The 'out of scope' function of the tachograph, how exactly does this work?
Using the out of scope function on the tachograph as a lorry driver

For transport where you are not subject to tachograph requirements, you manually switch off the digital tachograph with the 'out of scope' function. Incorrect use can result in high fines!
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The out of scope function may only be used if the driver is not on duty that day. Have you been on the road or are you still going on an assignment? Then out of scope is not allowed. Only a colleague not on duty can move the vehicle in out of scope.
Out of scope function of tachograph
Due to fraud risk, there is strong emphasis on inspections by IL&T. You may only drive out of scope:
- When moving vehicles on company premises over short distances.
- When the transport is not subject to tachograph requirements (fire service, armed forces, recovery vehicles, tow trucks).
Moving on company premises
When moving without driver card: set tachograph to 'out of scope'. Only on company premises, not during rest periods. After moving: switch off out of scope. In the menu: 'OUT begin' to start, 'OUT end' to stop.
Exemption from tachograph requirements
Exemptions apply to exceptions in Regulation 561/2006 article 3 (EU) or article 13 (NL).
Exceptions in Europe
- Vehicle/combination max. 7,500 kg
- Equipment/machinery for profession, within 100 km, driving not main activity (max. 12 hours/week NL)
- Vehicle with maximum speed max. 40 km/h
- Government service for public order
- Non-commercial transport for emergencies/rescue operations
- Vehicle for medical purposes (ambulances, mobile operating rooms)
- Vehicle for towing/repairs within 100 km
- Vehicle for testing/developing new vehicles
- Vehicle/combination max. 7,500 kg for non-commercial goods transport
- Commercial vehicle with historical status for non-commercial transport
Exemptions in the Netherlands
- Government service that does not compete with private transport companies
- Goods transport for agricultural businesses, own use, within 100 km
- Agricultural/forestry work within 100 km
- Postal service max. 7,500 kg within 50 km
- Driving lessons and examinations
- Social activities (sewerage, utilities, road construction, etc.)
- Circus/carnival equipment
- Mobile projects (mobile libraries, sports events), max. 12 hours/week
- Collection from dairy farms
- Money/value transport
- Transport of slaughtered animals/slaughter waste not for consumption
- Live animals from farm to market or slaughterhouse, max. 50 km
- Transport at two hub facilities
- Market trader van for direct sales, not main activity, max. 12 hours/week
- Mobile tool/workshop, not main activity, max. 12 hours/week
Exempted from what?
Exempted from use, installation, or maintenance of tachograph. If there is still a tachograph? Then it does not need to be periodically calibrated and you can set it to 'out of scope'.
Driver card?
During out of scope, the driver card must NOT be in the tachograph. Colleague removes card first, then activate out of scope. Minimize the duration of out of scope.
Driving and rest times
Always record all activities. Recommendation: always use the driver card when moving vehicles to avoid discussion, even when moving during daily rest.
Out of scope with analog tachograph
No tachograph disc needed. Optionally place a dummy disc for protection.
Watch our video: YouTube – Out of scope function
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