.
- Use tachograph analysis software to detect false records.
- Take action against intentional misreporting.
- Seek expert advice for correct data interpretation.
The bottom line
Micro movements may seem insignificant, but they can lead to severe penalties. Operators must stay vigilant to ensure accurate tachograph records and avoid regulatory breaches.
For expert legal guidance on tachograph compliance and regulatory matters, contact us. Our team specialises in transport law and can provide the support needed to navigate these complex issues effectively.
