Loading and Unloading Function on the New Tachograph

If you have or will soon receive a Smart Tacho 2, you will encounter a number of new features and activities. One of these is the loading and unloading function. In this article, we explain everything about the loading and unloading function.

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The Loading and Unloading Function

The loading and unloading function is a new feature on the Smart Tacho 2, included as a requirement in the Mobility Package. With this function, you can indicate on the tachograph that you are loading, unloading, or both. When you activate this function, your vehicle’s location is shared. The function can be entered manually on a VDO or Stoneridge tachograph, but can also be activated via Bluetooth (ITS interface).

Legal Requirement

Regulation (EU) 165/2014 does not explicitly require the recording of loading and unloading activities, and therefore does not mandate the use of this function on the tachograph. However, it is strongly recommended to use this function, as correctly recording your activities is an important part of a driver’s work. Full activity registration also speeds up inspections, as everything a driver has done can be demonstrated immediately. This means a driver can get back on the road more quickly during a roadside check.

What Data is Shared When Activated?

When you activate the loading and unloading function, you share your vehicle’s location. The following data is shared:

• Latitude (coordinates)
• Longitude (coordinates)
• Time: HH:MM:SS
• Date: dd/mm/yy
• Position verified with OSNMA (secure connection)

Activating on the VDO Tachograph

1. Press OK to open the menu.
2. Press the down arrow to navigate to ‘vehicle input’ and press OK.
3. Press the down arrow two more times to reach the ‘loading/unloading’ function and press OK.
4. Use the arrows to select the correct activity and press OK to activate it.

Watch the instruction video for VDO.

Activating on the Stoneridge Tachograph

5. Press OK to open the menu.
6. Press the down arrow to navigate to ‘locations’ and press OK.
7. You will now see ‘out of scope’. Press the up arrow and press OK.
8. Select the icon you want to use.

Watch the instruction video for Stoneridge.

What Do the Icons Look Like?

The loading and unloading function has three icons:

• Loading: an arrow pointing to the upper right.
• Unloading: an arrow pointing to the lower left.

Loading and unloading: an arrow pointing both to the lower left and upper right.