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The Vehicle Unit (VU) is located within the driver’s area of the vehicle cab. It sends a signal to the speedometer / odometer unit that is located where the driver has a clear view of it. The vehicle unit still receives a signal from the vehicle (usually from the gearbox) as the analogue units do, via a cable.

The obligation to record driver's activities was introduced in 1969, for social and road safety reasons.  Recording was made via a paper book on which drivers were supposed what they did each working day.

Tachographs were introduced around 1985.

A new EC Regulation on drivers’ hours (Regulation (EC) 561/2006) was agreed in December 2006 the main requirements of which came into force on 11 April 2007. The new Regulation clarifies weekly driving limits; requires more frequent and evenly spread breaks; increases daily rest requirements; and updates exemptions nd national derogations.

There are 4 cards (collectively known as Digital Tachograph Cards) that are used by the digital tachograph system:

Daily Driving Limit:

The daily driving limit is 9 hours which, can be increased to 10 hours twice a week without need for compensation, taken between two consecutive daily rest periods or between a daily rest period and a weekly rest period. From 11 April 2007 where a vehicle travels on both public and private roads all the driving must be counted.

Failure to compy will result in a Driving Infringement.