What is the DSRC Function on a Tachograph?

Curious about what the DSRC function does in the new Smart Tacho 2? In this article, we explain everything about this new feature and why it may lead to more fines.

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DSRC

DSRC is a new functionality on the smart tachograph. The abbreviation stands for Dedicated Short Range Communication. This functionality allows tachograph data to be communicated at short range to inspection equipment used by enforcement authorities such as the IL&T.

The Smart Tachograph

The DSRC was already present in the Smart Tacho 1 and has been further expanded in the Smart Tacho 2. Since 15 June 2019, the Smart Tacho 1 has been mandatory for newly registered vehicles.

The Smart Tacho 2 has been mandatory since 21 August 2023, not only for newly registered vehicles but also for internationally operating vehicles, which must replace their tachograph (the retrofit): analogue (by 31 December 2024), digital (by 31 December 2024), and Smart Tacho 1 (by 18 August 2025).

As a result, DSRC will be available in significantly more vehicles in the coming years, enabling more remote inspections. Traditional roadside checks will continue for some time, as nationally operating older vehicles still use analogue or digital tachographs.

What Can the DSRC Read?

What the DSRC can read depends on which tachograph you have. The Smart Tacho 1 can read:

• Vehicle licence plate
• Speed violations
• Driving without a valid driver card
• Valid driver card present in tachograph
• Card present during driving
• Errors in motion data
• Conflict in motion data
• Second driver card present in tachograph
• Current activity
• Closure of last session
• Power supply interruptions
• Sensor malfunctions
• Time adjustment
• Attempted security breach
• Last calibration
• Previous calibration
• Tachograph date
• Last measured speed
• Time indication

The Smart Tacho 2 can read everything the Smart Tacho 1 can, plus the following additional data:

• Time of last recorded vehicle location
• Current driving time
• Longest daily driving time of the current trip
• Longest daily driving time of the previous trip
• Longest daily driving time of the past week
• Weekly driving time
• Fortnightly driving time

More Fines

Since enforcement authorities can now read data at short range, inspectors can detect violations before a vehicle has even been stopped. This makes it easier to identify drivers in violation and issue fines. It could therefore be argued that the DSRC increases the likelihood of receiving a fine.

The End of Traditional Roadside Checks?

DSRC does not mean the end of roadside checks, but it will change them. Since many violations can be spotted before a vehicle comes to a stop, inspections can be carried out more quickly and will take less time. In addition, trucks will be pulled over less randomly, as inspectors will already be able to see who is in violation.