Why does a driver card matter?
Driver cards are the legal link between a driver and the hours they have worked, so they are essential for showing compliance with EU driving-time and rest rules. Without a valid card, a driver cannot legally operate a vehicle fitted with a digital tachograph, and carriers face fines if the records are missing or incomplete. From 1 July 2026, the rules extend to light commercial vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes in international transport, so more drivers will need a valid card.
How does a driver card work in logistics?
The driver inserts their card into the tachograph at the start of each shift. The device records driving time, breaks, rest periods and other work activities against that card. At the end of the shift, the driver removes the card, and the data is stored on the card and in the vehicle unit. Drivers and carriers download this data regularly, and enforcement officers can read it during roadside checks.
Transport types that use driver cards
- Road freight carriers operating under EU driving-time rules
- International van operations (2.5 to 3.5 tonnes from 1 July 2026)
- Cross-border full truckload (FTL) transport
- Express and courier van delivery
- Domestic road freight with digital tachographs
Example in practice
A van driver based in Stuttgart, Germany is assigned a cross-border delivery from Stuttgart to Milan, Italy, running a 3.5-tonne van. The driver inserts their driver card into the digital tachograph before departure. The device records the driving time through Switzerland and into Italy, plus the mandatory break at the halfway point. At a roadside check near Como, the officer reads the card and vehicle unit records to confirm the driver’s rest periods and driving hours are within the limits. The records match the delivery schedule, and the vehicle continues to Milan.