Tachograph Exemptions Explained: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

If you’re running a small business or operating a commercial vehicle, you’ve probably heard about tachograph rules — and maybe even assumed they apply to everyone. But that’s not always the case. In fact, there are several exemptions that could mean you don’t need a tachograph, even if your vehicle is over 3.5 tonnes.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly who’s in and who’s out of tachograph regulations.

We’ll cover:

• The legal basis for exemptions

• The key exemption categories

• What evidence you need to prove exemption

• Common misunderstandings

• How to stay safe and compliant

Let’s get started.

What Is a Tachograph Exemption?

A tachograph exemption means a vehicle or operation is legally excluded from the requirement to fit and use a tachograph, even if the vehicle would normally fall under tachograph rules.

These exemptions are defined by UK and EU regulations, and they depend on:

• Vehicle type

• Purpose of use

• Operating radius

• Industry sector

⚠️ Important: Being exempt from tachograph use doesn’t always mean you’re exempt from driver hours rules — some still apply under GB domestic legislation.

Legal Framework: Where the Rules Come From

Tachograph use in the UK is governed by two sets of rules:

1. EU Regulations (Regulation (EC) No 561/2006) – Still applies for international journeys and some domestic operations.

2. GB Domestic Rules – For vehicles used only in Great Britain and exempt from EU regs.

The list of exemptions is outlined in:

• UK Statutory Instruments

• EU Annexes to the regulation

• DVSA and DfT guidance notes

Let’s break down the most common exemptions.

1. Vehicles Under 3.5 Tonnes MAM

If your vehicle has a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 3.5 tonnes or less, you are automatically exempt from tachograph regulations under both EU and GB rules.

✅ Examples:

• Standard transit vans

• Car-derived vans used for deliveries

• Small vehicles not towing

But beware: Adding a trailer may push your MAM over 3.5t.

2. Vehicles Operating Within a 100km Radius

This is one of the most widely misunderstood exemptions.

You may be exempt if all of the following apply:

• You operate within a 100km radius of your base

• The driving is not the main activity of the driver

• The vehicle is used to carry equipment, materials or machinery for the driver's use in the course of work

• The vehicle's MAM does not exceed 7.5 tonnes

✅ Example: A builder driving a 7.5t tipper to a site within 60km of base, carrying tools and supplies.

🚫 Not exempt: A delivery driver transporting goods for customers — even within 100km.

3. Agricultural, Horticultural, Forestry, Farming

Vehicles used in:

• Agriculture

• Horticulture

• Forestry

• Fishery

May be exempt if used within 100km of the base of the business and used for relevant operations (e.g., transporting produce, livestock, supplies, machinery).

✅ Example: A tractor transporting hay to a nearby field.

🚫 Not exempt: A contractor delivering logs to customers for firewood sales.

4. Recovery Vehicles (Breakdown and Tow Trucks)

Recovery vehicles are exempt if they’re being used to recover a broken-down vehicle and return it to a place of safety, repair or base.

✅ Example: A tow truck recovering a broken van to a garage.

🚫 Not exempt: A vehicle transporter delivering new or used cars to customers.

5. Emergency and Utility Services

Tachograph exemptions apply to:

• Emergency vehicles (fire, ambulance, police)

• Armed forces

• Utility vehicles (electricity, water, gas, sewerage)

✅ Conditions:

• Used in the course of urgent duty

• Operated by or under contract to an emergency service or utility company

6. Non-Commercial Use

Vehicles not used for hire or reward or business purposes are exempt.

✅ Example: A horsebox used for leisure riding.

🚫 Not exempt: A horsebox used to transport horses commercially for payment.

7. Vehicles Undergoing Road Testing or Maintenance

Vehicles being:

• Tested for roadworthiness

• New vehicles undergoing type approval

• Transported for repair or maintenance

✅ Example: A 7.5t lorry driven to an authorised testing facility (ATF) or garage.

Tip: Keep a record of appointment or garage instruction in case stopped by DVSA.

8. Heritage, Parade and Exhibition Vehicles

Certain classic or heritage vehicles are exempt when used for exhibitions, parades, or non-commercial demonstration purposes.

✅ Example: A vintage lorry driven to a weekend show.

🚫 Not exempt: A heritage vehicle operated for paid promotional work.

How to Prove You’re Exempt

You must be able to demonstrate the exemption if stopped at a roadside check or during an operator compliance audit.

✔️ Recommended evidence includes:

• Vehicle logbooks or job sheets

• Invoices or delivery records

• Proof of operating radius (route maps, GPS)

• Driver’s work diary or manual record

• Maintenance records (if vehicle is going to a garage)

🔎 The DVSA can and will inspect your claim — so don’t rely on hearsay.

Common Myths About Tachograph Exemptions

❌ Myth	✅ Reality
"I’m self-employed, so I don’t need a tachograph."	The rules apply to the vehicle and its use, not your job title.
"If I’m just doing one job a day, I’m exempt."	Tachograph law isn’t about frequency — it’s about vehicle weight and use.
"I’m under 100km, so I’m always exempt."	Only true if you meet all exemption criteria, including purpose of use.
"I don’t need a tacho for local deliveries."	If delivering goods as part of your business in a vehicle over 3.5t, a tachograph is required.

What If I’m Only Occasionally Exempt?

It’s possible that your vehicle may be exempt on some days and not others.

For example:

• You use a 7.5t lorry to carry your own tools to a local job — exempt

• The next day, you use the same vehicle to deliver supplies to a customer — not exempt

✅ Solution: Record manually (using a logbook or driver’s record) when exempt❌ Don’t assume you can ignore tachograph duties on non-exempt days

Operator Licence Implications

If you run vehicles requiring an Operator Licence (Standard or Restricted), you’re still expected to:

• Understand exemptions

• Apply tachograph rules correctly

• Maintain clear documentation

• Train drivers appropriately

Failure to follow the rules may trigger a DVSA investigation or Public Inquiry with the Traffic Commissioner.

Summary: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Status	Description	Tachograph Required?
Delivery van (3.5t or under)	Local deliveries only	❌ No
7.5t lorry transporting goods	Business use	✅ Yes
Builder driving 7.5t with tools under 100km	Not main activity	❌ No
Farmer using tractor for local work	Ag use	❌ No
Tow truck recovering a car	Emergency recovery	❌ No
Horsebox used for commercial transport	Paid use	✅ Yes
Utility van on urgent callout	Emergency use	❌ No

What Should You Do Next?

✅ Audit your vehicle usage – Are you exempt every day, or only sometimes?

✅ Document exemptions clearly – Create a process to show what applies when

✅ Train your drivers – So they know what to record and when

✅ Seek advice if unsure – Misinterpreting exemptions could cost you thousands

Conclusion

Tachograph exemptions can save small operators time, money, and paperwork — but only when applied correctly. If you're operating in a grey area or don’t have supporting documentation, you’re at risk of fines or worse.

Up next: We’ll compare the EU vs GB Domestic Driving Rules and explain what actually applies to your operation — and when.

If you’re not sure whether your operation qualifies for exemption, we’re here to help. Get in touch for a compliance review or download our free Tachograph Exemption Flowchart for quick checks.