Because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has decided to suspend periodic tachograph calibrations and inspections on vehicles.

All lorries, buses, coaches and trailers with a periodic test of their tachograph (calibration or inspection) due to expire will now be given a 3-month extension. New certificates will not be issued.

To ensure all tachograph vehicles remain legal whilst the country deals with the Coronavirus outbreak, the DVSA will be bringing in a relaxation from the legislation.

What this means for your vehicle

If your tachograph calibration or inspection is due in the next three months, an extension will be issued automatically. You do not need to take any extra action. You’ll still need to keep tachographs operating effectively.

If your tachograph develops a fault, this must be repaired in line with the normal requirements.

New requirements when travelling to France

In order to curb non-essential travel, all those driving to France, including freight operators, must from now on complete an International Attestation form to confirm that their journey meets the criteria for ‘essential travel’.

This is a new requirement introduced by the French authorities in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Driver & Vehicle Standards AgencyDVSA

About the Author: John Loughran